How to Get Your Trades Business to Show Up on Google

Mark Ollerton
Aug 8, 2025
3 min read

If you run a trades business—plumbing, electrical, carpentry, HVAC—you already know how competitive your local market can be. The problem? Your competitors seem to be everywhere on Google, and you’re wondering how they do it without burning through thousands in paid ads.

The truth is, they’re probably not relying on ads alone—they’ve set up their online presence in a way that Google loves. And the best part? You can do the same thing for free (or close to it).

At Polo Media, we help trades businesses build a solid online foundation so customers can actually find them when they need them. Here’s how you can start doing that today.

1. Claim and Optimize Your Google Business Profile

Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is one of the most powerful free tools available for local businesses. If you haven’t claimed yours yet, go to Google Business Profile Manager and follow the steps.

Once claimed:

Fill in every field: Business name, address, phone number, website, hours, service areas, and categories.
Add photos: Show off your team, equipment, and completed projects.
Write a keyword-rich description: Include phrases your customers would search for (e.g., “emergency plumbing in Toronto”).
Post updates regularly: Share seasonal tips, special offers, or before-and-after project shots.

Google rewards complete, active profiles with better visibility in local search and Google Maps.

2. Get More (and Better) Reviews

Customer reviews are a huge ranking factor for local search—and they build trust with potential clients.

Tips for getting more reviews:

Ask after every job: A simple text with your review link works wonders.
Make it easy: Send customers directly to your Google review page.
Respond to every review: Whether positive or negative, show that you value feedback.

Pro tip: Keywords in reviews (e.g., “Mark fixed my furnace in Ottawa”) can help your ranking.

3. Build a Simple, Search-Friendly Website

Even if you rely on Google Maps, a professional website builds credibility and improves search rankings.

Your website should:

Load quickly on mobile
Include your services, service areas, and contact details on every page
Use local keywords naturally (e.g., “licensed electrician in Kelowna”)
Have clear calls-to-action (Call Now, Request a Quote)

This is one of the things we do best at Polo Media—designing websites that not only look professional but are also built to rank on Google from day one.

4. List Your Business in Local Directories

Google likes consistent business information across the web. This means your Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP) should match exactly wherever it appears.

Good places to list your trades business:

Yelp
Houzz
HomeStars
Yellow Pages
Chamber of Commerce
Trade association websites

Each listing is another way for customers (and Google) to find you.

5. Post Locally Relevant Content

You don’t need to be a full-time blogger, but adding a few location-focused posts to your site can give you a boost.

Ideas:

Case studies of recent jobs (“How We Fixed a Leaky Basement in Oakville”)
Seasonal reminders (“Get Your AC Serviced Before the Heat Hits in Edmonton”)
DIY safety tips (while reminding them when to call a pro)

Google loves fresh, useful, location-specific content—and it’s an easy way to show you’re active in your area.

6. Keep Your Info Consistent and Updated

Moved to a new location? Changed your phone number? Update it everywhere.Inconsistent information can hurt your visibility in search.

Bottom line: You don’t need a big advertising budget to get found on Google. By claiming your Google Business Profile, collecting reviews, building a simple website, and posting relevant local content, you can attract more customers organically—and keep them coming back.

If you’re ready to get started Polo Media can help. We’ll set you up with a Google-ready business website with all the essentials you need to start showing up in Google searches.