How to Optimise Your Google Business Profile and Win More Local Jobs
If you’re not getting found on Google, you’re missing out on thousands of dollars in easy local work.
Your Google Business Profile (formerly called Google My Business or GMB) is your free online shopfront. It’s what people see when they search for your trade, your service, or even your business name. Done right, it’s one of the most powerful local marketing tools available to tradies — and the best part? You don’t need to pay an agency to do it.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the exact steps Coach Alice teaches in our member training to help you optimise your listing, drive more enquiries, and boost your visibility on Google Maps.
Why Your Google Business Profile Matters
Whether you’re an electrician in Newcastle or a plumber in Perth, local clients are searching for you. And if they don’t see your name at the top of the map listings, they’re calling your competitor.
Here’s what a strong Google Business Profile can do for your trade business:
Rank you higher in local search results
Generate 1–10+ inbound phone calls per week
Bring in an extra $20K–$100K/year in jobs (or more)
Build trust with customers through real reviews
Boost your website traffic and credibility
Help referrals "stalk" your business and take action
Even if you only win one extra job a month, that could be $10K+ in your pocket — and that starts with a great listing.
The 4-Step System to Rank Higher and Stay Ahead
Alice teaches a simple four-step system to help members consistently rank higher on Google and generate more leads. Here’s how it works:
1. Fully Optimise Your Profile (Takes 1 Hour)
✅ Add accurate business info (trade, services, hours, contact details)
✅ Use local and trade-specific keywords in your description
✅ Upload real photos of your work
✅ Set a physical address AND a service area
✅ Add all relevant services and service areas
💡 Pro Tip: Rename your photos before uploading them using keywords like “Electrician-Newcastle-downlights.jpg” for an extra SEO boost.
2. Collect Reviews — Always
Reviews are one of the biggest ranking factors. More reviews = more visibility = more trust.
✅ Ask for reviews in person at job handover
✅ Use calm, permission-based language like:
"Would you feel comfortable leaving us a quick Google review? It helps our small business and only takes 20 seconds."
✅ Have a printed QR code or text them the link on the spot
✅ Follow up with a polite reminder if they don’t leave one straight away
✅ Reply to every review using relevant keywords (e.g., suburb name, service type)
⛔ Don’t keyword stuff your responses. Google will penalise it.
3. Trick the Algorithm with Weekly Activity
Google loves businesses that look active. The good news? You don’t have to overthink it.
✅ Post an update once or twice a week (even if it’s basic)
✅ Add new photos weekly — doesn’t need to be pretty, just active
✅ Respond to reviews quickly
✅ Use AI (like Gemini or ChatGPT) to help brainstorm update ideas
💡 Example weekly post ideas:
“Tip Tuesday” (quick trade tip or safety reminder)
“Meet the Team Monday”
“Service Spotlight Saturday” (highlight a specific service or product)
4. Review and Optimise Twice a Year
Even the best profiles need a tune-up.
✅ Every 6–12 months, check for new Google features or updates
✅ Ask AI: “What’s new in Google Business Profile for 2025?”
✅ Revisit your keywords and services
✅ Refresh photos or service descriptions as needed
Use AI to Make It Easy (Yes, Really)
Not tech-savvy? AI tools like Google Gemini and ChatGPT can help with:
Finding keyword ideas for your trade and suburb
Writing your business description
Generating content for weekly posts
Providing a step-by-step checklist
Answering questions like “How do I update my business hours?”
Ask:
“Give me 10 post ideas for my plumbing business in Geelong.”
“What are the best keywords to rank my tiling business in Brisbane?”
AI helps take the guesswork out of digital marketing, especially if you’re time-poor or unsure where to start.
Pro Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t pay an agency just to set this up — it’s not worth the cost. You can do it yourself with the right guide.
Set your hours to 24/7 — even if you're not always available. Just have a solid voicemail or auto-reply system.
Rename your uploaded images using trade + suburb keywords
Get listed on local directories (Yellow Pages, Hotfrog, etc.) and link back to your profile.
Bad review? Don’t panic — respond politely, offer to resolve it, and focus on collecting more positive ones.
This One Listing Can Win You Thousands in Work
Your Google Business Profile is not a “set and forget” tool — but it also doesn’t need to take more than 10 minutes a week to keep humming. Most of your competitors aren’t doing this well. That’s your advantage.
Start with the basics:
Optimise it
Stay active weekly
Collect reviews
Use AI to help
If you stick to this system, you’ll rank higher, build trust faster, and win more local work than you thought possible — all without spending a cent on ads.
Need Help Getting Set Up?
Members of Tradies Success Academy get access to:
A complete Google Business Profile checklist
AI prompt examples for content and reviews
Real-time support from coaches like Alice
Weekly implementation support
If you’re not already inside, join our next intake and get the tools, systems, and coaching to grow your business the right way.