Google Business Profile: A Setup Checklist for Trades
A step-by-step checklist for setting up a Google Business Profile as a tradesperson, including service areas, categories and verification.
8 October 2026 · 5 min readMost happy customers will leave you a review if you ask. Most tradespeople never ask. That gap is the whole reason some firms have two hundred reviews and others, just as good, have six.
Reviews matter twice over. Google uses them when deciding who to show on the map, and customers use them when deciding who to ring.
Ask at the right moment
The best time is when the job is finished and the customer is stood there pleased with it. Not a week later by email. Say it out loud first:
"If you are happy with everything, would you mind leaving us a quick Google review? It really helps a small business like ours. I will text you the link now so it takes ten seconds."
Then actually send it before you pull off the drive.
Make it one tap
Every extra step loses people. Do not ask customers to search for you. Your Google Business Profile has a dedicated review link that opens the review box directly. You will find it in your profile under "Ask for reviews". Save it in your phone so you can paste it into a text.
A message like this works well:
"Thanks again for having us, [name]. Here is the link for a quick review if you get a minute: [link]. Much appreciated. [Your name]"
You can also turn the link into a QR code and put it on your invoices or a card you leave behind.
Make it routine
One review a week is fifty a year. The firms with hundreds did not do anything special, they just asked every single time. Build it into the end of the job, the same as tidying up and sending the invoice.
Reply to every review
A short thank you is enough for the good ones. It shows you are active, and people are more likely to leave a review when they can see the owner reads them. For the rare bad one, see how to respond to a bad review.
The rules
Google's policies are strict and profiles do get penalised, so stay inside them:
- Do not offer anything in return. No discounts, vouchers or prize draws for reviews.
- Do not only ask the customers you think will be positive. Ask everyone.
- Do not write your own or ask friends and family.
- Do not buy reviews. Ever.
Do not panic about a slow start
Going from three reviews to fifteen makes a visible difference. Steady and genuine beats a sudden burst. Start with your next job.
Every FOUND customer gets their review link and a QR code set up ready to send. It is part of what is included.