Quick Wins Guide

Fastest Google Business Profile Wins for Trades in 2026

Simple tweaks UK trades can make today to get more calls, reviews, and visibility

Phil Carrick 6 min read GBP Optimisation

If you're an electrician, plumber, joiner, builder or any UK trade, the fastest way to get more visibility on Google in 2026 is to improve your Google Business Profile.

It's the first thing customers see — and the #1 driver of calls, reviews and bookings.

Here are the quickest wins you can do today that make Google trust you more and show you higher.

1

Update Your Services (Google treats this as "fresh activity")

Most trades set their service list once and forget about it. In 2026, Google heavily rewards freshness.

Quick win:

Add or update at least one service and give it a detailed description.

Examples:

  • Emergency Electrician (24/7)
  • Boiler Repair & Installation
  • Kitchen Fitting
  • Landscape Design & Build

This alone sends Google a "this business is alive" signal.

2

Add One New Photo — Google PUSHES profiles with recent images

Google loves visual updates. In 2026, it's one of the fastest ways to boost visibility.

Use ANY of these:

  • A job before/after
  • A team photo
  • A tidy toolbox or setup
  • A van shot
  • A completed installation

Doesn't need to be fancy. It just needs to be recent.

3

Ask for ONE new review (not 5 — just ONE)

Google's review system rewards consistency, not volume. One fresh review in 2026 is worth more than five from last summer.

Tip:

Ask for a review whenever you finish a job and say something simple like:

"Mind leaving me a quick review? It really helps other customers know I'm reliable."

That's it — honest and human works best.

4

Post ONE short weekly update (AI loves this)

Google doesn't care how long it is. It only cares that your business hasn't "gone silent."

Simple posts work best:

  • Job completed today
  • Before/after photo
  • Maintenance tip
  • Quick safety reminder
  • New service you offer

Google treats these posts as trust signals.

5

Fix your Categories (Most trades get this wrong)

Your primary category is your ranking superpower. If you choose a weak one, you won't show up.

Best primary categories for UK trades:

Electrician
Plumber
Joiner
Roofer
Heating contractor
Landscape gardener
Painter

Only change if it's wrong — this is a big ranking lever.

6

Fill your Business Description properly (most skip this)

This is where you strengthen your expertise and relevance.

Use this template:

"We're a trusted UK trade providing reliable, high-quality work across {your area}. We specialise in {services}, offer fast response times and take pride in clear communication and honest pricing."

Straightforward. Zero fluff. Google loves clarity.

7

Turn on Messaging (Instant call boost)

Trades who enable messaging typically get 15–40% more enquiries.

Most customers prefer a quick message instead of calling — especially during work hours.

Turn it on.

Reply fast.

Watch calls increase.

Why These Wins Matter in 2026

Google's ranking system now focuses on:

activity
legitimacy
accuracy
customer trust
recent signals

You don't need fancy SEO. You just need to show Google you're active, trusted and doing real work.

Do the seven steps above and you'll see:

  • more map visibility
  • more calls
  • more messages
  • more booked jobs

And you'll outrank bigger companies who never update their profile.

Want personal help fixing your profile?

If you want me to take a quick look at your business and give you clear next steps:

Fast, friendly, and no nonsense.