What trades does Phil Carrick help in Northern Ireland?

Phil helps electricians, plumbers, heating engineers, gas fitters, joiners, builders, handymen, plasterers, roofers, painters & decorators, gardeners & landscapers, window cleaners, pressure washing, cleaners, locksmiths, glaziers, flooring specialists, pest control, and tilers across Northern Ireland.

How does Phil help tradespeople with Google?

Phil fixes Google Business Profiles, boosts rankings through ongoing optimization, helps get more reviews automatically, keeps profiles active with weekly posts and updates, and offers call handling for the Pro package so trades never miss a job.

Why do trades work with Phil instead of an agency?

Phil talks like a normal guy with no jargon, uses WhatsApp instead of emails, does everything for you with no dashboards, provides clear friendly communication, and delivers results you can feel - more calls, reviews, visibility, and less stress.

Does Phil only work with certain types of trades?

No. Phil works with any trade operating across Northern Ireland who relies on their phone ringing for business. If locals are Googling your trade + your town, Phil can help you get seen, trusted, and chosen more often.

Do trades really need ongoing SEO?

Yes, for most trades. Ongoing SEO keeps your Google Business Profile active with fresh content, maintains your ranking position, responds to algorithm changes, and builds review momentum. Google favors businesses that show consistent activity. One-off fixes help initially, but ongoing work prevents you from sliding down rankings as competitors overtake you.

What happens if I stop SEO after ranking well?

Your rankings will gradually decline as competitors continue optimizing. Google's algorithm prioritizes recent activity—fresh posts, new reviews, updated information. If you stop, your profile becomes stale. Think of it like stopping gym workouts: you won't lose everything overnight, but momentum fades and competitors who keep going will overtake you.

Is a one-off SEO fix enough for trades?

A one-off fix works if your profile is broken, you're in a quiet area with little competition, or you can consistently post, get reviews, and make updates yourself. But for most trades in competitive areas, ongoing work is needed to maintain visibility and stay ahead of competitors who are actively optimizing.

What's the difference between SEO and what trades actually need?

Traditional SEO focuses on website content and backlinks. What trades actually need is Google Business Profile optimization: keeping your profile active with posts, getting regular reviews, maintaining accurate information, updating services, and staying visible in the local 3-pack. It's less about technical SEO and more about consistent local presence management.

Why does ongoing support matter more in busy areas?

In competitive areas like cities, multiple trades are fighting for the same keywords. If five electricians in Belfast are all optimizing regularly, standing still means falling behind. Ongoing support ensures you match competitors' efforts with fresh content, new reviews, and continuous improvements. In quieter areas, one-off fixes often suffice because there's less competitive pressure.

Can I do ongoing SEO myself instead of paying for it?

You can, but most trades don't have the time or knowledge. Ongoing SEO requires weekly posts, review management, tracking rankings, updating services, responding to algorithm changes, and monitoring competitors. If you're busy with actual trade work, it's hard to stay consistent. That's why many trades prefer monthly support that handles everything.

Is £297 per month local SEO worth it for trades?

For most UK trades, yes. £297/month covers ongoing Google Business Profile optimization, weekly posts, automated review request system, ranking tracking, and consistent visibility improvements. If you book just one extra job per month from better Google visibility, it pays for itself. Most trades see multiple extra jobs monthly once their profile is optimized and actively managed.

What do you actually get for £297 per month?

The £297 Growth package includes: ongoing Google Business Profile optimization, weekly posts to keep your profile active, automated review request system, AI-powered content improvements, monthly ranking heatmaps showing where you appear in local searches, and priority WhatsApp support. It's everything needed to maintain and improve your local Google visibility.

How many extra jobs would I need to make £297 back?

For most trades, just one extra job per month covers the cost. An electrician charging £500 for a rewire, a plumber charging £300 for boiler work, or a roofer charging £800 for repairs only needs one additional customer from Google each month to make it worthwhile. Most trades see several extra inquiries weekly once properly optimized.

Why does ongoing support cost £297 instead of a one-off fee?

Because Google's algorithm constantly changes and competitors keep optimizing. Ongoing support means weekly posts, continuous review building, regular updates, algorithm adjustments, and staying ahead of competition. A one-off fix sets things up correctly, but ongoing work maintains and improves your position over time. Think of it like gym membership versus a personal training session.

Is £297 expensive compared to other marketing?

No. Facebook ads for trades typically cost £300-500/month with no guarantee of local customers. Printed flyers cost £200+ per drop with poor conversion. Trade directories charge £50-150/month per site with limited visibility. £297 for complete Google Business Profile management—where most customers actually search—offers better ROI than traditional advertising.

What happens if I stop paying after a few months?

Your Google Business Profile stays as it was when you stopped, but fresh activity ends. Rankings gradually decline as competitors continue posting and getting reviews. You won't lose everything immediately, but momentum fades. Your profile setup and existing reviews remain, but without ongoing optimization, visibility slowly decreases as others overtake you.

What's the difference between a one-off SEO fix and ongoing support for trades?

A one-off SEO fix is a complete Google Business Profile setup that corrects categories, services, reviews, and description once. Ongoing support builds on that with weekly posts, continuous review gathering, AI improvements, and regular optimization to maintain and improve rankings over time. One-off works for fixing problems; ongoing keeps you visible and competitive.

When does a one-off SEO fix make sense?

A one-off fix is ideal if your Google Business Profile is broken or poorly set up, you're in a quiet area with low competition, you're just starting out and need the basics right, or you have time to handle posts and reviews yourself. It's the foundation—everything set up correctly once.

When do trades need ongoing support instead?

Ongoing support makes sense if you're in a competitive area where trades are fighting for visibility, you want steady growth with regular posts and new reviews, you don't have time to manage Google yourself, or you want to stay ahead of algorithm changes. It's for trades who want consistent, growing visibility.

Can I start with a one-off fix and upgrade later?

Yes. Many trades start with a one-off fix (Starter package at £149/month) to get everything set up properly, then upgrade to ongoing support (Growth package at £297/month) once they see results and want more visibility. It's a natural progression as your business grows.

What happens after a one-off SEO fix is complete?

Your Google Business Profile is properly optimized with correct categories, services, description, and initial reviews. You'll rank better than before. But to maintain that position, you need to stay active with posts and reviews yourself, or upgrade to ongoing support where it's handled for you automatically.

Why do most trades choose ongoing support over one-off fixes?

Because Google favors active profiles. Ongoing support means weekly posts, consistent reviews, and continuous improvements that keep you visible. Trades who stay active rank higher and get more calls. A one-off fix is great, but ongoing work keeps you competitive as search behavior and algorithms change.

How can an electrician get more calls from Google in the UK?

UK electricians can get more calls by optimizing their Google Business Profile with correct categories (like 'Electrician', 'Emergency Electrician', 'Electric Vehicle Charging Station Contractor'), listing all services clearly, getting regular Google reviews, and keeping the profile active with posts. Google shows electricians who are trusted, relevant, and active.

What services should electricians list on Google?

Electricians should list all services they offer: rewiring, fuse box replacement, PAT testing, electric vehicle charger installation, emergency callouts, smoke alarm installation, lighting installation, socket installation, inspection and testing, and commercial electrical work. The more specific you are, the better Google matches you to customer searches.

Why do reviews matter more for electricians?

Reviews matter because electrical work is high-stakes—customers need to trust you won't burn their house down. Google uses reviews as proof of reliability. An electrician with 30 recent 5-star reviews will get far more calls than one with 5 old reviews, even if they're equally skilled. Reviews build trust and rankings.

Do electricians need different strategies for domestic vs emergency work?

Yes. Domestic electricians benefit from steady reviews, service listings, and regular posts showing completed projects. Emergency electricians need 24/7 availability clearly stated, fast response messaging, and reviews mentioning speed and reliability. Google recognizes these signals and matches you to the right search intent.

How often should electricians post on their Google Business Profile?

Ideally weekly. Regular posts keep your profile active in Google's eyes. Post about completed jobs, new services (like EV charger installations), safety tips, certifications, or seasonal reminders (like smoke alarm checks). Active profiles rank higher than dormant ones.

Can electricians get more calls without spending on ads?

Yes. A properly optimized Google Business Profile with good reviews, clear service listings, and regular activity will bring in calls organically without paid ads. Many UK electricians get 10-20 inquiries per week from Google alone once their profile is optimized and consistently maintained.

For Plumbers

How Plumbers Can Rank Higher on Google Maps in 2026

Simple, fast wins UK plumbers can use today to get more calls from Google

Phil Carrick 7 min read Google Maps Ranking

If you're a plumber in the UK, Google Maps is the #1 source of new customers.

People searching "plumber near me", "emergency plumber", or "boiler repair" are ready to book right now — but only the top results get the calls.

Here are the fastest ways plumbers can rank higher on Google Maps in 2026 without ads, SEO agencies, or complicated tech.

Use the RIGHT Primary Category (This decides 80% of your ranking)

The best primary categories for plumbers:

Plumber (best overall)
Emergency plumber (only if 24/7 legitimate)
Drainage service (for specialists)
Heating contractor (if your main work is boilers)

Never use a weak or vague category like "Contractor". Your ranking will suffer massively.

Add Your Full List of Plumbing Services (Plumbers rank by SERVICE keywords)

Google ranks you based on the services listed in your Google Business Profile.

Add everything you offer, including:

Boiler repair & installation

Emergency plumbing

Burst pipe repairs

Blocked drains

Bathroom installation

Power flushing

Radiator fitting

Leak detection

Tap repair & replacement

Hot water issues

Toilet repairs

Each service you add opens NEW keywords you can appear for.

Add ONE new photo every week (Google boosts active profiles)

Plumbers have an advantage — every job has a visual element.

Upload photos of:

Repair work
Before/after
Pipework
Boiler installs
Bathroom work
Tools & materials

You don't need fancy photos. Just real, consistent updates.

Get ONE new review every week (this boosts Maps faster than anything else)

For plumbers, reviews directly affect:

ranking

trust

conversion rate

"near me" visibility

Ask immediately after the job by saying:

"If you're happy, would you mind dropping me a quick Google review? It really helps people trust I'm reliable."

This works brilliantly.

Post Short, Helpful Updates (Google reads these for rankings)

You don't need to write essays.

Here are perfect plumber post ideas:

"Today's job: leaking stop tap replaced ✔"
"Boiler issues this winter? Here's what to check…"
"Blocked drain? Here's the first thing to do."
"New bathroom install in Belfast this week!"
"Emergency callout available tonight."

Google sees this as activity — huge ranking signal in 2026.

Make Sure Your Service Areas Are Clear

Plumbers often travel, but Google needs clarity.

Add your core service towns, NOT a huge radius.

Example:

Belfast
Lisburn
Bangor
Newtownabbey

Google rewards specific areas, not a 40-mile circle.

Turn On Messaging (Plumbers get 20–45% more enquiries)

Customers often prefer messaging because:

They're at work
It's a minor issue
They want a quick quote
It feels less "commitment"

Turning messages on = more leads.
Replying fast = more jobs.

Fix Your NAP Consistency (Name, Address, Phone)

Plumbers often move house or change mobile numbers.

If your details don't match across:

Google

Facebook

Yell

Your website

Checkatrade

TrustATrader

…Google will rank you LOWER.

Consistency = trust = ranking.

Add FAQs to Your Website (this boosts 'Plumber near me' visibility)

Google LOVES Q&A style content for trades.

Use these:

"How much does a plumber cost in the UK?"
"Do plumbers offer emergency callouts?"
"How fast can a plumber arrive?"
"What should I do before calling a plumber?"

Link these to your Google Guides hub.

Use a Proper Local Phone Number (Not just mobile)

A landline (VoIP or call-forwarding is fine) often boosts trust. For emergency plumbing, this can increase conversions by 20–40%.

Why This Works in 2026

Google's latest updates favour:

niche-specific content

active businesses

consistent reviews

photo updates

clear service areas

trustworthy profiles

plumbers offering fast response

You don't need ads.
You don't need an agency.
You just need to follow these simple steps consistently.

Need help optimising your plumbing profile?

If you want your Google Business Profile checked:

Get a Free Google Visibility Check Message Phil on WhatsApp

20+ years helping local businesses — now helping UK trades get chosen on Google.

You might also find these helpful:

Phil's Google Guides for Trades Fastest Google Business Profile Wins for Trades in 2026 Google Business Profile Optimisation Trades SEO & Marketing Support Local SEO Consulting