1 · The friction
Sound familiar?
What tradies tell us about getting found.
“We do after-hours but Google says we're closed”
Hours on your profile are what people see first.
Source: BrightLocal consumer research
“Customers can't find our number on a phone”
In an emergency, nobody scrolls for a contact page.
Source: Tift client work
“We've got 12 reviews, the other guy has 200”
Most people read reviews, and many want to see recent ones.
Source: BrightLocal, 2023
“Nobody can tell we do after-hours”
If Google shows you as closed at 9pm, the emergency call goes elsewhere.
Source: Pattern we check for in audits
2 · The numbers
Getting found, by the numbers
87%
Of people use Google to read reviews of local businesses
BrightLocal, 2023
84%
Say reviews matter for service businesses and trades
BrightLocal, 2023
46%
Want to see a review from the past month
BrightLocal, 2023
98%
Read online reviews for local businesses
BrightLocal, 2023
Your Google profile and reviews do most of the work before anyone visits your website.
3 · The checklist
Tick off what you already have
Your score updates as you go.
Your score
0 / 12
You're set up to be found in an emergency.
Mostly there. Fix the gaps before the next busy season.
Start with your Google profile and phone number. They matter most.
Google profile
Your website
Reviews
Proof and paid options
4 · The decision
Do it yourself, or get help?
Do it yourself if
You're comfortable editing your Google profile.
You have a simple website you can update.
You work one area.
Get help if
You don't have a website.
You cover lots of suburbs or several trades.
You're paying for leads you rarely win.
Red flags
A Google profile someone else owns.
A website that isn't usable on a phone.
Fake or bought reviews.
5 · In practice
What getting into the short list usually looks like
Challenge
Emergency work pays best, but the business doesn't show up when people search at night.
Action
Real after-hours on Google, a page per emergency job, tap-to-call, and a review text after every job.
Result
30 days
Watch calls from your Google profile over the next 30 days.
6 · Quick answers
Questions tradies ask us
How many reviews do I need?
There's no magic number. Aim for a steady flow of recent reviews that mention the job.
Is Google Local Services Ads worth it?
It charges per lead with no subscription. It's worth testing where it's available for your trade.