Look, I’ll be blunt. If you’re a sparky, plumber, or landscaper in Brisbane and you aren’t showing up in that little map section on Google, you’re basically invisible.
You know the one I mean. You search for 'plumber near me' and three businesses pop up with stars next to them. If you aren’t one of those three, you’re fighting for leftovers.
Most agencies will try to sell you a 50-page strategy document filled with words like 'schema' and 'syndication'. It’s rubbish. You don’t need a degree to win at this. You just need to stop doing what doesn't work and start doing the three or four things that actually make the phone ring.
I’ve sat down with enough tradies in Paddington and Milton to know you don’t have time for fluff. You want to know how to get more bookings and how to stop wasting money.
So, let’s get into it.
Why Google Maps is Your Best Employee
Think about how you find a service these days. You don’t open the Yellow Pages. You don’t even look at the side of a van anymore unless you’re stuck in traffic on the M1.
Actually, ute signage isn't enough to keep a modern business afloat. It helps with branding, sure, but it doesn’t put your number in front of someone the exact second their toilet is overflowing or their power is out.
Google Maps does.
When someone searches for a local tradie, they’re ready to spend money. They aren't 'just looking'. They have a problem, and they want it fixed now. If you’re the first one they see, and you look like you know what you’re doing, you get the call.
Step 1: Claim Your Turf (and Don't Lie About It)
First thing’s first. You need a Google Business Profile. It’s free. If someone is trying to charge you a monthly fee just to 'own' your profile, they’re taking you for a ride.
The biggest mistake I see? Tradies trying to be everywhere at once.
If you’re based in Chermside, don’t tell Google you’re in the CBD just because you want those jobs. Google isn't stupid. They check your IP address, your photos, and where your reviews are coming from. If they catch you lying about your location, they’ll hide your profile entirely.
Pick your actual base. Set your service area. Be honest. Google rewards honesty with more phone calls.
Step 2: The Name Game (Keep it Simple)
I see this all the time. A guy named Dave runs 'Dave’s Electrical', but he names his Google profile 'Dave’s Electrical - Best Electrician Brisbane - Cheap Solar - 24/7 Emergency'.
Stop it. It looks desperate and it’s against the rules.
Google wants to see your real business name. If you stuff it with keywords, you might get a tiny boost for a week, and then you’ll get banned. It’s not worth it.
What you should do is make sure your category is spot on. If you’re an AC specialist, don’t just put 'Electrician'. Put 'Air Conditioning Contractor'. It’s a small tweak, but it’s how you get more installs instead of just getting calls to fix a broken light switch.
Step 3: Photos are Your Secret Weapon
Most tradies have a profile with one blurry photo of their white HiAce and maybe a logo they made on Canva five years ago.
It’s a waste.
People want to see your face. They want to see the work. They want to know you aren’t going to rock up, track mud through the house, and overcharge them.
Take a photo of your team. Take a photo of the finished job. Take a photo of the coffee you bought at the local cafe. It sounds stupid, but it shows Google you’re active in the area.
"If you aren't uploading at least three new project photos a week, you're letting your competitors look more 'open for business' than you are."
— Daniel Cooper, Growth Marketing Lead
Honestly, using good project photos is the fastest way to prove you’re worth the premium price you want to charge.
Step 4: Reviews - The Only Currency That Matters
You need reviews. Not just 'five stars'. You need words.
When a customer leaves a review saying, "John was the best plumber in North Lakes, he fixed my leaking tap in twenty minutes," that is gold. Why? Because now when someone else in North Lakes searches for 'leaking tap', Google sees that review and thinks, "Hey, John does that!"
Don't be shy. Ask for the review before you leave the driveway. Send a text. Make it easy for them.
And for the love of God, reply to them. Even the bad ones. Especially the bad ones. If you get a one-star review from a cranky customer, don't ignore it. Reply politely. Show the next person reading it that you’re a professional who gives a toss.
Step 5: Stop Paying for Rubbish Leads
I talk to so many blokes who are spending thousands a month on lead-gen sites. You know the ones. They sell the same lead to five different guys, and it turns into a race to the bottom on price.
It’s a dog’s breakfast.
You can get steady work just by cleaning up your Google Maps presence. It’s cheaper, the leads are better, and they’re exclusive to you.
When someone calls you from a Map listing, they’ve already seen your work, read your reviews, and decided they like the look of you. They aren't shopping around for the lowest quote; they’re looking for the best bloke for the job.
How Long Until the Phone Rings?
I’m not going to lie to you and say you’ll be #1 tomorrow. Anyone who says that is lying.
But if you fix your name, add ten good photos, and get five new reviews this week, you will see more activity. Usually, our clients start seeing a bump in phone calls from Maps within about 14 to 30 days.
It’s a snowball effect. More clicks lead to more calls, which leads to more reviews, which leads to Google showing you to more people.
Is it Worth Doing Yourself?
Look, you can do all of this yourself. It just takes time.
If you’re flat out on the tools from 6 am to 6 pm, you probably won't do it. You’ll mean to, but you’ll end up on the couch with a beer instead. I don’t blame you.
But if you ignore this, you’re leaving money on the table for the bloke down the road who is putting in the effort.
If you want to land high-profit jobs and stop chasing $150 call-outs, you have to look the part online.
The "Quick Win" Checklist
If you do nothing else today, do these three things:
1. Check your category. Make sure it’s exactly what you do, not just a general guess. 2. Upload 5 photos. Not logos. Real photos of your work and your face. 3. Text 3 happy customers. Ask them for a quick review.
That’s it. No jargon. No complex tech. Just common sense marketing that actually works for local businesses.
If you’re sick of trying to figure this out on your own and want someone to just handle it so you can get back to work, give us a shout. We do this every day for businesses across Brisbane, and we don't do fluff.
Let's get your phone ringing properly.
Reach out to the team at Local Marketing Group here: https://lmgroup.au/contact