If you run a trade business, whether it’s plumbing, electrical, roofing, or general contracting, you already know how competitive the market can be in Canada. Getting new clients isn’t just about word-of-mouth anymore; your online presence can make or break your business.
One of the most powerful tools to attract local clients is your Google Business Profile (GBP). Formerly known as Google My Business, this free tool puts your business on Google Maps, Search results, and helps clients find you instantly.
This ultimate guide will show trades companies in Ontario and across Canada how to set up, optimize, and leverage GBP to grow leads and revenue.
Google processes over 8 billion local searches per month in Canada. Many of these searches include terms like:
“Electrician near me”
“Emergency plumber Toronto”
“Roofing contractor Hamilton”
A complete and optimized Google Business Profile ensures your business appears at the top of these searches, sometimes even above paid ads.
Key benefits for trade companies:
Attract more local clients searching for your services
Build trust with reviews, photos, and accurate business info
Highlight services, operating hours, and areas served
Share updates, promotions, or seasonal availability
SEO Keywords: Google Business Profile for trades, local SEO for contractors, contractor leads Canada
The first step is claiming your business on Google.
Visit Google Business Profile and sign in with a Google account.
Search for your business name, if it exists, claim it; if not, create a new profile.
Verify ownership via mail, phone, or email. Google will send a code to confirm you’re the owner.
Verification is essential, without it, you won’t appear in local search results.
Incomplete profiles often fail to attract clicks. Make sure to fill out:
Business Name – Use your actual business name; avoid keyword stuffing.
Address & Service Area – Include both physical location and service regions (important for mobile trades like plumbing or electrical work).
Phone Number & Website – Ensure they’re accurate and working.
Business Hours – Update for holidays and emergency availability.
Services – List every trade service you offer (e.g., residential wiring, commercial rewiring, panel upgrades).
Business Category – Choose the most accurate category (e.g., Electrician, Plumbing Contractor).
Complete profiles are more likely to appear in the “Local Pack” at the top of search results.
SEO Keywords: optimize Google Business Profile, trade business online visibility, local search for contractors
Profiles with photos receive 42% more requests for directions and 35% more clicks to websites than profiles without.
Include:
Job photos (before/after renovations, completed work)
Team photos (to humanize your business)
Equipment or vehicles (to show professionalism)
Office or showroom (if applicable)
Tip: Always add geotagged images where possible it helps Google associate your business with your service area.
SEO Keywords: Google Business Profile images, contractor marketing photos, local SEO images
Reviews are one of the most important ranking factors in Google local search.
Ask satisfied clients for reviews immediately after completing a job
Respond to all reviews professionally, even negative ones
Highlight testimonials on your website and social media
Pro tip: The more detailed and authentic the review (“John was on time, fixed our plumbing issue in 2 hours, and gave clear advice”), the better for SEO and trust.
SEO Keywords: trade business reviews, get Google reviews for contractors, reputation management for trades
GBP allows you to post updates, promotions, or seasonal tips.
Ideas for trades companies:
“Winter plumbing maintenance tips for homeowners in Ontario”
“Book your roof inspection before the spring rains”
“10% off electrical panel upgrades this month”
Posts appear directly in your GBP listing, increasing engagement and keeping your profile fresh.
SEO Keywords: Google Business Profile posts, contractor marketing tips, local search updates
GBP provides free insights showing how clients find you:
How many users found you via search vs. maps
Calls, direction requests, and website clicks
Popular times and days for searches
Use this data to adjust marketing strategies, post times, and service promotions.
SEO Keywords: Google Business Profile analytics, contractor lead tracking, local SEO metrics
Outdated info can hurt your ranking and credibility. Make a habit of updating your profile:
Adjust hours for holidays or seasonal work
Add new services or certifications
Upload recent job photos
Post promotions or seasonal reminders
Active profiles perform better in local search and attract more clicks from potential clients.
For busy trades companies, managing estimates, jobs, and customer communication can be overwhelming. Tools like Tradetraks can help:
Sync client info and service requests with your GBP leads
Track new inquiries from Google in one dashboard
Schedule follow-ups and reminders automatically
This ensures you never miss a potential lead and makes your Google Business Profile a central part of your growth strategy.
For trade businesses in Canada, Google Business Profile isn’t optional, it’s essential.
By claiming, verifying, and optimizing your profile:
You show up for the right local searches
Build trust with clients via photos and reviews
Convert searchers into paying customers
Pairing a strong GBP with workflow and job management software like Tradetraks ensures you can capture leads, manage projects, and grow your business efficiently all from one place.
👉 Learn more at www.Tradetraks.ca