Google Search Console is a free Google service that helps site owners understand how their pages appear in Google Search. For a trade business, it can answer basic questions: are key service pages indexed, what searches show them, and are there reported technical issues?
Set up the right property
Add and verify the version of your website you control. If the site uses both www and non-www addresses, check the appropriate property settings and canonical version with whoever manages the site. Do not share account access with an unknown person who offers guaranteed rankings.
Use the reports to find practical work
In the Performance report, compare clicks, impressions, average position and click-through rate for queries and pages. A page that receives impressions but few clicks may need a clearer title and description. A service page with no search visibility may need more useful, specific content or technical checking.
The Indexing reports can help identify pages Google has not indexed or has excluded. Not every page needs to appear in search: account pages, duplicate versions and low-value pages may be intentionally excluded. Check the details before requesting indexing.
Read trends, not one-day swings
Search impressions are not the same as booked jobs. Track relevant calls and quote enquiries separately, and compare Search Console periods long enough to account for normal variation. Search Console is a diagnostic tool, not a ranking guarantee.
Google's Search Console overview and SEO Starter Guide explain the reports and core search practices. Pair the data with our local SEO guide for tradesmen.