VU1 field notes

Local SEO tips for local businesses, without the jargon.

Practical, plain-English help for UK trade businesses that want to be found online. Every post here is written for people who fit windows, wire houses, lay roofs and fix boilers — not for SEO professionals. We explain how local search and AI search actually work, why customers might not be finding you, and what to fix first, in language you can act on the same day.

Browse the field notes by what you need: how to get found in AI search on ChatGPT, Google AI Overviews and Perplexity; how to win more leads for your trade; how Google Maps and Google Business Profile really work; and straight answers on local SEO cost and turning website visitors into quote requests. New guides are added as we publish.

Straightforward notes for trades, local service businesses, agencies, and anyone who wants the online side of a good business to pull its weight. Each note explains one real problem — showing up in Google Maps, turning website visitors into enquiries, or getting found in AI search — and what to do about it, in plain English. Start with the free audit to see where your business stands today.

Cover image for Your Google Rankings Look Fine but the Phone Isn't Ringing — What Changed in September 2026

Your Google Rankings Look Fine but the Phone Isn't Ringing — What Changed in September 2026

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Cover image for ChatGPT Only Names 1 in 100 Local Trades — These 5 Signals Decide Which One It Picks

ChatGPT Only Names 1 in 100 Local Trades — These 5 Signals Decide Which One It Picks

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Cover image for Perplexity Sends Trade Leads Faster Than ChatGPT — Here's How to Win in Both

Perplexity Sends Trade Leads Faster Than ChatGPT — Here's How to Win in Both

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Cover image for The AI Local Pack Is Shrinking — How to Stay in the Few Businesses Google Still Shows

The AI Local Pack Is Shrinking — How to Stay in the Few Businesses Google Still Shows

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Cover image for How Much Does a New Bathroom Cost in the UK in 2026? A Straight Answer for Homeowners

How Much Does a New Bathroom Cost in the UK in 2026? A Straight Answer for Homeowners

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Cover image for Checkatrade vs MyBuilder: Which Gets Trades More Work in 2026?

Checkatrade vs MyBuilder: Which Gets Trades More Work in 2026?

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Cover image for How Much Does a New Roof Cost in the UK in 2026? A Straight Answer for Homeowners

How Much Does a New Roof Cost in the UK in 2026? A Straight Answer for Homeowners

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Cover image for Instant Quote Calculator for Your Trade Website: Turn Visitors into Enquiries

Instant Quote Calculator for Your Trade Website: Turn Visitors into Enquiries

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Cover image for Google Review Card for Business: How UK Trades Turn Jobs into 5-Star Reviews

Google Review Card for Business: How UK Trades Turn Jobs into 5-Star Reviews

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Cover image for How to Add Your Business to Google Maps: A Step-by-Step Guide for UK Trades

How to Add Your Business to Google Maps: A Step-by-Step Guide for UK Trades

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Cover image for SEO for Tradespeople: The Framework That Works for Every Trade

SEO for Tradespeople: The Framework That Works for Every Trade

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Cover image for Done-for-You SEO for Trades: What It Includes and What It Costs

Done-for-You SEO for Trades: What It Includes and What It Costs

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Cover image for SEO for Sole Traders: The 30-Minute Weekly Plan That Works

SEO for Sole Traders: The 30-Minute Weekly Plan That Works

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Cover image for SEO Cost for Small Business: What You Should Pay in 2026

SEO Cost for Small Business: What You Should Pay in 2026

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Cover image for Affordable SEO for Tradesmen: Get Results Without Getting Scammed

Affordable SEO for Tradesmen: Get Results Without Getting Scammed

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Cover image for SEO for Roofers: Win the Storm Work Before the Water Comes In

SEO for Roofers: Win the Storm Work Before the Water Comes In

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Cover image for Plumbing Leads in 2026: What They Cost and Where to Get Them

Plumbing Leads in 2026: What They Cost and Where to Get Them

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Cover image for Gardening Leads in 2026: What They Cost and Where to Get Them

Gardening Leads in 2026: What They Cost and Where to Get Them

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Cover image for Handyman Leads in 2026: What They Cost and Where to Get Them

Handyman Leads in 2026: What They Cost and Where to Get Them

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Cover image for Tree Surgeon Leads in 2026: What They Cost and Where to Get Them

Tree Surgeon Leads in 2026: What They Cost and Where to Get Them

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Cover image for Cleaning Leads in 2026: What They Cost and Where to Get Them

Cleaning Leads in 2026: What They Cost and Where to Get Them

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Cover image for Electrician Leads in 2026: What They Cost and Where to Get Them

Electrician Leads in 2026: What They Cost and Where to Get Them

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Cover image for Landscaping Leads in 2026: What They Cost and Where to Get Them

Landscaping Leads in 2026: What They Cost and Where to Get Them

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Cover image for Building Leads in 2026: What They Cost and Where to Get Them

Building Leads in 2026: What They Cost and Where to Get Them

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Cover image for Roofing Leads in 2026: What They Cost and Where to Get Them

Roofing Leads in 2026: What They Cost and Where to Get Them

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Cover image for Checkatrade vs TrustATrader: Which One Actually Gets Trades Work?

Checkatrade vs TrustATrader: Which One Actually Gets Trades Work?

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Cover image for White-Label SEO for Agencies: Add Local SEO Without Hiring

White-Label SEO for Agencies: Add Local SEO Without Hiring

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Cover image for Local SEO Services for UK Trades: What You Should Actually Get

Local SEO Services for UK Trades: What You Should Actually Get

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Cover image for Google Business Profile Suspended: How to Get Your Listing Back (UK Guide)

Google Business Profile Suspended: How to Get Your Listing Back (UK Guide)

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Cover image for SEO Services for Small Business: A Buyer's Guide for UK Trades

SEO Services for Small Business: A Buyer's Guide for UK Trades

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Cover image for SEO Reseller UK: How Agencies Add Local SEO Without Hiring

SEO Reseller UK: How Agencies Add Local SEO Without Hiring

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Cover image for Are Google AI Overviews Stealing Your Trade Leads? The Honest Answer for 2026

Are Google AI Overviews Stealing Your Trade Leads? The Honest Answer for 2026

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Cover image for Marketing for Builders: A No-Nonsense Guide

Marketing for Builders: A No-Nonsense Guide

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Cover image for Checkatrade Cost 2026: What Trades Actually Pay (and What You Get)

Checkatrade Cost 2026: What Trades Actually Pay (and What You Get)

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Cover image for Website for Tradesmen: What Your Site Needs to Win Quote Requests

Website for Tradesmen: What Your Site Needs to Win Quote Requests

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Cover image for What Is Local SEO? A Plain-English Guide for UK Trades

What Is Local SEO? A Plain-English Guide for UK Trades

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Cover image for SEO Audit for Small Business: What It Checks and Why It Matters

SEO Audit for Small Business: What It Checks and Why It Matters

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Cover image for Google Business Profile Management: DIY vs Done-for-You

Google Business Profile Management: DIY vs Done-for-You

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Cover image for Google Business Profile Help: 12 Fixes for Common GBP Problems

Google Business Profile Help: 12 Fixes for Common GBP Problems

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Cover image for Marketing for Plumbers: The Complete UK Guide

Marketing for Plumbers: The Complete UK Guide

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