If you're in the trades—whether you’re an electrician, plumber, or contractor—you’ve probably noticed that being visible online is now just as important as word-of-mouth referrals. Most of your customers are looking for local services by typing into their phones, “electrician near me” or “plumber in [city].” This guide is for you, the hands-on professionals who need a hands-on approach to making sure your business shows up at the top of search results.
What is Local SEO for Trades?
Think of local SEO as your business’s digital calling card. When people search for services in your area, local SEO ensures that your business shows up when it matters most—at the top of search engine results. It’s the key to being the go-to option when someone has a clogged drain or a wiring issue. 46% of Google searches have local intent, meaning people are actively seeking services nearby. When you optimize your site for local SEO, you’re putting your business in front of people who are ready to hire.
Discover how we are already helping plumbers succeed in local SEO!
Step 1: Setting Up and Optimizing Your Google Business Profile (GBP) For Your Trades Business
Your Google Business Profile is where customers find you when searching locally. Think of it as the storefront of your business, but online. If you haven’t claimed your profile yet, do it. Here’s why:
- Complete Information: Customers need to know your business hours, services, and how to contact you. Keeping this updated is crucial. Ensure NAP consistency, which means, consistent business details across the web (not just your GBP).
- Service Areas: If you serve multiple cities or areas, make sure this is clearly listed.
- Get Reviews: After every job, ask your customers to leave a review. It builds trust, and a business with great reviews ranks higher in search results. Make sure that if a review comes in, you reply within 24 hours max.!
Learn how to increase the engagement of your Google Business Profile in simple steps!
Step 2: Make Your Trades Website Mobile-Friendly
Over half of all local searches are done on mobile phones. If your website isn’t optimized for mobile, potential customers will likely leave your site and go to a competitor’s. A mobile-friendly site is fast, easy to navigate, and provides quick access to essential information like your services and contact details. Test your website to see how it performs on mobile devices. If it’s slow or hard to use, hire a professional to optimize it. This might be one of the most important investments you make.
Step 3: Use Local Keywords Throughout Your Website
Keywords are the phrases people type into search engines. To get noticed by local clients, you need to use keywords that match what they’re searching for. For instance, if you're a plumber in Dallas, use phrases like “Dallas plumber” or “emergency plumbing services in Dallas” throughout your website, especially on your homepage and service pages. If you cover multiple locations, create individual pages for each area you serve. This gives you a better chance of ranking in those specific locations when people search for services.
Step 4: Keep Your Business Information Consistent Across the Web
If you’ve ever had your name spelled wrong in a document, you know how frustrating it can be. The same goes for search engines—they get confused when your business information isn’t consistent across the web. This can harm your local SEO. Make sure your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) are the same everywhere, whether it’s your website, Google Business Profile, or other listings like Yelp or local directories. Check every platform where your business is listed and correct any discrepancies. Even small differences can throw off your local SEO and make it harder for customers to find you.
Step 5: Get Local Backlinks
Backlinks are links from other websites to yours. They signal to search engines that your website is trusted and important. But not all backlinks are created equal. Focus on getting links from local, reputable websites. For example:
- Collaborate with local businesses: If you work closely with a real estate agency, ask if they can link to your website on their "trusted partners" page.
- Sponsor local events: If you’re sponsoring a charity run or local fair, make sure your website is listed on the event’s site.
- Get featured in local news: A feature or mention in the local newspaper, blog, or online magazine boosts your credibility.
Step 6: Collect and Manage Reviews
Let’s be honest—reviews can make or break a business. A potential customer might pass on hiring you if they see no reviews or too many negative ones. In fact, 76% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. Don’t be shy about asking for reviews after completing a job. Customers who are happy with your work are often more than willing to help you out. Also, don’t ignore negative reviews. Address them professionally, offering to fix any problems. Showing you care about customer satisfaction goes a long way.
Step 7: Write Localized Content About Your Trades Business
You know your trade inside and out. Sharing that knowledge not only helps potential customers but also boosts your SEO. Write blog posts, guides, or FAQs that answer common questions about your trade and address local concerns. For example, if you’re a roofer, you might write about “How to Prepare Your Roof for Winter in [Your City]” or “Common Electrical Issues in Older Homes in [Town].” These types of posts help you rank for local searches while also demonstrating your expertise.
Also important to know: Difference between on-page SEO and local SEO
Step 8: Optimize for “Near Me” Searches
These days, people don’t just search for “plumbers.” They search for “plumbers near me.” To rank for these searches, make sure your website includes phrases like “plumber near me” or “electrician near me” in strategic places. You should also optimize your Google Business Profile and website for mobile, since many of these searches happen on smartphones.
Step 9: Track Your Local SEO Progress
SEO is an ongoing process. It’s not enough to implement these strategies once and forget about them. Regularly check how your website is performing using tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console. You’ll be able to see which keywords are bringing in traffic, where your visitors are coming from, and how they interact with your site. If something isn’t working, adjust your strategy. SEO isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it deal. You’ll need to stay on top of it to keep getting results.
Wrapping Up Local SEO for Trades: Stay Visible, Stay Competitive
Local SEO isn’t just a nice-to-have for trades businesses anymore—it’s a must. With so many consumers relying on local searches to find services, your business needs to stand out. By optimizing your Google Business Profile, making your website mobile-friendly, using local keywords, and getting reviews, you’re positioning your business to attract more customers in your area.
Remember, local SEO is a marathon, not a sprint. The more consistent you are in updating and improving your online presence, the better your results will be. Stay visible, stay competitive, and keep the jobs rolling in.
We know that local SEO for trades can be quite challenging, especially if you are generally new to this topic. While some steps seem easy at first, they do require constant monitoring and maintenance. To streamline all local SEO tasks and automate the most important processes, Obenan offers not only local SEO tools but also personalized help from our local SEO experts. We ensure a smooth way up to the top of the search results. Curious how we can help your trades business grow?
