If you’re a tradie—whether plumber, electrician, carpenter, or builder—having a strong online presence is more key to success. Nowadays, most people search for local services online before making the call. That’s why search engine optimisation (SEO) should be a key part of marketing strategy for a tradie.
In this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about SEO for tradies, along with a handy checklist to ensure your business is easy to find on Google. Whether you are working with a digital marketing agency or managing your SEO in-house, this guide will help you attract more clients and grow your business.
What Is SEO and Why Does It Matter for Tradies?
SEO, or Search Engine Optimisation, is the process of making your website and online presence more visible to search engines such as Google. If your site is optimised for SEO, the chances of it ranking higher in search results will also be greater. For tradies, this means when someone types “plumber near me” or “electrician Sydney,” your business is more likely to appear on the first page of search results.
Good SEO can:
- Increase website traffic – More people will visit your site when it ranks higher on Google.
- Generate more leads – Being visible online helps potential customers find your services easily.
- Build trust – Ranking high on Google makes your business appear more reliable and trustworthy.
SEO for Tradies: The Basics
Tradies often compete in local markets, so local SEO is crucial for success. Local SEO is all about optimising your online presence to draw customers from the particular geographic area you want to target. Here’s how to get started.
1. Set Up an optimised Google Business Profile
The first step in local SEO is creating a Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business). This profile is essential for tradies because it allows your business to show up in local search results and on Google Maps.
Checklist for Google Business Profile:
- Sign up for a free profile on Google Business.
- Make sure all your details (name, address, phone number, website) are correct and consistent with the information on your website.
- Write a clear description of your services and include keywords like “plumber Sydney” or “electrician Bondi.”
- Add high-quality photos of your business, projects, or team.
- Encourage your clients to leave reviews, as positive reviews improve your ranking on Google.
2. Use the Right Keywords
Keywords are the words or set of words people type into search box when they look for a service. For tradies, keywords often include the type of work you do and your location, like “carpenter Sydney” or “emergency plumber Melbourne.”
Checklist for Keywords:
- Think about what customers are likely to search for when they need your services.
- Use tools like Google’s Keyword Planner to find popular search terms in your area.
- Insert keywords organically into your website’s content, titles, and descriptions.
- Focus on location-specific keywords, e.g. “plumber North Sydney” or “kitchen renovations Brisbane.”
3. Build a Mobile-Friendly Website
A mobile-friendly website is crucial for tradies, as most customers search for services on their phones. If your site is hard to use on a mobile device, visitors will quickly leave, and your ranking on Google will suffer.
Checklist for Mobile-Friendly Website:
- Make sure your website is responsive, meaning it works well on both desktop and mobile devices.
- Use a simple and easy to navigate design.
- Ensure your contact details are easy to find and include a “click-to-call” button for mobile users.
- Use fast-loading images and compress large files to reduce loading times.
4. Create Quality Content
Good content is at the heart of any successful SEO strategy. The more useful and relevant your website content is, the better it will rank on search engines. For tradies, useful and relevant content can include service descriptions, blog posts, or even instructional videos.
Checklist for Content:
- Write detailed service pages that explain what you do, how you do it, and why people should choose you.
- Regularly update your blog with posts about common issues in your trade, DIY tips, or success stories from recent projects.
- Include keywords naturally in your content to help search engines understand what your business offers.
- Add a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section to address common customer concerns.
5. Get Local Citations and Backlinks
The two factors that help boost local SEO are Citations and backlinks. A citation is any mention of your business’s Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP) online. Backlinks are links to your website from other reputable websites. Both help increase your credibility and rank higher in search results.
Checklist for Citations and Backlinks:
- Your NAP details must be consistent across all platforms including social media and online directories.
- List your business on local directories like Yellow Pages, True Local, and industry-specific sites.
- Network with other local businesses and ask them to link to your website, or contribute guest blog posts to their sites.
6. Social Media and Reviews
Social media isn’t just for big brands or just for fun —it can be a powerful marketing tool for tradies. Engaging with your audience on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn can increase your visibility and drive more traffic to your website. Moreover, positive online reviews play a big role in how potential customers view your business.
Checklist for Social Media and Reviews:
- Set up profiles on relevant social media platforms and regularly post updates about your work, promotions, or behind-the-scenes content.
- Respond to customer messages and comments to build trust.
- Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews on your Google Business Profile and social media pages.
- Respond to all reviews, both positive and negative, in a professional and helpful manner.
7. Measure Your Progress
Once you’ve implemented these SEO strategies, it’s important to track your progress. This will tell you what works and where you must improve.
Checklist for Measuring Progress:
- Use tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console to track your website traffic and keyword rankings.
- Monitor the number of calls, leads, or bookings coming from your website or Google Business Profile.
- Keep an eye on how many new reviews you’re receiving and how they’re impacting your rankings.
Conclusion
SEO for tradies needn’t be complicated. By focusing on local SEO, building a strong online presence, and regularly updating your website with fresh content, you can boost your visibility and attract more clients. If it seems overwhelming, you can always seek the help of a digital marketing agency or a social media management service in Sydney to help you get started.
If you need more information or help with following this guide and checklist, get in touch today.
