SEO for Tradies: Why its different
G'day tradies! If you're wielding tools all day and wondering why your competitor down the road is nabbing all the good jobs from Google, this one's for you. Let's chat about how Local Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) can help get your building, plumbing, or electrical business in front of more local customers.
SEO for Tradies
While other businesses want website traffic, tradies just need the phone to ring when locals need help
Why Local SEO Matters for Trades
Let's be honest – when someone's got a burst pipe at 2 AM or needs an electrician for that weekend reno, they're not scrolling through page 10 of Google. They're picking from the first few results that pop up on their phone. That's where local SEO comes in, helping you show up right when locals need you most.
Google Maps: Your New Best Mate
Think of Google Maps as your 24/7 signpost. When someone searches "electrician near me" or "emergency plumber Wellington," your Google Business Profile (GBP) can put you right on the map – literally! Here's how to make it work harder for you:
Claim and Verify Your Google Business Profile
Set up your free GBP if you haven't already
Add your real business name (save the keyword stuffing for your sarnies)
Use your actual physical address (even if it's your home office)
List your service areas accurately
Optimise Your Profile
Add clear photos of your work (before and afters are gold!)
Update your working hours (including emergency callout info)
List ALL your services (drainage, maintenance, installations – the lot)
Add attributes like "Emergency Service Available" or "Same Day Service"
Local SEO Tips That Actually Work
Here's how to get your website showing up for local searches:
1. Your Website Basics
Include your service areas in your page titles
"Licensed Plumber | Wellington & Hutt Valley"
"24/7 Electrician Serving Greater Auckland"
Add your location to your content naturally
"Based in Christchurch, our team of qualified builders..."
"Serving Hamilton homeowners since 2015"
2. Service Pages That Convert
Create separate pages for each major service, like:
Emergency Plumbing Repairs
Bathroom Renovations
New Home Electrical Installation
Kitchen Renovation Specialists
3. Reviews Are Your Secret Weapon
Ask happy customers to drop you a Google review
Respond to ALL reviews (yes, even the grumpy ones)
Share specific details in your responses: "Thanks for the review, Mike! Glad we could sort out that hot water cylinder in Mt Eden so quickly."
Common Tradie SEO Mistakes to Dodge
Having no website at all (social media alone won't cut it)
Forgetting to update your GBP when you add new services
Not adding photos of your actual work
Missing out on emergency service keywords if you offer them
Quick Wins for Busy Tradies
Set up emergency and after-hours info properly on Google
Add recent photos of your work monthly
Create service area pages for each suburb you cover
List your qualifications and certifications clearly
Share genuine customer testimonials on your site
Measure What Matters
Keep an eye on:
How many calls come through your Google Business Profile
Which suburbs are generating the most leads
Your ranking for "emergency" related searches
Website enquiries vs phone calls
Conclusion
You don't need to be a tech whiz to get SEO working for your trade business. Focus on your Google Business Profile, make your website clear about where you work, and let those 5-star reviews roll in. Remember, every bit of effort you put into your online presence is another job that might come your way instead of going to the competition.
Need a hand getting your trade business visible online? Our team knows the local market and can help you show up where it counts. Drop us a line for a no-nonsense chat about boosting your visibility.
🔥 Dave's Hot Take! 🔥 "Want to really stand out? Add photos of your ute at recognizable local spots – nothing says 'true local tradie' like being seen around town. Plus, Google loves geo-tagged images. Just make sure your ute's clean first! 😉"
