Local SEO Basics for Tradespeople in Kent

What Is Local SEO (and Why Should You Care)?

Local SEO is what helps your business show up when someone searches for a service near them - like “electrician in Ashford” or “Kent plumber.”

If you’re a tradesperson or small business in Kent, getting your local SEO right means:

• More visibility in search

• More enquiries from people nearby

• Less reliance on paid ads

And no - you don’t need to be a tech expert to get started.

The Google Map Pack

When you search for a service on Google, you’ll often see a map with 3 local businesses underneath. That’s called the “Map Pack.”

Showing up here is gold - especially for trades like plumbers, electricians, decorators, roofers, or landscapers.

To appear, you need to:

• Set up a free Google Business Profile

• Make sure your address and service areas are clear

• Collect a few genuine reviews from happy customers

Step-by-Step: Local SEO for Kent Tradespeople

1. Create or Update Your Google Business Profile

Go to google.com/business and claim your listing. Add:

• Your name, phone, address, and website

• Business hours

• Photos of your work, van, or shopfront

• A list of services you offer

2. Be Consistent With Your Business Info

Wherever your business is listed online - Google, Facebook, Checkatrade, etc. - keep your name, address, and phone number the same. This builds trust with search engines.

3. Add Local Content to Your Website

If you have a site, mention the areas you cover. Pages like:

• “Electrician in Ashford, Kent”

• “Plumbing Services for Maidstone Homes”

This helps Google know you’re relevant in those locations.

4. Get Local Reviews

Ask customers to leave a review on your Google listing. A handful of good reviews can really boost your visibility - especially if they mention your town or service area.

5. List on Local Directories

Sites like Yell, FreeIndex, and Thomson Local are worth a few minutes. Again - keep your info consistent.

Don’t Worry About the Fancy Stuff (Yet)

Things like backlinks, schema markup, and keyword analysis are useful - but not urgent. If you focus on the basics above, you’re already ahead of most small businesses.

How Long Will It Take to See Results?

Local SEO isn’t instant - but you may see improvements in just a few weeks. The more consistent and trustworthy your business looks online, the more likely Google is to show you to local searchers.

In Summary

Local SEO is about helping nearby customers find your business when they actually need it. You don’t need to be technical - just make your information clear, consistent, and easy to find.