Trades SEO: How Local Businesses Can Rank Without a Big Budget

You Don’t Need a Big Budget - You Need the Right Focus

Most tradespeople we speak to know that getting found on Google matters. But many still think SEO is something only big companies can afford - or that it involves expensive agencies and complicated tech.

That’s not true anymore.

If you’re a plumber, electrician, roofer, decorator, builder, or any local service provider, you can improve your rankings using practical, low-cost steps - and this guide shows you how.

1. Get the Basics Right First (Google Business Profile)

Before you think about keywords or backlinks, make sure your Google Business Profile is:

• Set up and verified

• Filled in with service areas, phone number, business hours, and photos

• Updated regularly (new images, posts, offers, or updates)

• Linked to your website

• Consistent with your other online profiles

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This is how you show up in the local map pack - which is often the first thing people click.

2. Use Localised Keywords on Your Website

If your site just says “professional and reliable services,” Google has no idea what you actually do or where.

Instead, include specific terms like:

• “Plumbing services in Ashford”

• “Electrician for new builds in Maidstone”

• “Emergency roofer serving Kent towns”

Add them naturally to your:

• Homepage

• Services pages

• Page titles and meta descriptions

• Headings and paragraphs

• Image ALT text

3. Ask for Reviews (And Keep Asking)

Reviews are one of the easiest and most effective ways to build trust and improve your rankings.

Every time you finish a job:

• Text or email your customer a link to your Google review form

• Ask them to mention what service you provided and where

• Respond to each review with a quick “thanks” or follow-up

Don’t worry about getting loads at once. A steady stream of new reviews beats a big batch from last year.

4. Answer Real Customer Questions on Your Site

Your customers have questions and if you answer them on your website, Google will start seeing you as a useful result.

Examples:

• “How much does a boiler service cost in Kent?”

• “Do you need a permit for a new driveway?”

• “How long does roof repointing take?”

Create short blog posts or FAQs answering questions like these. Bonus: they help filter out time-wasters too.

5. List in Local Directories (And Keep Them Consistent)

Get listed on:

• Yell

• FreeIndex

• Bing Places

• Local business directories

• Trade-specific platforms like Checkatrade or Rated People

Make sure your business name, phone number, and location are written exactly the same across all platforms. Google uses this data to check you’re legit.

6. Use Before-and-After Photos to Boost Trust (And Traffic)

Add photos of your work to:

• Google Business Profile

• Your website gallery

• Blog posts or case studies

• Social media

Google indexes image content - and seeing real results builds instant trust with customers.

7. Stay Consistent - Even If It’s Once a Month

You don’t need to become a content machine. But if you can:

• Post one blog per month

• Update your site every few weeks

• Keep your listings active

…you’ll slowly build SEO momentum - the kind that doesn’t disappear when your ads stop.

Want Someone Else to Handle It?

We work with Kent-based trades and service businesses to improve their SEO without big contracts or technical overwhelm. Just straightforward, affordable help that gets results.

Talk to us about Trades SEO