SEO for Trades: How to Rank #1 Locally and Generate Consistent Enquiries
If you’re a trades business relying on word of mouth, check-a-trade platforms, or paid ads alone, you’re leaving money on the table. The highest-intent customers don’t scroll social media looking for a plumber or electrician — they go straight to Google. That’s where SEO for trades becomes one of the most powerful growth tools available.
What is SEO for Trades?
SEO for trades is the process of optimising a trade business website and online presence so it ranks highly on Google for local service searches.
Examples include:
- Electrician near me
- Plumber in Buckinghamshire
- Tarmac Driveways in Amersham
- Commercial Scaffolding Berkshire
Unlike national SEO, trade SEO is location-focused and built around service-based intent. The goal isn’t traffic for the sake of it, it’s phone calls, quote requests, and booked jobs.
Why Local SEO Matters for Trades Businesses
Over 90% of people searching for a tradesperson contact one of the top results on page one. If your business isn’t visible there, those leads go to your competitors. Local SEO for trades allows you to:
- Appear in Google Maps and the Local Pack
- Rank for "near me" and town based searches
- Generate leads without paying per click
- Build trust through reviews and authority signals
- Win work consistently even during quieter periods
For plumbers, electricians, scaffolders, landscapers, builders, roofers, driveway installers, and pest control companies, SEO is often the highest ROI marketing channel available.
How Google Ranks Trade Businesses
Google uses three core factors to decide which trade businesses rank at the top:
Relevance
How closely your website and Google Business Profile match the search query.
Proximity
How close your business is to the searcher’s location.
Authority
How trustworthy your business appears online, based on content, links, reviews, and consistency.
Your SEO strategy must address all three to rank #1.
Keyword Strategy for SEO for Trades
Your SEO starts with targeting the right keywords.
Focus on:
- Core trade keywords (Boiler Repairs, Drain Unblocker, Drain Cleaning)
- Service + location keywords (electrician in [town], plumber near me)
- High-intent terms (emergency, commercial, residential services)
Each main service should have its own dedicated page. Trying to rank everything on one page limits results.
Website Structure That Ranks
A clear site structure helps both users and Google.
Your site should include:
- Homepage
- Individual service pages
- Location pages (where relevant)
- Supporting blog content
- Clear contact page
Each service page should clearly explain what you do, where you work, and how to contact you.
Google Business Profile Optimisation
For trades, your Google Business Profile is critical.
Make sure you:
- Use the correct business name and category
- List all services accurately
- Upload real job photos
- Keep details consistent
- Collect regular customer reviews
Strong reviews improve rankings and conversion rates by building trust with Google and giving customers the confidence to choose your business over competitors.
Link Building For Trades
Local backlinks help establish authority.
Good sources include:
- Local directories
- Trade bodies
- Suppliers
- Local business partners
- Community or industry features
A few quality links outperform large volumes of poor ones, as reputable, locally relevant websites carry far more trust and authority in Google’s eyes.
Common Trade SEO Mistakes
Common trade SEO mistakes often begin with trying to do too much on too little. Many businesses rely on a single generic service page to cover everything they offer, neglect their Google Business Profile, or force location keywords into their content instead of writing clearly for real customers. This makes it harder for Google to understand exactly what the business does and where it operates.
Other problems come from weak technical and authority signals. Low-quality backlinks, inconsistent business details, and slow or outdated websites reduce trust with Google and frustrate users. Over time, these issues hold rankings back and prevent trade businesses from generating consistent local enquiries through search.
How Long Does SEO for Trades Take?
Typically, SEO for trades begins with early movement in the first one to two months as Google indexes your pages and local signals strengthen. By months three to four, many businesses achieve page-one visibility for their main service and location searches, leading to increased exposure and enquiries. From six months onwards, rankings usually stabilise, enquiry levels become more consistent, and SEO turns into a reliable long-term lead source that continues to generate work without ongoing ad spend.
Start Your SEO Journey Today
If you want to increase enquiries, improve your rankings, and build a stronger digital presence for your trades business, we can help. Our specialised approach delivers consistent results and positions your company as the trusted choice in your area.
Schedule a free strategy call with our team today using the link below. Alternatively leave us an enquiry on the contact form and our team will get back to you as soon as possible.