Local SEO for Trades: Show Up When People Search ‘Near Me’
Picture this: Someone types “electrician near me” into Google. A list pops up. Will your business be there?
If not, you’re missing one of the most powerful (and often overlooked) ways to get new leads: local SEO.
In this post, we’ll break down what local SEO is, why it matters for trades like yours, and a few simple things you can do to improve it—no tech jargon, just real, actionable steps.
What Is Local SEO (and Why Should You Care)?
Local SEO (Search Engine Optimization) helps your business appear in online searches when people nearby are looking for your services.
Think of common searches like:
“landscaper near me”
“kitchen remodel contractor [your city]”
“roof repair in [neighborhood]”
Most homeowners and property managers turn to Google first—even if they’ve heard your name from a friend. Showing up in those search results builds trust and drives calls, clicks, and bookings.
Your Google Business Profile Is Key
If you do nothing else, claim and update your Google Business Profile. This is the box that shows your business on Google Maps and in search results.
Make sure yours includes:
A clear, keyword-rich business description
Your updated hours
Defined service areas
High-quality photos — before & after shots are perfect
Plenty of reviews (and responses to them)
Occasional posts or updates to keep your profile active
Think of this as your digital storefront. Keeping it fresh and accurate helps you show up more often—and builds trust with people browsing.
Use the Right Local Keywords on Your Website
Your website should work with your Google profile, not against it. That means including keywords that real people search for.
Use phrases like:
“residential electrician in [City]”
“custom decks in [Region]”
“emergency plumber serving [Neighborhood]”
Sprinkle those naturally throughout your homepage, service pages, and even in image alt text (it helps search engines understand your photos). If you serve multiple cities or areas, consider making a dedicated page for each one.
Make Sure Your Info Is Consistent Everywhere
This is simple but critical: Your Name, Address, and Phone Number (NAP) need to match exactly across:
Your website
Social media accounts
Online directories (like Yelp, Angi, HomeAdvisor, etc.)
Even small differences (like “St.” vs. “Street”) can confuse search engines. Google uses this consistency to verify that you’re a legitimate, trustworthy business—and that boosts your rankings.
Bonus Tips for Better Local SEO
Want to go a step further? Try these:
Embed a Google Map on your contact page so visitors (and search engines) can see your service area.
Encourage clients to mention their neighborhood or city in their reviews.
If you work with a web developer, ask them to add local business schema—a behind-the-scenes code that helps Google read your site better.
Wrapping It Up: Start Simple
Local SEO doesn’t have to be complicated. Just a few small steps—like updating your Google profile or tweaking a few keywords—can make a big difference in helping people find you when they’re ready to hire.
Start today: Check your Google Business Profile and make sure it’s complete, accurate, and working for you—not against you.
Want help making sure your business shows up when locals are searching?
Let’s chat — I specialize in helping trades grow their reach without wasting time or money.
📩 Click the button to get started.
