Local SEO for Tradespeople
Local SEO for Tradespeople
How to Get Found Online (Without Losing Your Mind)
If you're a tradesperson in the UK – a plumber, electrician, roofer, tiler, decorator, or builder – you’ve probably had this happen:
You do an incredible job for a customer, they promise to recommend you, and you drive home thinking, “That one’s going to lead to more work.”
But then… silence. No referrals. No new calls. Just tumbleweed.
It’s not that people didn’t love your work. They did. But unless they’ve saved your number, written it down, or shouted your name across Facebook, you might as well have vanished into thin air.
That’s where Local SEO comes in – and if you’ve ever muttered “How do I get more jobs without chasing people all the time?”, this post is for you.
What is Local SEO (And Why Should You Care)?
Let’s cut through the jargon. Local SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) is how your business shows up in Google when people nearby are searching for what you do.
It’s the difference between being buried on page 4 and being the one who pops up when someone types:
“emergency plumber in Basildon”
“electrician near me”
“fencing contractor Southend”
It’s also the difference between waiting for word of mouth… and getting steady enquiries from people who don’t already know you.
Why Local SEO Works So Well for Trades
Tradespeople have a built-in advantage when it comes to SEO – people usually search locally for your services. No one’s going to Google “boiler repair” and call someone 300 miles away.
If you get your Local SEO sorted, Google will show your business to people searching right in your area. That means more jobs, more calls, and less time wondering where the next customer is coming from.
Let’s break it down with an example.
Meet Tony, the Plumber from Benfleet
Tony’s a qualified plumber with his own Transit van, tools, and a solid reputation. He’s had a basic website for years but never touched it. His main leads came from Checkatrade, a few Facebook posts, and the odd flyer in the local Co-op.
But one day, Tony types “plumber Benfleet” into Google… and his business doesn’t show up.
Instead, there’s a competitor with a slick Google listing, reviews, and their name right at the top.
Tony’s doing the same work – in fact, arguably better – but he’s invisible to people who don’t already know him. That’s what made him call us, an Essex SEO company that works specifically with local businesses like his.
Three months later, Tony was ranking in the Google map pack for “plumber Benfleet”, getting more enquiries from his website, and even landing a few jobs from people Googling things like “boiler pressure keeps dropping”.
What Goes Into Local SEO?
There are several key pieces that all work together to help your business show up locally. Let’s break them down.
1. Your Google Business Profile
This is the most important thing to get right. It’s free, it’s easy to set up, and it’s the listing that appears in Google Maps and local search results.
Make sure your profile has:
Accurate name, address, phone number
Business hours (include evenings/weekends if you offer them)
Services listed (boiler repairs, rewiring, garden fencing etc.)
High-quality photos of your work
A steady stream of 5-star reviews
Regular updates (yes, posting on your profile helps!)
👉 Pro tip: Add photos of you on the job. People love seeing the real human behind the business.
2. Your Website
Even if you’re not big on tech, your website needs to do a few key things:
Be mobile-friendly
Say what you do and where you do it (e.g. “Domestic electrician in Chelmsford”)
Load quickly (slow sites annoy everyone, including Google)
Have your contact details clearly shown
Include reviews and testimonials
You don’t need anything fancy. A one-page site that answers the right questions is better than a big site that confuses visitors.
Real Talk: What Most Tradespeople Get Wrong
They use their mate’s number for Google listings.
Then they change it… and their calls dry up.They set up a Google profile but never verify it.
So it never goes live.They create a Facebook page instead of a proper website.
Newsflash: Facebook is not your website. It’s rented space.They don’t ask for reviews.
Which is mad, because happy customers want to leave them – they just need a nudge.They use a mobile-only email address (@gmail).
It’s fine… but a proper domain (e.g. info@tonytheplumber.co.uk) builds trust fast.
Quick Wins: What You Can Do This Week
Here are some fast actions you can take that’ll help your Local SEO almost immediately.
✅ Claim and optimise your Google Business Profile
Use real images, your actual address, and pick the right service categories.
✅ Get five reviews this week
Ring past clients, ask nicely, and text them the link. Don’t wait for people to offer – just ask.
✅ List your services on your website
Instead of just “plumber”, write out everything you do: tap replacements, boiler fixes, underfloor heating, etc.
✅ Add your town name into your website copy
Not just “plumber”, but “plumber in Southend”, “plumbing services Rayleigh”, etc.
✅ Get your name on online directories
Sites like Yell, FreeIndex, and Thomson Local still matter. Consistency in your business name, phone and address is key.
Why Reviews Are Your Secret Weapon
Here’s a little story. Leah runs a lash and nail studio in Grays. She’s brilliant at what she does, but was getting outshone online by someone who had worse photos – but 100+ reviews.
Leah started asking every client to leave a review before they left her chair. She even made it easy by sending a direct link.
Within a month, she jumped ahead in local results and started getting new bookings from people who said, “I saw your reviews on Google.”
The moral? You don’t need hundreds of reviews. But a steady stream of recent, 5-star ones? That’s gold.
How Long Does Local SEO Take to Work?
This is the big question. Some things (like fixing your Google profile) work in days. Other things – like ranking in a competitive town – can take a few months.
It depends on:
Your town (e.g. "builder in Clacton" vs "plumber in Colchester")
Your current setup (are you starting from scratch?)
Whether you’re actively getting reviews and traffic
It’s a bit like planting seeds. You won’t wake up tomorrow with a full garden, but give it water, light, and a little time – and you’ll be glad you started when you did.
Local SEO vs Paying for Leads
Let’s have a word about Checkatrade, Rated People, and lead generation apps.
They work… to a point. But you’re paying for every lead – whether or not you get the job. And those platforms are often optimised for their business, not yours.
With Local SEO, you’re investing in your own brand.
You own your Google listing
You get leads from people actually searching for you
You build long-term visibility
And unlike ads, you’re not paying every time someone clicks.
Why Work With an Essex SEO Company?
If you're in Essex (or anywhere in the UK really), it helps to work with someone who understands the businesss you are in, the kinds of jobs you do, and the people you're trying to reach.
We’ve helped:
Electricians in Chelmsford get booked out with rewiring jobs
Plumbers in Basildon show up first when the heating breaks
Landscapers in Colchester land full garden redesigns from Google alone
We know how tradespeople think (we used to be one years ago) . We don’t sell fluff. We focus on getting your business found, trusted, and chosen.
FAQs About Local SEO for Tradespeople
Q: Do I really need a website?
Yes – even a simple one. Think of it as your online business card. It builds trust and gives Google something to index.
Q: Can I do Local SEO myself?
Absolutely. Start with your Google profile and reviews. But if you want faster results or feel stuck, a local expert can help.
Q: How much does SEO cost?
It depends on how competitive your area is and how much work your site needs. Many Essex SEO company packages start from around £250–£500/month.
Q: Is SEO a one-time thing?
No – it’s ongoing. Like keeping your van clean or renewing your tools. But it gets easier over time.
Q: I’m already on Checkatrade – do I still need SEO?
Yes. Checkatrade is one channel. SEO is about your presence across Google – where 90%+ of people search.
Q: What if I move towns?
Good SEO can adapt. You can update your location and keep growing your local presence in your new area.
Think about this
If you want more calls, more quotes, and fewer quiet weeks – Local SEO is your silent salesman.
It doesn’t shout. It doesn’t knock doors. It quietly works in the background, making sure your name shows up when someone nearby needs you.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or just want to fix what’s already there, you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
Ready to Get Found?
We’re a friendly Essex SEO company that loves helping local tradespeople grow their businesses without faff or fluff.
Get in touch today – we’ll take a look at your setup, give you honest feedback, and help you show up when people are searching for what you do.
📞 Call us now or drop us a message – we’d love to help you grow.
