Most tradies don’t even have time to think about SEO (or even understand how it works if we’re being honest.) You’re busy on the tools, running your business, and handling customer jobs. But here’s the thing: if your business isn’t showing up on Google, you’re losing customers to competitors who are.
Think about it. When someone needs a plumber, electrician, or landscaper, what do they do? They Google it. If your business isn’t on page one, they’re not calling you—they’re calling the tradie who is.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how SEO can help your trade business grow.
How SEO Helps You Get More Customers
SEO isn’t just about getting your business to rank on Google. It’s about getting the right customers to find you at the exact moment they need your services. Here’s how it works:
1. The Power of Ranking on Google
When someone searches for a tradie, they’re usually ready to book a job immediately. If your business appears at the top of the search results, you have a much higher chance of getting the call.
Think about this:
- The top three results on Google get around 75% of all clicks.
- Hardly anyone clicks past page one. If you’re not there, you’re invisible to potential customers.
2. Local SEO: The Game-Changer for Tradies
Most tradies work within a specific area, so local SEO is crucial. This means optimising your online presence to show up when people search for services in your town or suburb.
Local SEO is especially important because Google prioritises businesses that are nearby. By setting up your Google Business Profile and using location-based keywords, you can rank higher and attract more local customers.
3. SEO Helps You Get More Leads Without Paying for Ads
Google Ads can be effective, but they cost money every time someone clicks. With SEO, you don’t pay per click—once you rank well, you keep getting traffic for free. It’s a long-term investment that continues to bring in customers without constantly increasing your ad spend.
Simple SEO Strategies Any Tradie Can Use
With a few simple steps, you can start ranking higher on Google and attracting more local customers.
1. Optimise Your Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is one of the most powerful tools for getting found online. When someone searches for a tradie near them, Google prioritises local businesses with well-optimised profiles.
Here’s how to make your profile stand out:
- Fill in all your business details (name, address, phone number, website).
- Choose the right service categories (e.g., “Plumber,” “Emergency Plumber,” etc.).
- Add photos of your work—businesses with photos get more clicks.
- Ask happy customers to leave Google reviews (more on this next).
2. Get More Customer Reviews
Google considers reviews a ranking factor, meaning businesses with more positive reviews often show up higher in searches.
How to get more reviews:
- Ask customers directly after completing a job.
- Send a follow-up text with a direct link to your Google review page.
- Offer great service—happy customers are more likely to leave feedback.
Even a handful of good reviews can boost your visibility and increase trust with potential customers.
3. Make Sure Your Website is SEO-Friendly
A well-optimised website helps Google understand what your business does and where you operate. Focus on these key areas:
- Use location-based keywords (e.g., “Electrician in Melbourne”) in your page titles and content.
- List all your services clearly, with a separate page for each if possible.
- Make your contact details easy to find (phone number, email, and contact form).
- Ensure your site loads quickly—slow websites can hurt rankings.
4. Get Listed in Local Directories
Adding your business to online directories can help improve your SEO and get more leads. Some great places to list your trade business include:
- Google Business Profile (most important)
- Yellow Pages
- Oneflare
- Hipages
- ServiceSeeking
- Airtasker
Make sure your business name, phone number, and address are consistent across all listings.
5. Add Helpful Content
Blogs help boost your SEO but they’re not the only way. You can also focus on adding helpful content to your website that answers common customer questions.
Examples:
- FAQ pages (e.g., “How much does an electrician cost in Sydney?”).
- Service pages that explain what you offer in detail.
- Before-and-after photos showcasing your work.
Google rewards websites that provide useful, relevant content, so even small updates can make a difference.
What About Technical SEO? (And Why It Still Matters)
While the tips above help customers find you, technical SEO ensures your website performs well and doesn’t drive them away. It’s all the behind-the-scenes stuff that affects how Google sees your site.
A few key things technical SEO can improve:
- Site speed – A slow site = lost customers
- Mobile friendliness – Most people search on their phones
- Security – Google favours secure (HTTPS) websites
- Crawlability – Making it easy for Google to read and rank your pages
Even if you’re not managing your site yourself, it’s worth having someone check your technical SEO. It’s like having a solid foundation for your house—get it right, and everything else works better.
Get More Customers with Easy SEO Strategies
SEO isn’t about tricking Google. It’s about helping the right people find your business when they need you most.
If your business isn’t showing up online, you’re missing out on jobs you should be winning. By following a few simple steps, like setting up your Google profile, collecting reviews, and improving your website, you can turn Google into your most reliable lead source.
But if you’re short on time or want faster results, that’s where Alchemy Marketing Agency comes in. We specialise in helping tradies grow their businesses with smart, affordable SEO strategies that get results.
Want more leads and better rankings? Contact Alchemy Marketing today for a free SEO strategy session—and let’s get your business where it belongs: at the top of Google.
