How to Rank Higher on Google: A Simple SEO Guide for Tradespeople

Show up higher. Get more calls. Win more work.

In today’s world, if your trades business doesn’t appear on the first page of Google, you’re losing out on work — plain and simple. Whether you're a roofer, plumber, builder or electrician, customers are searching for you online. The good news? You don’t need to be an SEO expert or tech wizard to improve your rankings. You just need to take a few smart steps.

Here’s how to get your business showing up higher on Google — without the fluff.

1. Make Sure Your Website Is Modern and Mobile-Friendly

Before anything else, check your website. If it looks like it was built in 2009 or takes forever to load on a phone, Google will push it down the rankings.

A good trades website should:

• Load in under 3 seconds

• Be easy to navigate on mobile

• Include clear calls to action (e.g. “Call Now”, “Get a Free Quote”)

• Show your phone number and location clearly

• Feature real photos of your work and team

Tip: Use PageSpeed Insights to check how fast your site is. Google takes speed seriously.

2. Claim and Optimise Your Google Business Profile

This is massive. When someone types “plumber near me” or “builder in [your town]”, Google shows a map with top-rated businesses. You want to be there.

Here’s what to do:

• Go to Google Business Profile and claim your listing (if you haven’t already)

• Add your business name, phone, address, and website

• Add categories (e.g. “Electrician”, “Boiler Installer”)

• Upload high-quality photos of your recent jobs

• Post updates every couple of weeks — even short ones

• Get reviews from happy customers (and reply to them!)

Tip: The more active and complete your profile is, the better chance you have of showing up at the top of the map results.

3. Start Posting Useful Content — Yes, That Means Blogging

Blog posts aren’t just for tech startups. They’re one of the easiest ways to tell Google what your site is about and add local keywords.

Here’s how blogs help you rank:

• You can target longer, specific searches like “best roofers in [town]” or “how to fix a leaking toilet”

• They show Google that your site is active

• They increase time spent on your site, which Google loves

• They can help convert casual visitors into leads by showing expertise

Tip: Write one post a month answering common customer questions. Keep it simple, clear, and helpful.

4. Use Local Keywords — Everywhere

Google needs to know where you work. That’s why local keywords are key.

Where to use them:

• Your homepage title (e.g. “Heating Engineer in Bristol | Smith Heating”)

• Headings and subheadings

• Meta descriptions

• Blog posts

• Image filenames (e.g. “fitted-kitchen-manchester.jpg”)

Tip: Don’t just say “plumber” — say “Plumber in Sheffield” or “Emergency plumber in South Yorkshire”.

5. Build Trust With Reviews and Testimonials

Google loves trusted businesses. One of the biggest signals of trust is the number and quality of your reviews — especially on Google.

Easy ways to get more reviews:

• Ask every happy customer (right after the job is done)

• Text them a link to your Google page

• Use printed cards with a QR code that links straight to your review page

Two trusted UK suppliers for QR review cards:

• NiceJob

• Boast

Tip: Even one or two new reviews a month can significantly improve your local rankings over time.

6. Keep Your Info Consistent Everywhere

This one’s often missed. Make sure your business name, phone number, and address are exactly the same on your website, Google profile, Facebook page, and any directories (like Checkatrade or Rated People).

Tip: Inconsistent listings confuse Google — and that means lower rankings.

Final Thoughts

Getting to the top of Google isn’t about gaming the system — it’s about showing that you’re the best, most trustworthy, and most relevant business for what people are searching.

Start with a fast, mobile-friendly site. Set up and update your Google Business Profile. Post useful content. Collect reviews. And make sure your business details are always consistent.

It takes time, but even small changes can lead to big results — like more calls, more quotes, and more jobs.