Local SEO that actually makes sense for trades — no 12-month contracts, no fluff, just practical help getting found on Google Maps.
Message Phil on WhatsAppTrades search behaviour is different. Your customers aren't browsing websites or comparing features — they're in a panic at 9pm because their boiler's broken, or they need an electrician today before the building inspector shows up.
That's why Google Maps matters more than websites for trades. When someone searches "plumber near me" or "electrician Belfast", they don't see your website first — they see the Map Pack. Those 3 businesses at the top with reviews, stars, and a phone number they can click right now.
Generic SEO doesn't work for trades. Corporate agencies will sell you the same package they sell to law firms and restaurants — and wonder why it doesn't work. Local SEO for trades is different. It's about getting found fast, building trust instantly, and getting the phone ringing from people who need you right now.
When someone's tap won't stop leaking or their electrics have tripped, they don't care about your website copy or your company history. They want someone who:
That's why your ultra-local visibility matters more than anything else. You don't need to rank across the whole country — you need to dominate your 10-20 mile radius.
Most "SEO experts" obsess over getting you to #1 on Google. That's the wrong focus for trades.
Why? Because when someone searches for a trade service, they don't even see the #1 organic result first. They see the Map Pack — those 3 businesses with the map, reviews, and click-to-call button.
The numbers don't lie:
Your website matters for credibility — but if you're not in the Map Pack, most people will never see it. That's why local SEO for trades focuses on Google Maps first.
You're not McDonald's. You don't have a multimillion-pound brand. And that's fine.
What you need instead are trust signals — the things that make someone think "yeah, I'll call this person" instead of scrolling past.
Trust signals for trades:
These signals tell Google and customers that you're legit, you're active, and you're worth calling. That's what moves the needle for trades — not your logo or tagline.
Local SEO for trades isn't complicated — but it needs to be done properly. Here's what actually makes a difference to your rankings and calls:
This is the foundation everything else builds on. Your Google Business Profile needs to be 100% complete, accurate, and optimised with the right information.
What "properly optimised" actually means:
If your profile isn't sorted properly, nothing else will work. That's why Google Business Profile optimisation is step one for every trade I work with.
Reviews are the #1 ranking factor for local SEO. Google wants to show businesses that customers trust — and reviews are the clearest signal of that.
What matters:
I set up simple, automated systems that make getting reviews easy — no awkward asking, just a smooth process that gets results.
Google needs to know exactly what you do and where you do it. Vague information = vague rankings.
What this means:
Inconsistent information confuses Google and tanks your rankings. I audit and fix this for every trade I work with — it's one of the most common issues I see.
Here's what most people get wrong: SEO isn't a one-time job. Google rewards businesses that stay active and engaged.
What "ongoing activity" looks like:
Profiles that stay active rank higher. It's that simple. That's why I don't just "set up" your profile and disappear — I keep it alive and working for you.
I don't overcomplicate this. I focus on what actually works for trades — not generic SEO tactics that waste your time and money. You get practical, honest help that gets results without the waffle. That's why Google Business Profile optimisation is at the heart of everything I do for trades.
I work with all kinds of UK trades who need more calls from Google — here are the most common ones:
Emergency plumbers, boiler repair, bathroom fitting, drainage — if people are searching "plumber near me" in your area, you need to be showing up.
From rewiring to fuse board upgrades to emergency callouts — people need electricians fast, and they're searching Google Maps to find them.
Extensions, renovations, loft conversions, general building work — if you're competing for local building jobs, you need to be visible on Google Maps.
Boiler repairs, central heating installations, gas safety checks — people search for heating engineers in a panic when their heating breaks down in winter.
Really, any trade that relies on local customers finding them on Google — if people search your trade + your town, I can help you get more visible.
If your customers search for your trade + your location on Google, local SEO for trades will work for you. No matter what trade you're in, the principles are the same — get visible, build trust, get calls.
I'm not an agency. I'm not here to sell you a 12-month package you don't need. Here's why trades actually stick with me:
I don't talk about "synergies" or "leveraging ecosystems". I talk about getting your phone ringing.
When I say "your profile needs optimising" — I mean your categories are wrong and your photos are blurry. Not some vague corporate nonsense.
Bottom line: You'll always know exactly what I'm doing, why I'm doing it, and what results to expect. No smoke and mirrors.
Most agencies lock you into 6, 12, or even 24-month contracts. I don't.
You work with me month-to-month — if it's working, great. If it's not, you're free to stop. No penalties, no hassle.
Why? Because I'm confident in my work. If you're not getting results, you shouldn't have to keep paying me. Simple as that.
Other agencies will send you 40-page PDF reports full of graphs you don't understand. Not me.
I care about one thing: Is your phone ringing more?
What I track:
You get WhatsApp updates in plain English — no confusing dashboards, no jargon, just clear information about what's working.
Agencies treat you like a number on a spreadsheet. I treat you like a human being running a business who wants more calls.
No jargon. No contracts. No waffle. Just practical help getting your phone ringing from people who need your services.
That's why local SEO for trades works when it's done right — and why trades stick with me instead of bouncing between agencies.
Common questions about local SEO for trades
Let's chat about how local SEO can get you more calls from the customers who need you most. No pressure, no sales pitch — just a friendly conversation.
Message Phil on WhatsAppNo pressure. No contracts. Just honest advice.