Local SEO tips for contractors will help improve their search visibility and attract more customers.
Local SEO targets searches for a particular area or “near me.” You want your business to show up at the top of the search results when people search for contractors in their area.
These results are known as the Local Pack results (the results when people search for your type of business in that area). For example, if you search “web design danville il” you can see the Local Pack results below:
Follow these 10 simple local SEO tips for contractors to improve your search rankings.
1. Have a consistent NAP
Before you start filling out different profiles or creating new pages on your website, it is important to decide on the format for your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) to ensure consistency across websites.
Having your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) consistent on each website is important because it allows search engines to connect each mention of your business and avoids duplicate listings. It also establishes authority, which can help with rankings and your local reputation.
To ensure consistency, write your name, address, and phone number the exact same way each time. Don’t shorten or use acronyms on one and not the others, such as N. Rd vs. North Road.
For your number, use the same format (such as only numbers, dashes, or parentheses).
Also, check for spelling mistakes or typos.
2. Optimize your Google Business Profile
The next step is to optimize your Google Business Profile (GBP).
The Google Business Profile is free and easy to set up. It is great for local SEO and establishing your online presence.
The Google Business Profile is the neat box that appears on the right side when you Google a business:
Your Google Business Profile is also connected to Google Maps, so you will appear when people search on maps.
First, you need to set up your profile. Go to the Google Business Profile Manager. From there, you can search for your business and claim it. If it doesn’t exist, you can create a new listing by selecting “Add your business to Google.”
Next, you need to optimize your profile so that you can rank at the top the Google Map Pack or Local Pack results.
To optimize your Google Business Profile:
- Include your business name, address, and phone number
- Add other contact info, like website and email address
- Add business category
- Put your operating hours
- Add photos
- Describe your business (include keywords and your unique value proposition), the products and services you offer, and any updates
- Encourage reviews
- Interact with messages and reviews
- Keep updated
Learn more tips for Google Business Profile optimization.
3. Optimize your Bing Places Profile
Google is not the only search engine. It is also a good practice to set up and optimize your Bing Places Profile (the box that appears on Bing when you search for a business):
Go to Bing Places for Business either claim your business or add a new one if it doesn’t exist.
From there, use the same checklist you used for your Google Business Profile to optimize your Bing Places Profile.
4. Optimize your Yelp listing
Another site all businesses want to be on is Yelp. Create a free Yelp Page. There is no need to pay for any upgrades—with the free page, you can add all your business contact info, include information about your products and services, and respond to messages and reviews.
5. Sign up on other relevant directory websites
There are other directory websites that customers may use to find contractors, but some of them charge a price. Sign up for the ones that are applicable to your business. Some of these include:
- Angi
- Better Business Bureau
- Construct Connect
- Dodge Construction Network
- Facebook Business Page
- Foursquare
- Home Advisor
- Local Chamber of Commerce
- Yellow Pages
On each website, include all your contact info (remember to be consistent) and information about your business.
Being on these directories is useful because it allows people to find you through a website they already trust and increases your visibility. Additionally, good reviews will help build your credibility.
Learn more about the benefits of local citations.
6. Avoid AI content
It is important that you use original text and original images/videos when adding to your website.
AI content can be factually inaccurate, is not unique, and will not be in your brand’s voice.
You want to build your credibility and for potential customers to get to know and trust you, so you need to focus on writing original text and adding original images or videos to show what your business offers.
Learn more about why human writing for website copy is better than AI.
7. Create a page for each service and location
Businesses need location-specific pages for each location they cover. Create pages for 1 service in 1 location (for example roof repair services in Austin, Texas).
Optimize each page with relevant information and local keywords. Include a call to action, like them calling, scheduling an appointment or consultation, or giving their contact info to get a quote.
8. Create a blog
Create a blog on your website to build credibility, incorporate more keywords naturally, keep your site active, and educate your audience.
Write about your industry, including tips, advice, guides, how-tos, local events, news, and common issues or questions in your area. Make sure to include keywords that people are searching for so you can expand your audience.
After you publish these blog posts, post them on your Google Business Profile and social media channels.
9. Utilize internal linking
Now that you have all your service pages and blog posts, don’t forget to link between them.
According to Backlinko, internal linking helps SEO because it helps Google find and understand all the pages on your website and sends them page authority.
Take advantage of this by linking to your sales/services pages to give them more authority and show their importance.
10. Hire professional SEO experts
Now that you know the best local SEO tips for contractors, you can see the work needed to improve your search rankings.
Local SEO is too important to ignore, so consider hiring a professional. It is an investment in your business that can improve your online presence and get your business more leads.
Here at AWEBCO, we offer website design so you can get your website, service pages, and blog set up. We also offer SEO services to ensure your website targets local keywords, and we can add optimized content to your blog.
Additionally, AWEBCO offers a local listing service to sign your business up on different directory websites (including your Google, Bing, and Yelp profiles) and ensure your NAP is accurate on the different websites.
Call us at 217-903-5999, or contact us online to learn more about how we can help your local SEO!
