Local SEO for Contractors and Service Businesses
When someone searches for a plumber, roofer or electrician nearby, Google shows a map and a short list of local businesses first. This guide explains how those results are chosen and what you can do to be included. Nobody can guarantee a ranking, but these steps are the foundation.
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How Google decides who appears in local results
Google has said that local results are based mainly on three things: relevance (how well your profile matches what the person searched for), distance (how close you are to the searcher or the location they typed) and prominence (how well known your business is, based on things like reviews, links and information found around the web).
You can’t change your distance from a customer, but you can influence relevance and prominence, and that is where local SEO work happens.
A local SEO checklist for service businesses
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1
Claim and complete your Google Business Profile
Choose the right primary category, list your services, add your hours, phone number, service area and plenty of real photos.
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2
Keep your business details consistent
Use the same name, address and phone number on your website, your profile and any directories you appear in.
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3
Build a steady stream of reviews
Ask every happy customer and reply to the reviews you receive. See our guide to getting more Google reviews.
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4
Give each service its own page
Separate website pages for the work you want more of help Google match you to specific searches.
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5
Explain where you work
A clear service area on your site and your profile shows where you are available.
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6
Make your site fast and mobile-friendly
Most local searches happen on phones, and slow pages lose visitors.
Want help with the setup?
The Local Accelerator is our one-time $499 local SEO setup for businesses that want help getting these foundations in place, including Google Business Profile optimization and a review request system. It works alongside any website. See what is included.
See Local AcceleratorYour website is part of local SEO
Your Google Business Profile is the main source of map results, but your website supports it. Service pages, a clear service area, fast loading and accurate contact details all help Google understand what you do and where. A managed website covers those basics for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
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