How Can Tradies Dominate Local Search?
G’day, I’m Leigh Reading, founder of Onside Online. With over a decade of experience helping tradies grow their businesses through digital marketing, I’ve seen firsthand how local SEO can transform a trade business. Whether you're a plumber in Brisbane, an electrician on the Sunshine Coast, or a carpenter in Townsville, local SEO is your ticket to being found by customers right when they need you.​

Why Local SEO Matters for Tradies

When someone searches for “plumber near me” or “electrician in Cairns,” you want your business to appear at the top of those search results. Local SEO ensures that your business is visible to potential customers in your area, leading to more calls, more jobs, and more revenue.​

Key Strategies to Dominate Local Search

1. Optimise Your Google Business Profile

Your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is crucial for local visibility. Ensure that:​

  • Your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) are accurate and consistent.

  • You choose the correct business category (e.g., “Plumber,” “Electrician”).

  • You regularly update your profile with photos, posts, and respond to reviews.

A well-optimised profile increases your chances of appearing in the coveted “Local Pack” on Google search results.

2. Conduct Local Keyword Research

Identify the search terms your potential customers use. Tools like Google Keyword Planner can help you find keywords such as “emergency plumber Brisbane” or “solar panel installation Townsville.” Incorporate these keywords naturally into your website content, meta descriptions, and headings.

3. Build Local Citations

Ensure your business is listed in reputable online directories like Yellow Pages, True Local, and industry-specific sites. Consistency in your NAP across these platforms reinforces your business’s legitimacy to search engines.

4. Encourage and Manage Online Reviews

Positive reviews not only build trust with potential customers but also influence your local search rankings. Encourage satisfied clients to leave reviews on your Google Business Profile and other relevant platforms. Respond to reviews promptly to show engagement.

5. Create Location-Specific Content

Develop content that speaks directly to your local audience. This could include blog posts about common plumbing issues in Brisbane’s older homes or tips for maintaining air conditioning units in Cairns’ tropical climate. Such content positions you as a local expert and improves your search visibility.

Real Results: A Case Study

We recently worked with a Sunshine Coast electrician whose website was buried in search results. By optimising their Google Business Profile, conducting targeted keyword research, and creating location-specific content, we boosted their online visibility. Within three months, they saw a 60% increase in website traffic and a significant uptick in service calls.

In Summary

At Onside Online, we specialise in helping tradies like you dominate local search. Our tailored strategies focus on increasing your online visibility, driving more leads, and growing your business.​

Contact us today to learn how we can help you become the go-to tradie in your area.

Leigh from Onside Online