Local SEO for plumbers

When someone's toilet is overflowing, they're not browsing. They're searching "plumber near me" and calling the first result. Here's how to be that first result.

Why local SEO matters for plumbers

Consider how customers find plumbers:

• Emergency searches have immediate intent

• 75%+ of clicks go to top 3 results

• Mobile searches lead to same-day calls

• Reviews heavily influence decisions

If you're not visible in local search, you're losing jobs daily.

Google Business Profile: Your most important asset

Your Google Business Profile directly impacts local rankings.

Complete profile checklist:

• Business name (exact legal name)

• Address (physical location or service area)

• Phone number (local number preferred)

• Website URL

• Business hours (include emergency hours)

• Service categories (Plumber, Emergency Plumber)

Service area setup:

• List all suburbs/postcodes you serve

• Be realistic, don't overclaim

• Update as you expand

Photo optimization:

• Logo and cover photo

• Team photos (professional, friendly)

• Truck and vehicle photos

• Before/after job photos

• Office or warehouse (if applicable)

Review strategy

Reviews are crucial for rankings and conversions.

Getting reviews:

• Ask at job completion

• Send follow-up text with direct link

• Include request on invoices

• Train all staff to mention reviews

Review numbers:

• More reviews = better rankings

• Aim for 50+ reviews minimum

• Consistent new reviews signal activity

• Recent reviews matter more

Review response:

• Respond to every review

• Thank positive reviewers by name

• Address negative reviews professionally

• Never argue publicly

Website optimization

Your website supports your local presence.

Local SEO on-page:

• City names in title tags

• Service area pages for each suburb

• Local phone number prominently displayed

• Address in footer

• Embedded Google Map

Content for local SEO:

• Pages for each service type

• Content mentioning local areas

• Customer testimonials with locations

• Local plumbing tips and advice

Technical requirements:

• Mobile-friendly design (critical for emergency searches)

• Fast loading speed

• HTTPS security

• Clean URL structure

Local citations

Consistent listings across the web boost rankings.

Key directories:

• Yelp

• Yellow Pages

• Local business directories

• Trade-specific directories

• Chamber of Commerce

NAP consistency:

• Name, Address, Phone must match exactly everywhere

• Audit existing listings

• Update outdated information

• Remove duplicates

Google Ads for plumbers

Paid ads appear above organic results.

When to use Google Ads:

• Immediate visibility needed

• Competitive market

• Budget available

• Emergency service promotion

Google Ads tips:

• Bid on "plumber [city]" keywords

• Use location targeting strictly

• Create emergency-specific campaigns

• Track calls as conversions

Budget guidance:

• Start with $300-500/month

• Track cost per lead

• Calculate cost per acquired customer

• Scale what's profitable

Tracking success

Measure what matters.

Key metrics:

• Google Business Profile views

• Search queries driving traffic

• Click-to-call from search

• Direction requests

• Website traffic from local search

• Phone call volume and source

Tools:

• Google Business Profile insights

• Google Analytics

• Google Search Console

• Call tracking software

Common mistakes to avoid

Don't sabotage your efforts.

Mistakes:

• Inconsistent business information

• Ignoring negative reviews

• Keyword stuffing

• Fake reviews (Google penalizes this)

• Neglecting mobile experience

• Outdated information

Advanced local SEO

Once basics are covered, level up.

Advanced tactics:

• Schema markup for local business

• Local link building

• Google Posts for promotions

• Q&A optimization

• Video content

Monthly SEO checklist

Weekly:

• Respond to new reviews

• Post Google Business Profile updates

Monthly:

• Check citation accuracy

• Review analytics

• Update photos

• Monitor rankings

Quarterly:

• Comprehensive profile audit

• Competitor analysis

• Strategy adjustment

Key takeaways

• Google Business Profile is your foundation

• Reviews drive rankings and conversions

• Website must support local signals

• Consistent citations matter

• Track and measure everything

• Avoid common mistakes that hurt rankings