If you’re not showing up in local search results, you’re losing business to competitors who are. Homeowners and businesses looking for a plumber usually turn to Google, and most will choose from the top three search results—also known as the Google Local Pack.
That’s where local SEO comes in. It helps plumbing companies rank higher, appear on Google Maps, and attract customers who are ready to book services. Unlike paid ads, which stop generating leads when the budget runs out, local SEO builds long-term visibility and keeps your phone ringing without constant ad spend.
Let’s go over the best local SEO strategies to help you dominate your service area. And if you need expert help, Red Palm Marketing specializes in helping plumbers rank higher and get more local leads.
Optimize Your Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile (GBP), formerly known as Google My Business, is one of the most important ranking factors for local searches. A well-optimized profile can get you more calls, website visits, and customer inquiries.
Steps to optimize your GBP:
- Make sure your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) are correct and match other listings online.
- Add high-quality photos of your team, equipment, and completed jobs.
- List all services you offer, including emergency plumbing, drain cleaning, and water heater installation.
- Post updates and promotions regularly to keep your profile active.
- Encourage customer reviews and respond to every review, good or bad.
The more complete and active your Google Business Profile is, the better your chances of appearing in local search results.
Use Local Keywords on Your Website
Your website needs to target keywords that reflect what people in your area are searching for. Instead of just using “plumbing services,” include location-based phrases like:
- Emergency plumber in [Your City]
- Water heater repair in [Your Neighborhood]
- Best drain cleaning service near me
Where to include local keywords:
- Page titles and meta descriptions
- Service pages and blog posts
- Image alt text and URLs
- FAQs and testimonials
If you’re not sure how to properly optimize your site for local searches, Red Palm Marketing can help with keyword research and on-page SEO strategies.
Get Listed in Online Directories
Citations, which are mentions of your business name, address, and phone number across different websites, help improve your local SEO. The more consistent your information is, the more trust Google places in your business.
Key directories to list your plumbing business:
- Google Business Profile
- Yelp
- Angi (formerly Angie’s List)
- HomeAdvisor
- Local Chamber of Commerce websites
Make sure all details match exactly across these platforms. Even small differences, like abbreviating “Street” as “St.” in one listing but not another, can hurt your rankings.
Encourage More Customer Reviews
Google considers online reviews as a ranking factor for local search results. Businesses with more positive reviews often rank higher and get more clicks.
How to get more reviews:
- Ask customers for a review right after completing a job.
- Send follow-up texts or emails with a direct link to leave a review.
- Offer a small incentive, like a discount on a future service.
- Respond to all reviews, thanking happy customers and addressing any concerns professionally.
Managing reviews can take time, but Red Palm Marketing offers reputation management services to help you collect and respond to them efficiently.
Optimize Your Website for Mobile Users
Most people searching for a plumber are using their phones. If your website isn’t mobile-friendly, you’re losing potential customers.
Ways to improve mobile usability:
- Make sure your site loads in under three seconds.
- Use a click-to-call button so customers can contact you instantly.
- Keep forms short and easy to fill out.
- Use large, readable fonts and simple navigation.
A well-optimized mobile site improves user experience and increases the chances of customers calling you instead of a competitor.
Leverage Local Link Building
Backlinks from other trusted local websites can boost your authority and improve your local rankings.
Ways to get local backlinks:
- Partner with other home service businesses and exchange links.
- Sponsor local events or charities and get listed on their websites.
- Write guest posts for local blogs or news sites.
- Get featured on “Best Plumbers in [Your City]” lists.
Building local links takes time, but it helps establish your credibility and improve search rankings over the long term.
Get More Local Plumbing Leads with SEO
Local SEO is one of the best ways to attract more leads and grow your plumbing business. By optimizing your Google Business Profile, using local keywords, getting listed in directories, and encouraging customer reviews, you can dominate your service area and stay ahead of the competition.
If you don’t have the time or expertise to handle SEO on your own, Red Palm Marketing specializes in helping plumbing businesses rank higher and get more local customers.
Want to dominate your service area? Contact Red Palm Marketing today and start generating more plumbing leads!