5 SEO Mistakes That Are Killing Your Local Business (And How to Fix Them)

For folks in the skilled trades - plumbing, mechanic, electrician, general contractors, etc. Learn how to improve your SEO with explicit steps.

Let's cut through the tech jargon and talk about why customers might not be finding your business online. I've seen plenty of hardworking folks make these mistakes, but don't worry - they're pretty easy to fix.

The "Set It and Forget It" Website

Look, throwing up a website five years ago and never touching it again is like putting up a billboard and letting it fade in the sun. Google loves fresh content, and your customers want to see what you're up to. Take 15 minutes every month to add some new photos of your recent work, update your service list, or share some customer success stories. Even a simple "check out this deck we just finished" or "here's how we fixed this tricky plumbing problem" can make a big difference.

Missing or Messed Up Google Business Profile

This is like having your shop's phone number written wrong in the phone book (remember those?). Your Google Business Profile (what used to be called Google My Business) is your digital storefront. If you haven't claimed it, someone else might be controlling your business info online. Or worse - your competitors might be showing up instead of you. Make sure your hours, phone number, and address are spot-on accurate. And hey, those customer reviews on Google? They're worth their weight in gold.

Ignoring Your Local Area in Your Website Text

Here's the thing - if you're a plumber in Cincinnati, your website needs to actually say "Cincinnati plumber" somewhere. I know it seems obvious, but you'd be surprised how many people forget this. Mention your service areas naturally throughout your site. Instead of just "We offer quality plumbing services," say "We offer quality plumbing services throughout the Cincinnati metro area, including Newport and Covington."

Not Getting Customer Reviews (Or Ignoring Bad Ones)

Think about it - when's the last time you hired someone without checking their reviews? Your potential customers are doing the same thing. Make it a habit to ask happy customers to leave you a quick review. And if you get a bad one? Don't ignore it - respond professionally and try to make it right. This shows future customers that you care about making things right when they go wrong.

Using Fancy Words Instead of Real Talk

Stop trying to sound like a corporate website. If you're a roofer, your customers are searching for "fix leaky roof" not "residential precipitation damage mitigation services." Write your website the way you'd explain things to a customer in person. Use the same words your customers use when they call you with problems. Google's pretty smart these days - it knows that "busted hot water heater" and "malfunctioning water heating unit" mean the same thing.

The Bottom Line

You don't need to be a computer whiz to get this stuff right. Just remember - your website should make it dead simple for local customers to find you, understand what you do, and get in touch. Keep it updated, keep it real, and make sure your Google listing is on point.

Want help getting your business found online? Reach out to Trades CXO. We specialize in helping local plumbers, mechanics, electricians, and contractors with the advertising and bookkeeping. Book a free 30-minute consultation or email us at hello@tradescxo.com.