There are so many contracting companies out there, as well as freelancers. One of the best ways to beat your competition and find new customers is online. Even if you have the best local reputation, you still need to be found online. Here are simple SEO tips for contractors to help your site be more search engine friendly.
#1 Know Your Keywords
It’s incredibly important to know what people are searching for before you start putting yourself out there. Nothing is less effective than using the wrong bait for the wrong fish. So, first things first, look into what other contractors are using and search online for what works best for your business and area. Using these keywords in your website as well as for your AdWords, will help you get further reach.
#2 Make Sure to Have Local Map Citations!!!
Google and other search engines favour sites that have maps embedded in them. It proves that you are relevant to the keyword searched and provides more authenticity. This is also an added benefit for your customers to know where you are. This is a simple process, making it easier for you to be visible on the first page of Google.
#3 Name Your Images
When you upload an image to your website, the name of that image matters. For example, if the image is named image0991.jpeg, google will index it as such. Before you upload any image, it’s highly recommended to change its name to something with a keyword and/or your company name and location in it. For example, if you are a foundation repair business, write specific keywords related to the foundation and the picture context. This will be an easy way to help boost your SEO efforts.
#4 Use Multiple Platforms
Google often crawls your site to see how much authority your website has. A great way to catch Google’s eye is to have multiple links that mention your business. For example, your Instagram and Facebook accounts. Each post on your social media is like its own mini-website that Google will comb through. With that in mind, mentioning your business on other platforms like social bookmarking or article sites will help you as well.
#5 Optimize for Voice Search
With the rise of smart devices like Alexa, Google Home, and Siri, voice search is becoming a crucial part of SEO. Voice search queries are often longer and conversational. For example, instead of typing “plumber Toronto,” users might ask, “Who is the best plumber near me in Toronto?”
To optimize for voice search:
- Use natural language in your website content.
- Focus on long-tail keywords and questions.
- Implement an FAQ page that addresses common queries.
Fact: By 2025, experts predict that 50% of all online searches will be voice-based, making it critical to tailor your content for this growing trend.
#6 Leverage Structured Data (Schema Markup)
Structured data helps search engines better understand your website content, enhancing the chance of appearing in rich snippets or local packs. For contractors, this could mean showcasing reviews, services, or even pricing directly in search results.
Example:
If you’re a roofing contractor, using schema markup can help Google display:
- Your customer ratings (e.g., ★★★★★ 4.9/5).
- Details about your services, such as “Free Estimates Available.”
- Business hours or special offers, like “20% off roof inspections.”
Adding structured data increases your click-through rates by making your listing more attractive and informative.
#7 Focus on Page Experience and Core Web Vitals
Google’s Core Web Vitals are essential ranking factors. They measure:
- Loading Speed (Largest Contentful Paint – LCP): Your site should load within 2.5 seconds.
- Interactivity (First Input Delay – FID): Your site should respond to user actions within 100ms.
- Visual Stability (Cumulative Layout Shift – CLS): Your site layout should not shift unexpectedly.
How to Improve:
- Compress images and use next-gen formats like WebP.
- Enable browser caching and use a Content Delivery Network (CDN).
- Ensure mobile responsiveness; over 70% of contractor-related searches are now done on mobile devices.
Example:
A landscaping contractor with a fast-loading site and mobile-friendly design will retain more visitors compared to a competitor with a slow, clunky site.
Implementing these advanced SEO strategies will help you stay ahead in the competitive contractor market. Focus on user experience, embrace emerging technologies like voice search, and ensure your content is search engine-friendly to drive more traffic and leads!
Essential SEO Tips for Contractors to Boost Online Visibility
Growing your business has a lot to do with the online world now and has for a long time. So, utilize SEO to get in front of the right prospects. With these SEO tips for contractors, you will be able to stand out a little more, get hired by the people you want and stay ahead of your competition.
If you need help with your SEO tactics for your local contracting company, please contact us today. Get a free game plan!
