Alright, let's have a real chat. Your day is probably spent on the tools, quoting jobs, and sorting out materials. The last thing on your mind is what people are typing into Google. You’re a tradie—you fix things, you build things. That’s your expertise.

But here’s a thought. What if the phone isn’t ringing as much as you’d like? It might not be your work. It might be because the folks right in your suburb who need your help simply can’t find you online.

Think about it. When your sink is blocked, what’s the first thing you do? You grab your phone and search for “blocked drain plumber near me” or “emergency plumber [Your Town]”. That’s exactly how your future customers are looking for you right now.

Those search terms are called keywords. And getting this right is the core of what we call SEO for tradies. It sounds techy, but it’s not. It’s just about speaking your customer's language so Google can introduce you. Let’s break it down, without the jargon.

Forget the Tech Talk: What Are Keywords Really?

Imagine you’re at the pub and a mate asks what you do. You don’t say, “I perform high-level hydraulic installations and maintenance.” You say, “I’m a plumber,” or “I’m a sparky.”

Keywords are the same. They’re just the words real people use when they’ve got a problem and need a solution. For tradies, these searches are almost always local. Nobody is shipping a bricklayer in from three states away. They want someone local, someone they can trust.

These local keywords usually mix three things:

• What you do:(plumber, electrician, landscaper)
• Where you do it:(your suburb, city, or region)
• Their problem:("emergency," "repair," "fix," "install")

When you combine them, you get the exact phrases your ideal customers are using every single day.

Why This Should Matter to You

You might be the best tradie in the state, but if you’re invisible online, you’re missing a huge pile of work. Most people find their trades through a quick search. If you’re not showing up, they’re calling your competitor.

Here’s the good news: you have a massive advantage. Big national companies can try to win broad searches like “plumbing,” but they’ll never beat you for “leaking tap repair in Frankston.” You’re the local expert. You live and work there.

Getting your local keywords  right is like putting up a giant, flashing billboard on the digital main street of your town, but it’s free. This is the power of SEO for tradies. It’s not a fancy ad you have to keep paying for; it’s groundwork you do once that keeps bringing in calls for years.

What Are People Actually Searching For?

Customers don’t search like a textbook. They search like someone with a messy problem. Here’s what they’re actually typing in:

1. The “I Need Help Right Now” Search
   This person is in a panic. A pipe has burst, the power is out, or the lock is broken.

• What they type:“emergency plumber near me”, “24/7 electrician”, “urgent roof repair”
• Why it’s gold:These customers are ready to book now and often need premium, urgent service.

2. The “Service + Town” Search
   This is your bread and butter. It’s direct and tells you exactly what they want.

• What they type:“carpenter Newcastle”, “gutter cleaning Hornsby”, “paving Melbourne”
• Why it works:It’s specific. They know their problem and they want a local pro to solve it.

3. The “I Have This Weird Problem” Search
   Sometimes people don’t know the technical name for things. They just describe the symptom.

• What they type:“tap dripping constantly”, “power keeps tripping”, “fence is wobbly”
• Why it works:If your website talks about these common problems, you look like a hero who understands them before they even call.

How to Find Your Magic Words (No Degree Required)

You don’t need expensive software to figure this out. Just use these tricks:

• Ask Your Customers:Next time you finish a job, just ask, “Out of interest, how’d you find me?” You’ll get straight-up answers.
• Let Google Do the Work:Start typing your main service into Google. See what pops up. Try “electrician Perth…” and watch Google suggest “electrician Perth northern suburbs” or “electrician Perth free quote.” These are all real, popular searches!
• Scroll Down:After you search, look at the “People also ask” and “Related searches” sections. It’s a goldmine of what other people are wondering.

Where to Put These Words So People Find You

Knowing the words is one thing. You’ve gotta put them in the right spots.

Your Google Business Profile: This is #1.
This is your free listing on Google Maps. It’s the most important tool for SEO for tradies. If you do nothing else, do this:

• Make sure your business name, address, and phone number are 100% correct.
• Choose the right category (e.g., Plumber, Electrician).
• List every single suburb you service.
• Add loads of photos—your van, your team, your best work. Pictures sell.

On Your Website:

• Page Titles:The title of your homepage shouldn’t just be “Home.” Make it “Dave's Electrical | Electrician Serving the Sunshine Coast”.
• Service Pages:Have a page for each main service. A page for “Blocked Drains” and another for “Hot Water System Installation”. Use the keywords naturally in the text.
• Contact Page:Have a big, clear list: “We proudly service: Suburb A, Suburb B, Suburb C, and surrounding areas.”

Getting this right is what effective SEO for tradies is all about. It’s just clear communication.

Your No-Sweat Action Plan

Don’t get overwhelmed. Just do these few things this week:

1. Jot it Down:Grab a coffee and a notepad. Write down your top 3 services and the top 10 suburbs you work in. Mix and match them. That’s your starter list of keywords.
2. Google Yourself:Pretend you’re a customer. Search for those phrases. See who shows up. What can you learn from the other guys?
3. Claim Your Google Spot:If you haven’t already, set up your Google Business Profile. If you have one, log in and make sure every single section is filled out perfectly. Add some new photos.
4. Tweak Your Website:Update your homepage title. Make sure your “Areas Served” list is easy to find. It’s that simple.

This isn’t about tricking Google. It’s about helping Google connect you with your community. It’s the simplest form of SEO for tradies.

Wrapping It Up

You didn’t start your business to become a computer whiz. You started it to be a great tradie. But think of this as just another tool in your toolkit—like your favourite drill or spirit level. It’s a tool for getting your name out there.

By spending a small amount of time understanding what your neighbours are searching for, you stop waiting for the phone to ring and start making it ring. You’ll get more calls from people you actually want to work for, right in your own backyard.

That’s the real-world goal of SEO for tradies: less time worrying about where the next job is coming from, and more time doing the work you love. Now get out there and get found.