SEO for Plumbers: Why It Matters and How to Implement It

As a plumbing business owner, it's understandable that search engine optimization (SEO) is one of your least priorities. 

However, having an online presence is a requirement if you want to thrive in your industry.

This means you should set up a plumbing website to make your business more discoverable and implement an SEO strategy to drive traffic to that site.

Let's talk about SEO for plumbers and why plumbing companies need to be visible online.

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The Importance of SEO for Plumbers

SEO for plumbers is like listing your business on a yellow page. But since we don't use telephone directories anymore, people turn to the Internet to find the products/services they need.

It’s important because it's one way to "list" your business in an online directory like Google Business Profile.

This is where people will find information about your plumbing company's website such as the location, contact information, and reviews.

If you haven't set up your Google My Business Profile, you're losing out on potential customers.

Local SEO and Google My Business Profile

Local SEO is about making your plumbing business more visible to customers within your location. As a plumbing business owner, you want to prioritize local SEO because this will give more foot traffic to your storefront.

For example, if a customer searches "plumber near me" on Google and your local SEO is dialed down, your business will appear on the results pages.

This is where a Google My Business Profile will come in handy for local plumbers.

What Is a Google My Business Profile?

It's basically a free online directory from Google that makes your plumbing business easier to find.

It works on Google Search and Maps to help customers locate your business, making it a very powerful tool for local businesses.

How to Setup Your Google My Business Profile

Setting up your Google My Business Profile is easy. Just make sure to follow these instructions:

• Sign in to your Google account: Use your existing Google account or create a new one.
• Visit Google My Business: Go to the Google My Business website and click "Manage now."
• Enter business name: Type your business name and select it if it appears in the dropdown.
• Choose a business category: Pick the category that best fits your business to help Google show your listing in relevant searches. In your case, it will be the “plumber” category.
• Add location: Enter your business address if you have a physical location or specify a service area.
• Fill in contact details: Provide your business phone number and website URL.
• Verify your business: Choose a verification method (usually a postcard sent to your business address) and follow the steps to complete verification.
• Edit your business profile: Add photos, business hours, and a description to make your profile more appealing.

Once you've set up your Google My Business profile, the next step is to shift your attention towards other SEO strategies for your plumbing business.

Keyword Research for Plumbers

Keyword research forms an integral part of any SEO strategy. 

Keywords can be broadly categorized into two types: those with hiring intent and those with research intent.

• Hiring intent keywords: These are the terms potential customers use when they are ready to hire a plumber. Examples include "emergency plumbing services near me," "24-hour plumbing service," and "best plumbers in [location]." These keywords indicate a high level of intent to engage in a professional service immediately.
• Research intent keywords: These keywords are used by individuals looking for information about plumbing issues but who may not yet be ready to hire a plumber. Examples include "How to fix a leaky faucet," "DIY plumbing tips," and "common plumbing problems."

Keyword intent reveals the purpose behind a user's search, whether they are looking for information, seeking a service, or ready to make a purchase.

When the intent is recognized, plumbing businesses can tailor their content to meet the specific needs of potential customers.

This alignment ensures the website attracts the right audience, leading to higher engagement and conversion rates.

Use Keyword Tools Like Rankify to Find Relevant Keywords

Plumbing businesses rely on keyword tools to excel in SEO because they provide insights into what potential customers are searching for online.

One way to achieve this is by using keyword tools like Rankify to conduct your keyword research.

With Rankify, plumbing businesses gain access to accurate keyword data, competitive analysis, and actionable insights, all of which contribute to more effective SEO campaigns. You get:

• Local keyword research: Identifies high-performing local keywords to improve visibility in specific geographic areas.
• Competitor analysis: Provides insights into competitors' keyword strategies and performance, allowing businesses to refine their SEO tactics.
• Search volume data: Offers accurate search volume data to help prioritize keywords based on their potential impact.
• Keyword difficulty score: Measures the difficulty of ranking for specific keywords and helps businesses choose the most achievable targets.
• Content suggestions: Generates blog topics and FAQ ideas based on popular keywords to improve content relevance and engagement.

Content Creation Strategy for Plumbing Businesses

So, you've found the keywords you want to target. The next step is to incorporate them into your content.

Content creation is your bread and butter when it comes to SEO as you'll be able to drive organic, high-quality traffic to your plumbing website.

Creating content doesn't mean you have to be a prolific writer. You just have to follow these simple tips:

Write Informative and Engaging Content for Plumbing Websites

You want to provide value and engage the reader when creating content. Start with clear, concise language that addresses common plumbing issues like "how to fix a faucet leak" or "how to unclog a drain."

Use headlines and bullet points to make the content easy to scan. Highlight practical tips and expert advice that homeowners can use to prevent plumbing problems or know when to call a professional.

Incorporate keywords naturally to improve search engine ranking, but focus on providing real value to your audience.

Answer frequently asked questions, and use real-life examples to illustrate points. Engaging content builds trust and positions your business as a reliable resource.

Showcase Expertise with Your Website Pages

Use your web pages to showcase your expertise as a plumber. This will not only catch the attention of your audience but also establish you as a reputable plumbing business in your location.

About Page

• Tell your story: Share the history of your plumbing business, including how and why it was founded. Highlight the journey and growth to build a connection with your audience.
• Highlight credentials: List any certifications, licenses, and awards your company has received. This adds credibility and demonstrates your expertise.
• Customer testimonials: Include quotes from satisfied customers. Testimonials build trust and provide social proof of your quality service.

Plumbing Blog

• Industry insights: Write posts about the latest trends in plumbing. Show that your business is updated on the innovations and technologies in the plumbing trade.
• Practical advice: Offer tips and solutions for common plumbing issues. Helping your audience with useful information positions you as a knowledgeable authority.
• Engagement: Encourage readers to leave comments and ask questions. This promotes engagement and creates strong connections with users who visit your site.

Service Page

• Detailed descriptions: Outline the plumbing services you offer, explaining each one in detail. This helps potential customers understand exactly what you can do for them.
• Benefits and expertise: Highlight the benefits of choosing your services and mention any special expertise or techniques you employ. This sets you apart from competitors.
• Call to action: Include a strong call to action, urging visitors to contact you for their plumbing needs. Provide contact information to help customers reach you better.

Create Content That Is Both Shareable and Linkable

Content must resonate with your audience to be shareable and linkable. Create content that is relevant to your audience's needs and interests.

It's also important to diversify your content format to make things more interesting. Infographics, how-to guides, and video tutorials are some good examples.

Partner with other websites, bloggers, or local businesses to create content that they will want to link to. Incorporate calls to action that encourage readers to share your posts on social media.

On-Page Optimization Strategies

Once you're done creating content, the next step is to implement on-page SEO strategies.

On-page SEO is like making your website a well-organized, inviting store so that search engines and visitors can easily find what they need.

To do this, you'll need to optimize the following elements:

Title Tags, Meta Descriptions, and Header Tags

Title tags, meta descriptions, and header tags play a pivotal role in on-page SEO. Here's a simple explanation of them:

• Title tags: Title tags are HTML elements that specify the title of a webpage. They appear in search engine results as clickable headlines and are crucial for both SEO and user experience. They help search engines understand the page content.
• Meta descriptions: Meta descriptions are brief summaries of a webpage's content that appear in search engine results below the title tag. They are important for attracting clicks by providing a concise and compelling overview of what users can expect on the page.
• Header tags: Header tags (H1, H2, H3, etc.) are HTML elements used to define headings and subheadings within a webpage. They organize content hierarchically, making it easier for users to read and for search engines to understand the structure and key points of the page.

Title Tags

To optimize title tags for on-page SEO, ensure each title tag is unique, descriptive, and includes relevant keywords near the beginning.

Keep them within 50-60 characters to avoid truncation in search engine results.

Create titles that accurately represent the page content and entice users to click, balancing keyword usage with readability and appeal.

Meta Descriptions

Optimizing meta descriptions involves writing concise, compelling summaries that include target keywords naturally.

Aim for 150-160 characters to ensure the entire description is visible in search results. Highlight the value or unique aspects of the content to encourage clicks, and use a clear call-to-action when appropriate.

While meta descriptions don't directly impact rankings, they do affect click-through rates, so make sure to create meta descriptions that capture your audience's attention.

Header Tags

Header tags (H1, H2, H3, etc.) structure the content, making it easier for search engines to understand the page hierarchy.

The H1 tag should reflect the main topic, while the H2 and H3 tags can break down the content into subtopics.

This not only improves readability but also enhances keyword placement, helping search engines index the page more effectively.

Optimize Website URLs, Content, and Structure for Local Search

For plumbing businesses, local search optimization is essential. Begin with clean, descriptive URLs that include relevant keywords and avoid unnecessary numbers or characters.

This practice helps users and search engines understand what the page is about. Content should be tailored to the local audience, including specific city or neighborhood names where services are offered. This can improve visibility in local search results.

Make sure that the website structure is logical and user-friendly as well. Use schema markup to provide search engines with detailed information about the business, such as location, hours, and services.

Creating dedicated service pages and a robust “Contact Us” page with a Google Maps embed can further boost local SEO efforts.

Clear Hierarchy of Pages with Categories and Subcategories

A well-organized website hierarchy is fundamental for both user experience and SEO. A clear hierarchy helps search engines crawl and index the site efficiently, improving visibility in search results.

For a plumbing business, you should categorize services into main sections (e.g., residential, commercial) and further divide them into subcategories (e.g., leak repairs, pipe installations).

Each category and subcategory should have a dedicated page with relevant content and keywords.

This aids search engines in understanding the site’s structure and also makes it easier for users to find the information they need.

Implementing breadcrumbs can enhance navigation, showing users their path within the site and helping search engines establish a clear content relationship.

Technical SEO Checklist

While technical SEO may sound intimidating, you don't need to make it as technical as it sounds. Focus on these key areas:

Site Architecture, Mobile-Friendliness, and Page Speed

Proper site architecture ensures that your plumbing website is well-organized and easy for search engines to crawl.

A logical structure helps search engines index your pages more efficiently, which can lead to better rankings.

For users, a clear and intuitive navigation system improves their experience, making it easier for them to find the services they need.

Mobile-friendliness is crucial, given the increasing number of users accessing websites via mobile devices. A responsive design ensures that your site looks and functions well on all screen sizes.

Google prioritizes mobile-friendly websites in its rankings, making it essential for your SEO strategy.

Page speed significantly impacts user experience and search engine rankings. Slow-loading pages frustrate users, leading to higher bounce rates.

Search engines like Google use page speed as a ranking factor, so optimizing for speed can improve your visibility and user satisfaction.

Website Technicalities (HTTPS and XML Sitemaps)

Securing your plumbing website with HTTPS is essential for both security and SEO. HTTPS encrypts data between the user's browser and your server, protecting sensitive information.

Search engines prefer secure sites, often ranking them higher than non-secure ones. Users also trust secure websites more, which can improve your conversion rates.

An XML sitemap is a vital tool for technical SEO. It provides search engines with a roadmap of your website, helping them find and index all your pages efficiently.

Make sure your XML sitemap is up-to-date and submitted to search engines like Google to enhance your site's crawlability and visibility.

Website Speed

Optimizing image sizes can drastically improve your website's loading speed. Large images slow down page load times, leading to a poor user experience.

Use tools to compress images without losing quality, ensuring your pages load quickly and smoothly.

Upgrading your hosting plan can also make a significant difference in your website's performance. A reliable and fast hosting provider ensures your site handles traffic efficiently and reduces downtime.

Investing in a better hosting service can lead to faster load times and a more stable website.

Browser caching stores some website resources locally on the user's device. This reduces the need to reload the entire page on subsequent visits.

Caching can significantly speed up load times for returning visitors, enhancing their experience and encouraging them to stay on your site longer.

Off-Page SEO Strategies

Off-page SEO is about actions taken outside your website to improve its ranking on search engines like Google. Imagine you have a shop, and you're trying to get more people to visit.

Off-page SEO is like getting other people to talk about your shop and recommend it to their friends. Here's how you can achieve that:

Build High-Quality Backlinks and Citations

Building high-quality backlinks and citations plays a pivotal role in a plumbing SEO strategy.

These backlinks serve as endorsements from other reputable websites. They signal to search engines that your plumbing company is a trustworthy and authoritative source.

To achieve this, plumbers should target industry-specific directories and local business listings, ensuring their information is accurate and consistent across all platforms.

Aside from improving search rankings, it enhances visibility within the local market. Use tools like Google Analytics to track the performance of these backlinks and gain insights into which sources drive the most traffic and contribute to higher search rankings.

Acquire Reviews and Ratings

Reviews and ratings are important for any plumbing business as they influence online reputation and search rankings. Positive reviews not only attract potential customers but also signal to search engines that your plumbing company provides reliable and quality services.

Encourage satisfied clients to leave reviews on platforms such as Google My Business, Yelp, and industry-specific review sites to boost your online presence.

Use these reviews in your plumber SEO strategy to gain the trust of your audience. Monitor and respond to reviews via Google Search Console to strengthen your engagement with customers.

Obtain Quality Backlinks from Other Websites

Acquiring quality backlinks from other websites significantly increases the authority of your plumbing company. Focus on securing links from industry-related blogs, local news outlets, and trusted websites within the plumbing industry.

Guest posting on relevant blogs, participating in local events, and collaborating with other businesses are effective ways to obtain these valuable backlinks.

Each backlink acts as a vote of confidence, improving your search rankings and positioning your business as a leader in the plumbing industry.

Using Google Analytics to track these backlinks provides valuable data on their impact, allowing for adjustments to your SEO strategy as needed.

Manage Your Business's Online Reputation

Managing online reputation and building brand awareness involves fostering strong relationships with influencers, customers, and other stakeholders.

Engaging with influencers in the plumbing industry can amplify your reach and credibility, as they can share your content and endorse your services to their audience.

Establishing these relationships will improve your online reputation and support your overall plumbing SEO services.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with SEO for Plumbers

To get the most results out of your SEO efforts, it helps to avoid these common mistakes that most plumbers make:

Missing Out on Local SEO

Many plumbers make the mistake of ignoring local SEO, which plays a big role in reaching potential customers nearby. Plumbing services rely heavily on local clients, so you need to include your city and service area in your content.

Without this, you limit your chances of showing up in search results when someone nearby looks for plumbing help. Local listings, such as Google Business Profile, also help drive traffic from local searches, giving you more opportunities to reach customers right when they need you.

Poor Website Navigation

A confusing website can turn visitors away and lower your rankings. When a site feels difficult to navigate, users leave quickly, and search engines take notice. A clear, straightforward menu with easy-to-find services keeps users engaged.

Submitting a sitemap allows search engines to crawl your site effectively, boosting your chances of ranking higher.

Overloading Keywords

Some plumbers fall into the trap of stuffing their content with too many keywords. Instead of focusing on quantity, concentrate on placing keywords naturally within your content. Relevance matters more than repetition.

Targeting terms related to your services helps you attract the right audience. Overuse of keywords creates a poor experience for readers and can lead to penalties from search engines.

Outdated Content

Letting your content go stale hurts your search engine rankings and deters visitors. Fresh, relevant content attracts both users and search engines. Instead of letting months go by without an update, add new blog posts, update service pages, or share the latest industry news.

Keeping your site current gives people a reason to return while signaling to search engines that your site remains active and relevant.

Skipping Analytics

Plumbers often miss the value of tracking how their websites perform. Analytics provide insights into visitor behavior, showing you what works and what doesn’t. Looking at metrics like traffic, bounce rates, and conversion rates helps you fine-tune your website for better results.

Understanding these patterns allows you to adjust your strategy, leading to higher visibility and more customer engagement.

Create a Strong SEO Strategy for Your Plumbing Business With Rankify

Rankify makes keyword research easy, offering a comprehensive list of keyword ideas with 99% volume accuracy compared to 60% from other software. 

It also suggests commonly asked questions, blog topics, and suggested keywords to enhance your content strategy.

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FAQs About SEO for Plumbers

Do plumbers need SEO experience to get started with it?

No. Even without any experience, plumbers can get started with SEO to improve their website's visibility.

Can paid advertising help with SEO?

Paid advertising, such as Google Ads, can complement your SEO efforts. While it doesn't directly impact organic search rankings, it can increase brand awareness and lead to more organic visits over time.

Should plumbers focus more on Local SEO?

Plumbers should start with local SEO to attract local clients and expand their strategy into on-page and off-page SEO for organic traffic.

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