# What Is SEO In Plain English For Trades
SEO stands for "Search Engine Optimization". But forget the jargon. Here's what it actually means:
**SEO = Making sure you show up when people Google for the work you do.**
That's it. That's SEO.
## How It Actually Works
When someone Googles "electrician in Manchester" or "builder near me", Google looks at thousands of websites and decides which ones to show. SEO is how you make sure you're one of them.
Google looks at three main things:
### 1. Your Website Content
Does your website actually say what you do and where you work? Sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised how many trade websites just say "quality work guaranteed" without mentioning they're an electrician in Leeds.
**What Google wants to see:**
- Your trade (roofer, electrician, plumber, etc.)
- Your location (specific towns and areas you cover)
- The services you offer
- Real content, not just generic fluff
### 2. Your Google Business Profile
This is huge for trades. When people search "plumber near me", the map results at the top? That's your Google Business Profile (used to be called Google My Business).
Most trades get 60-80% of their web enquiries from this, not their actual website. So if your Google Business Profile isn't set up properly, you're basically invisible.
### 3. Other Websites Linking To You
If other websites mention you or link to your site, Google sees that as a vote of confidence. The more reputable sites linking to you, the higher you rank.
This is why trade directories (like Checkatrade, Rated People, etc.) can help. But you need to be careful not to pay for dodgy directories that Google doesn't trust.
## Local SEO (The Important Bit For Trades)
For trades, "local SEO" is what matters. You don't care about ranking #1 in London if you only work in Leeds. You want to rank well in YOUR area for YOUR trade.
Local SEO means:
- Making sure Google knows exactly where you work
- Setting up your Google Business Profile properly
- Getting reviews from local customers
- Mentioning specific towns/areas on your website
- Having your address consistent everywhere online
## Common Myths About SEO
**"It takes years to see results"**
Rubbish. Local SEO for trades can show results in 2-3 months. You're not competing with Amazon. You're competing with local builders who've never heard of SEO.
**"You need to pay £500/month for SEO"**
Also rubbish. Basic SEO is part of building a website properly. Yes, ongoing SEO can help, but you don't need a massive retainer to get started.
**"SEO is constantly changing"**
The basics haven't changed in 10 years. Google wants to show people the best, most relevant results. If you're good at what you do, in the area you cover, and your website says that clearly, you'll rank.
**"I need to write a blog"**
No. Blogs are overrated for trades. Five solid pages about what you do and where you work are worth more than 50 blog posts about roof tiles.
## What Actually Works For Trades
1. **Proper website** - Says what you do, where you work, with photos of your work
2. **Google Business Profile** - Fully set up with photos, services, and consistent details
3. **Reviews** - Get happy customers to leave Google reviews
4. **Local content** - Mention specific towns and areas on your site
5. **Mobile-friendly** - Most people search on their phones
6. **Fast loading** - Slow sites get skipped
That's basically it. No tricks. No hacks. Just solid, professional online presence.
## What To Avoid
**Cheap "SEO services" from abroad** - Usually spam that gets you penalized by Google
**Paying for links** - Google hates this and will tank your rankings
**Keyword stuffing** - Repeating "Manchester roofer" 50 times doesn't work anymore
**Ignoring Google Business Profile** - It's more important than your website for local searches
## How Long Does It Take?
For local trade SEO:
- **Week 1**: Get website and Google Business Profile set up
- **Month 1-2**: Start appearing in some searches
- **Month 3+**: Ranking well for local searches
- **Month 6+**: Dominating local search results
It's not instant, but it's not years either. And once you're ranking, you stay ranking if you maintain it properly.
## The Bottom Line
SEO isn't rocket science. For trades, it's just about:
- Having a proper website that says what you do and where you work
- Setting up your Google Business Profile correctly
- Getting some reviews from happy customers
- Keeping everything consistent
We handle all of this as part of our website builds. No extra charges. No ongoing "SEO retainers". Just proper setup that works.
Want to actually show up when people Google your trade? [Get in touch](/contact) or call 07398 395 417.