# SEO for Local Service Businesses
When a pipe bursts in Logan Square, they don't check Instagram. They Google "plumber near me." If you aren't in the top 3, you don't exist.
Google Business Profile (The Holy Grail)
1. Verification: Ensure you are verified.
2. Categories: Primary: "Plumber." Secondary: "Drainage Service," "Heating Contractor."
3. Service Area: Don't just say "Chicago." List every neighborhood: "Bucktown," "Wicker Park," "Gold Coast."
Reviews: The Ranking Factor
Volume and Velocity matter.
Automate the ask:Send a text 1 hour after service: "Happy with the fix? Tap here to leave a standard 5-star review. It helps our family business."
Website "Service Area" Pages
Create unique pages for key neighborhoods:
- /plumber-lincoln-park
- /plumber-lakeview
- /plumber-west-loop
Don't copy-paste. Customize content slightly for each.
Related: Google Analytics Guide - Track your traffic Want to rank #1? Book a strategy call - We specialize in Local SEO for the trades.