7 Local SEO Tips to Skyrocket Your Handyman Services' Visibility

Last updated Nov. 17, 2024

Written by Iftekhar Chowdhury. In collaboration with oDeskStudio

With an increasing number of people searching for “handyman near me” on Google, getting your handyman services to rank higher locally has never been more critical. You’re not competing with every handyman nationwide—you just need to stand out in your local community.

Local SEO is your ultimate tool for ensuring your handyman services are visible to nearby customers when they need help with home repairs, installations, or maintenance.

By following these proven strategies, you can rise to the top of search results, attract more customers, and grow your business effectively.

1. Place Relevant Keywords on Your Website

Using the right keywords is like putting up a clear signpost for Google and potential clients. When homeowners search for a handyman, they’ll likely type phrases like:

“Affordable handyman in [City Name]”
“Reliable home repair services in [Area]”
“Handyman for plumbing and carpentry in [Neighborhood]”

By incorporating these localized keywords into your website’s pages, service descriptions, and even your blog, you signal to Google that your business is relevant for those searches.

Where to place these keywords:

Homepage
About Us page (share your story and expertise!)
Service descriptions (e.g., “Drywall Repair in Miami”)
Contact page

2. Set Up Your Google Business Profile (GBP)

Your Google Business Profile is your online storefront. It’s often the first thing people see when they search for handyman services in their area.

Here’s how to optimize your GBP:

Add accurate information: Your name, address, phone number (NAP), and website link should be consistent across all platforms.
Include local keywords: Describe your services and area, like “Experienced handyman services in Austin specializing in furniture assembly and repairs.”
Upload high-quality photos: Show your tools, completed projects, and even a professional headshot.
Respond to reviews: Whether positive or negative, engage with your customers to show you value their feedback.

The more complete your profile is, the more Google will trust and promote it to users searching for your services.

3. Encourage Customer Reviews

Customer reviews are the lifeblood of local businesses. People trust recommendations from others, and Google takes reviews into account when deciding rankings.

Ways to encourage reviews:

After completing a project, ask satisfied clients to leave a Google review.
Add a QR code on your invoices or business cards that links directly to your review page.
Offer a discount on their next service as a thank-you for leaving feedback.

Example Response to a Review:
“Thank you for your kind words! We’re thrilled that you’re happy with the furniture assembly. We look forward to helping you with future projects!”

4. Optimize Your Website’s User Experience

Your website should make it easy for potential customers to learn about your services, contact you, and even book an appointment. A clean, professional site builds trust and keeps visitors engaged.

Website optimization tips:

Ensure your website is mobile-friendly (most local searches happen on mobile).
Add a “Request a Quote” or “Book a Service” button prominently on every page.
Use testimonials and before/after project photos to build credibility.
Add internal links to guide visitors (e.g., link from “Plumbing Repairs” to “Electrical Services”).

5. Build Local Citations and Backlinks

Having your business listed consistently on local directories improves your credibility and visibility online.

Top directories for handyman services:

Yelp
Angi (formerly Angie’s List)
Thumbtack
Houzz
Local Chamber of Commerce websites

Ask your satisfied clients or local partners (like real estate agents) to link back to your site. Every backlink from a trusted source boosts your local SEO authority.

6. Collaborate with Local Businesses

Partnerships with other local businesses can lead to mutual growth. For example:

Offer a discount to customers referred by local hardware stores.
Team up with real estate agents to provide handyman services for their clients.
Collaborate with contractors on larger projects where your expertise complements theirs.

These relationships not only generate more leads but also help create local backlinks that improve your SEO.

7. Get Social and Stay Active

Social media may not directly impact your local SEO rankings, but it plays a significant role in increasing your brand’s visibility.

Social media ideas for handyman services:

Post short videos showing quick DIY repair tips.
Share before/after photos of your completed projects.
Feature customer testimonials and reviews.
Highlight seasonal tips, like “How to Winter-Proof Your Home.”

Encourage your clients to tag your business in their social media posts after a job well done. This user-generated content is great for building trust and attracting new customers.

Conclusion

Investing in local SEO is a smart, cost-effective way to ensure your handyman services remain competitive and visible in your community. By optimizing your Google Business Profile, using local keywords, encouraging reviews, and networking with local businesses, you can attract more customers and grow your business sustainably.

Next Steps:
Start by auditing your current online presence. Is your website mobile-friendly? Have you claimed your Google Business Profile? If not, these simple steps can set the foundation for long-term success.

For more advanced strategies and tips, check out my free guide on mastering Local SEO for small businesses!