SEO for Electricians: Best SEO Practices and Approaches for Electricians

No matter what services or products people buy these days, they consult it with the internet first. That means learning about the details, pros-cons, availability, price range, customer reviews, etc, on the internet. That goes for electricians and electrical service-providing companies as well.

According to the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), there are more than 70,000 electrical firms scattered in every state and neighborhood in the U.S. These firms alone employ over 650,000 electrical workers, and God knows how many independent workers there are!

If you really want to beat this competition and bring more business your way, then a strong online process is mandatory. And when it comes to that, there is no better option than SEO. 

SEO for electricians is the process of optimizing your electrician company’s website with a focus on improved visibility and better ranking.

Let me put it easily on your own terms. Suppose you consider the search engine or the internet an electrical system. In that case, SEO is the circuit that determines how and in which direction the search results (electricity) will flow effectively upon clicking the search button (switch).

In this article, I’ll discuss all you need to know about SEO for electricians, starting from the basics. Besides the guidelines, I’ll share some pro tips and introduce you to the best practices for anticipated results. Get ready to change the prospects of your SEO game once and for all. 

So, let’s dive in!

Importance of SEO for Electricians: Get the Detailed Perspective

SEO isn't just important for the electrical service industry — it's essential. 

Proper SEO ensures that electricians can effectively reach and serve their customers in today's digital age. Remember, it’s not about the importance of SEO in general; it’s about why SEO is specifically important for electricians. Let me break it down for you easily. 

Things have changed in the past few years. These days, people don’t just call the neighborhood “Mike the Electrician” to get a half-assed solution. If they need assistance with electricity-related issues, they simply go online and look for the best service they can get for their money. 

Now, let’s crunch some numbers! 

According to a statistical report, there are over 300,000 searches conducted online each month in the U.S. for electricians. Another report shows that 75% of the searchers stay on the first page of search results. You get the idea, right? 

If you want to be the best in a game, you need to understand every ins and outs of the game. In your case, that would be understanding your competition, configuring their strengths & weaknesses, analyzing their business leads, and finally modifying your strategies accordingly.  

We have done our analysis and here is what it looks like. There are 3 categories of electricians: industrial electricians, commercial electricians, and residential electricians. Each of them is different in terms of their services, different customers to cater to, and different criteria to meet.

Now let’s talk about industrial and commercial electricians/ electrical companies first. A survey shows that there are 303,823 commercial and industrial electricians currently employed in the U.S. Both types have a lot of things in common and their business aspects are quite the same.

Industrial electricians usually work on large projects, such as - ports, warehouses, mills, factories, etc. Industrial electrician companies usually get a few but high-scale jobs around the year. So, industrial electricians usually work under the name of a company or as a unit. 

As long as the company gets a project, everyone has a job. 

The number of leading industrial companies in the country is limited. This might suggest that the competition is comparatively lower, however, it’s quite the opposite! The number of actual competitors is indeed less than 100 but they compete on a whole different level. 

Industrial electricians or service-providing companies must make a name for themselves to get big business leads and projects. 

Reputation and brand value play an important role in their business. Before they can close a deal in a closed room, they must attract clients with their online presence and portfolio. And that’s where you need SEO to play its role.

Commercial electricians are much like the industrial electricians but on a smaller scale. 

They usually work on commercial projects, such as - property spaces, restaurants, stores, offices, etc. These electricians also work under a company name and are employed full-time or project-based by the company. 

Commercial electricians get more jobs but usually small-scale. There are thousands of establishments that offer the service of commercial electricians. The competition is definitely a lot and there are branches of many companies scattered around different states of the country.

Customers who hire commercial electricians or service-providing companies, usually look for them locally. For example, if a food chain franchise centralized in New York wants to open a branch in California, they won’t send electricians from New York to do the restaurant’s wiring!

Standing out on the internet search result page, especially in localized searches, is crucial for commercial electricians. 

If they can catch the attention of the right people with the help of an optimized website, they can get solid leads for a new project. And when it comes to that, SEO is what you need to rely on. 

Last on the list are Residential electricians. When people think about electricians, they actually think about residential electricians. 

The number of residential electricians in the U.S. is 202,726 (Source: Zippia). They aren’t just more in numbers, they are also summoned more often for small-time household issues.

Residential electricians get several calls in a month and their work requires only a few days to a week at most. They can work both independently and under the name of a company. 

Their business leads usually come from their nearby localities. They work on small-scale but new projects almost every time. 

People usually call for residential electricians when they need help with minor but emergency electrical issues. Availability and immediate service — these are crucial factors for these electricians. 

That’s why it's important that people can find them easily on the internet when they search for “electricians near me” or “emergency electricians in my area”. Again, SEO!

The bottom line is if you’re an electrician or an electrical service-providing company, you can’t overlook the necessity of SEO for electricians.

Besides these factors, SEO (search engine optimization) offers lots of other benefits as well. Let’s analyze them, shall we?

SEO Helps to Reach Your Target Audience Easily

When it comes to branding and marketing, the metrics of success are determined by only one ultimate factor — whether it has reached the right people or not! And if you’re someone who provides electrical services for a living, it’s more than necessary. 

There are many types of electrical services that people look for and that’s what makes it difficult to reach the right customers. It’s no longer about broad outreach but about forming strategic and precise connections with those who need the services you provide. 

For example, there’s little benefit in marketing faulty wiring services to someone who is thinking about a complete renovation of his office. 

This is where Search Engine Optimization (SEO) becomes vital. It steers your marketing efforts toward the right clientele. By optimizing your online presence, SEO ensures that your electrical services are visible to people actively seeking what you offer.

SEO doesn’t just increase visibility, it helps others find you at the right time. For instance, if your electrical business is offering emergency repair services or special promotions, SEO can make sure these offerings are seen by the right people just as they’re deciding who to hire.

This timely exposure can greatly boost your service calls and customer engagement. SEO is the link connecting your business with potential clients. It is an investment in targeted marketing, ensuring that your efforts are directed where they will have the most impact.

SEO Makes User Experience Better

Implementing SEO can significantly enhance the user experience on an electrical service provider's website. By optimizing for relevant keywords, the website becomes easier to find for users actively searching for electrical services, reducing the time they spend looking for help. 

Improved page load speeds, a critical aspect of SEO, ensure visitors have a smooth and efficient browsing experience, leading to higher satisfaction and reduced bounce rates.

Additionally, SEO encourages the use of clear, concise, and relevant content, making it easier for users to find the information they need. 

For example, finding service details, contact information, and customer reviews can be made easier with SEO. 

SEO helps users make informed decisions and builds trust and credibility for the business. Structured data and local SEO further enhance the user experience by providing accurate, location-based results and easy access to essential details like operating hours and service areas. 

Overall, SEO can transform your electrical service-providing company’s website into a user-friendly platform that meets visitors' needs efficiently and effectively.

SEO Makes Your Branding Cost-effective 

If you’re thinking about cost-effective marketing for electricians, there is nothing better than SEO. Search engine optimization (SEO) continuously supports your business around the clock. It generates qualified leads that can be converted into sales.

Traditional advertising methods usually fail to reach your potential customers but cost a lot. 

However, SEO can effectively and efficiently connect you with electrical service-related leads. Instead of spending on expensive ads, focus on SEO to create informative blog posts, instructional videos, and customer reviews about your services.

If you wish to see your name as the top result of the search "emergency electrician near me," SEO is your guy! This targeted, budget-friendly approach will make sure that your brand builds gradually and organically. 

ROI Tracking is Easier with SEO

ROI stands for “Return on Investment”. Tracking ROI in any marketing endeavour is crucial for understanding the effectiveness of a strategy. Online marketing through SEO will offer clear and measurable results for your electrical company’s website.

A well-optimized website provides extensive data. By using analytics tools, you can find the number of visitors, their referral sources, and the pages they engage with the most. With these insights, you can replicate successful approaches and figure out areas that need improvement.  

This way, you’ll gradually get a better return on your marketing investments. 

Effective SEO enables you to control your online presence and showcase your services according to your needs. Mastering and applying the techniques of SEO can result in a better online presence and more potential customers. 

How to Do SEO for Electricians: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Now that we’ve established the importance of SEO for your business, it’s time to get it done. Just because you’re doing this now, doesn’t mean you’ll be far behind your competition. It’s not about when you optimize your online presence; it’s about how you do it.

Doing it right is the only thing that matters when it comes to SEO. Smart Insights reports that websites at the top of Google's first page see a 500% increase in click-through rates. That’s what our goal will be. Here are the things we suggest to achieve the goal - 

Grab the Local Market: Start with a Google Business Profile 

SEO with a focus on better presence begins with creating a Google business profile. It’s free and also the easiest step.

A Google business profile listing helps customers find you easily with a localized search. No matter what type of electrician you are, you are sure to benefit from a good local ranking. 

According to a statistic, almost half of all Google searches (46% to be precise) are local. Another survey shows that almost 80% of local searches convert to business leads and sales.

Local leads are very important for commercial and residential electricians. They get most of their work orders from local customers. For example, someone from Manhattan who has noticed exposed wires or warm outlets in their household, wouldn’t want to wait for an electrician to arrive from Brooklyn. They would want immediate servicing. 

Creating a Google business profile the right way can get you a place in Google’s “Map Pack” or local SEO 3-pack. It’s the top 3 local listings that appear just above the organic results in a SERP with a localized search. 

About 70% of local searchers usually click on the local 3-pack. 

Setting up a Google business profile is easy. You can literally do it right now with a phone and it shouldn’t take more than 15 mins. It’s like opening any other account. You provide the basic information Google asks for and then verify your request with an email. You need to provide - 

There are a few other things people usually forget but they always ensure better optimization. In order to increase your credibility and attract Google’s attention, you should also 

Pro Tip: Google business profile is definitely the best and most convenient way to start. However, you can take other approaches as well to make a name in the local market. Here are the other directories and listings to help with your electrical service’s local brand awareness - 

Launch or Level Up Your Website

The next step toward reaching the SEO goal is to create a website for your electrical services. Start by getting a reliable domain and hosting service for an uninterrupted online presence. And if you already have a website, read this part carefully to learn what things you can do better. 

Design a website that captivates visitors. If the website can create a strong impression then it’ll encourage them to return. An engaging user interface (UI) is crucial to ensure recurrent visits from potential customers. Be creative and consistent about thematic design. It’ll help customers recognize and remember your identity.

When designing a website, it’s vital to cater to both users and search engines like Google. Make sure that both parties can navigate the site conveniently. 

Think from the perspective of a user. What does a user want? The answer is, an organized and intuitive browsing experience. They want to find the information they need quickly and without much confusion. A properly structured site should have clear menus, concise labels, and a logical layout. These things significantly enhance user satisfaction.

Next, you need to think in terms of Google. It’s essential that search engines like Google can crawl and index your site properly. So, your site must have strong navigation paths. Having a complex architecture makes it difficult for search engines to understand your site.

Now let’s talk about site structure. Site structure can be deep or shallow. 

Shallow site structures allow users to access content within two or three clicks, which enhances user experience and makes it easier for search engines to crawl your site. While deep site structures can offer better organization, they can also complicate navigation and indexing.

For an electrical service-based website, a shallow site structure is generally more beneficial than a deep site structure. We recommend that an electrician’s website has effective search functionality and prominent call-to-action buttons to improve navigation further.

Here’s what the structure can look like:

• Homepage
  • About Us
  • Services
    • Residential Services
    • Commercial Services
    • Emergency Services
  • Service Areas
  • Blog
  • Contact Us

Pro Tip: If your current website isn’t yielding the anticipated results, an SEO audit can help you get some real insights. There are many popular and reliable SEO audit tools that can thoroughly analyze websites to identify issues affecting their search engine rankings. They are - 

Keyword Planning & Content Creation

The next crucial step is keyword planning and content creation for your website. It’s almost a simultaneous running process. You keep on researching for keywords that have the potential to rank and create solid and precise content for those keywords. 

The term ‘keyword planning’ is interchangeably used with the term ‘keyword research’. It involves identifying the specific words and phrases that individuals type into search engines like Google when they are looking for a particular service or product. 

Keyword planning is crucial to understanding what potential customers are searching for. It enables you to tailor the content accordingly for improved visibility in search results. There are mainly 2 categories of keywords that you need to know about - 

Short-tail keywords: Short-tail keywords or “primary” keywords are composed of one or two words. These keywords have a very high search volume but they lack enough detail to get an accurate result. For example, 

Long-tail keywords: Long-tail keywords are phrases composed of 3 to 6 words. They have a lower search volume and add extra detail to the primary keywords. Long-tail keywords can provide accurate results and make it easy to target audience. For example, 

Now the question is, how to decide which keywords are best for your electrical service website? Well, there are several metrics to figure out the potential of a keyword. They are - Search volume, Difficulty, Search value over time, SERP features, Trends, CPC, and of course Search intent and relevancy. 

Figuring out the appropriateness of the keywords based on the metric can be really hard, especially when there are so many! That’s why, there are many paid keyword research tools for that job. Here are some of the most popular and proven keyword research tools:

Pro Tip: If you’re not yet ready to spend some real cash, this tip should get you started. Have you noted the “Related searches” section at the bottom of Google’s SERP page? You can get relevant keyword ideas from here. And don’t worry! Google, the big daddy himself, has already evaluated the relevance and depth of search intent for these results.

Next comes the part where you make engaging content. It’s important to have a proper content strategy for that. Your website will be divided into two main sections: (i) Service Pages, and (ii) Blog & Informative Content. 

We suggest a balanced ratio of 3:2 or 4:1, between blog content and service-based content. That means the percentage of your service pages/ contents shouldn’t be more than 25% to 33%. The rest should be blog content. 

Your service pages should be attractive, precise, and user-friendly. Keeping these qualities in mind you can have 5 to 8 service pages. For example, 

Next comes the blog posts. Ensuring qualities is crucial for blog posts, especially when their percentage on your website will be about 70%. While producing content for your electrical service website, make sure they are unique, helpful, authentic, and trustworthy. 

Our studies show that long-form contents yield better results in ranking. Contents that have 1000 to 7000 words are usually favored by search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo. A long-form content offers more opportunities for backlinks and more scopes for inserting images. 

You can categorize the blog content mainly in 3 sections:

Do On-Page SEO for Better Visibility

On-page SEO is the process of separately optimizing web pages. It’s a significant aspect of SEO for electricians. Remember, Google or other search engines rank web pages, not the website. Proper on-page SEO makes it easy for search engines to find your web pages. 

On-page SEO allows you to control and modify some key elements that are crucial for your web page’s visibility and traffic. Here are some of the essential on-page SEO elements:

There are numerous on-page SEO techniques, each with specific goals tailored to different industries. Here, are some of the most effective practices for electricians:

Instead of "www.electrician.com/p12345", use "www.electrician.com/residential-electrical-services".

Title Tag: “Expert Residential Electricians in Los Angeles | Reliable Electric Services”

Meta Description: “Professional residential electricians in Los Angeles. Contact us for reliable electrical repairs, installations, and maintenance.”

On a page about “Electrical Panel Upgrades,” you can include links to “Home Wiring Services” and “Emergency Electrical Repairs.”

Filename: residential-electrical-repair.jpg

Alt Text: “Residential electrical repair services provided by our expert electricians”

Use schema markup to highlight customer reviews: “Our electrical services have a 4.9-star rating based on 150 reviews.”

Off-Page SEO: Establishing Site Authority with Quality Backlinks

Off-page SEO is the process of improving the ranking of your web pages by taking specific actions outside your website. Off-page SEO makes your online presence stronger by increasing your website’s value in aspects like authority, credibility, relevancy, and trustworthiness. 

Link building or backlinking is the most effective aspect of off-page SEO. It’s the process of getting one-way hyperlinks or backlinks from other websites to your own. Acquiring high-quality backlinks can significantly boost your website’s ranking in search engine results pages.

However, you shouldn’t just use any links without certain inspection. In order to ensure the quality of backlinks, here are the factors you need to focus on — Authority, Relevance, and Anchor Text. Based on the sources of the links, they can be categorized into 3 types -

For example, a home improvement blog mentions where to find reliable electricians for safe home wiring and naturally links to your electrical service website.

For example, you contact a popular home renovation blogger and offer to write a guest post about the benefits of energy-efficient lighting, including a link back to your electrician services page.

For example, you submit your electrician business's website to local business directories like Yelp or Angie's List, ensuring your business name is linked back to your site.

There are many proven methods for link building. Here are some of the popular strategies when it comes to SEO for electricians:

There is a common myth about SEO that social media can impact your website’s ranking. While social media is a great platform from which your service’s branding and promotion can benefit, it has no direct connection to your website’s SEO or ranking. 

Pro tip: Always prioritize the backlink quality over quantity. While high-quality backlinks significantly enhance your site's performance, low-quality links can seriously damage it. Identifying related site links isn’t that hard if you have the right tools. Here is one paid tool you can rely on, Semrush’s Backlink Analytics tool!

Wrapping Up

SEO always has room for improvement, particularly for electricians. SEO for electricians is a continuous process. It’s a competitive playground and patience is the key. With Google's frequent algorithm changes, navigating SEO has become more unpredictable than ever. 

It’s been a wildcard round since the past few updates. 

But don’t worry! You just need to keep your ranking sustainable, always keep up with Google's updates, utilize analytics to track performance, consistently apply best practices, and be open to experimentation. Keep this in mind and you’ll be able to maintain a sustainable ranking. 

I’ve written this article based on my knowledge of the electrical worker’s industry, experience in SEO, well-thought-out research of both, and covering the core aspects of the best practices. Hope this article will help you get better at your SEO game and beat the competition.