Keywords are the words and phrases people type into search engines when they’re trying to find something—like “emergency plumber in Birmingham” or “affordable electrician near me.” They’re essential for tradespeople because aligning your website content with the exact phrases people use helps your business appear more prominently in search results.

When you incorporate relevant keywords into your site’s content, headings, meta tags, and blog posts, Google’s algorithm gets a clearer picture of what your site is about. This makes it more likely to match your pages with user searches. For local trades, including geographic terms—like your city or area—alongside your primary trade keyword is a must, because it signals to Google that you serve a specific region. Remember to use keywords naturally, though. Overstuffing them in your text can lead to penalties and make your site unreadable. The right balance of well-placed, relevant keywords can boost your rankings and drive more qualified leads to your business.