The Contractors Winning on Google All Start With the Same Foundation
Every guide, framework, and checklist we've built for contractor SEO — organized by goal so you can find exactly what you need and take the next step with confidence.
Browse every deep-dive in this cluster
Quick answer
What is a contractor SEO guide and where do I start?
A contractor SEO guide covers how to rank on Google for service-area searches — local map pack, organic results, and reputation signals. Start with the definition page if you're new, or jump to the local SEO guide if you already have a site and want more calls from nearby prospects.
Key Takeaways
1Contractor SEO has three core layers: local search visibility, on-site authority, and reputation signals — all covered in this cluster
2The Google Business Profile is often the fastest path to new leads for contractors operating in a defined service area
3[SEO timelines](/resources/contractor/contractor-seo-timeline) for contractors typically run 4–6 months before meaningful rank movement — market competition and starting authority both affect this
4Reputation management is not separate from SEO — verified reviews directly influence map pack rankings
5If you're [comparing SEO to paid ads](/resources/attorney/attorney-seo-vs-ppc-vs-lsa), both channels serve different funnel stages; neither fully replaces the other
6The hiring guide and cost pages exist specifically to help you evaluate agencies without getting burned
It depends on your goal. If you're new to SEO, start with the Contractor SEO Definition page. If you have a website but aren't getting calls, go to the Local SEO guide. If you're comparing agencies or evaluating cost, the Cost and Hiring Guide pages are your starting point.
The Contractor SEO Cost page covers pricing structures, what drives cost differences between markets and scopes, and what realistic budget ranges look like. It links to the ROI Analysis page if you want to model potential return before committing to a budget level.
The GBP Optimization guide in the local subgroup covers setup, category selection, photo strategy, posts, and Q&A management. It sits within the Local SEO subgroup, so if you're new to local search entirely, reading the Local SEO for Contractors guide first gives useful context.
The SEO Timeline for Contractors page covers this in detail — including what typically happens in months one through six, what factors speed up or slow down progress, and how market competition affects the trajectory. It's part of the trust subgroup alongside the case study.
The Case Study page walks through a specific contractor campaign — what was done, what changed in rankings and leads, and what the limiting factors were. For a broader framework on measuring return, pair it with the ROI Analysis page, which gives you a model you can apply to your own situation.
Yes — the Multi-Location Contractor SEO guide is in the local subgroup. It covers managing visibility across multiple service areas, handling multiple Google Business Profiles, and avoiding common pitfalls like duplicate content and inconsistent business information across locations.