Small Business Search Engine Optimization
Backlinks for Plumbers: How to Boost Your SEO and Attract More Leads
If you’re a plumber looking to grow your business online, you’ve probably heard about the importance of SEO. But did you know that one of the most powerful tools in your SEO toolbox is backlinks? Building high-quality backlinks is like collecting endorsements for your business across the internet. The more trusted websites that link back to your plumbing website, the more credibility and visibility you gain in search engine rankings. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what backlinks are, why they’re critical for plumbers, how to build them, and how to track your success—so you can start attracting more customers and dominating your local market.
What Are Backlinks?
Backlinks play a vital role in search engine optimization (SEO) for it to rank webpages effectively. Think of backlinks like personal recommendations—when other trustworthy sites link to your plumbing website, search engines view your site as more credible and authoritative. The more high-quality backlinks you have, the higher your website can rank in search results, helping you attract more visitors and potential customers. It’s important to note that not all backlinks are created equal. Links from shady or irrelevant sites can hurt your rankings, while backlinks from trustworthy, relevant sources can skyrocket your success.
Why Are Backlinks Important For Plumbers?
Having quality backlinks is one the most important factors in search ranking alongside on-page and off-page search ranking. If you’re investing in SEO for your plumbing business, having a strong backlink profile will go a long way for you.
High Search Ranking
Search engines like Google consider backlinks as votes of confidence. Each quality backlink is like a recommendation saying, “this plumber is reliable and worth showing to users.” More votes equal higher rankings, putting your business in front of more people.
Increased Website Traffic
A backlink from a popular local blog, real estate site, or home improvement website can drive targeted traffic to your plumbing website. These visitors are already interested in home services—making them prime potential customers.
Faster Indexing
Search engines discover new content by following backlinks. Having backlinks can help search engines find and index your site more quickly.
Referral Traffic
Quality backlinks can bring in referral traffic from users who click on the links, providing an additional source of visitors.
What Determines The Value Of A Backlink?
Not all backlinks are created equal. While it’s great to have a lot of backlinks, quality always outweighs quantity. One high-quality backlink can often do more for your SEO than dozens of low-quality ones.
To determine the value of a backlink, here are a few things to consider:
- Relevance: Make sure the content in the backlink is actually related to you. Having backlinks related to home repair and toilets will make a lot more sense than having backlinks related to fashion or car repairs.
- Authority: Backlinks from reputable, well-known websites (think Forbes, Houzz, or trusted local news outlets) carry significantly more SEO weight than links from small, unknown blogs.
- Anchor text: The clickable text of a backlink matters. Instead of generic phrases like “click here,” aim for anchor text that relates to your services, such as “emergency plumber in Dallas.”
- Search traffic of referring sites: Links from websites that already receive a lot of traffic can send more visitors your way, further boosting your exposure.
- Link placement: Backlinks that are placed naturally within the main content of a page are far more valuable than those buried in sidebars, footers, or hidden away in unrelated sections.
7 Ways To Build Backlinks
Building backlinks takes strategy, creativity, and consistency. Here are seven effective ways plumbers can grow a strong backlink profile:
Authoritative Content
Quality content is king! Become the source of quality content and create resources that other businesses, homeowners, and any who are curious will find helpful enough to link to. You can create blog articles on how homeowners can prevent frozen pipes during the winter season or the best time to schedule an appointment for plumbing maintenance services. The best part about this strategy is that it is 100% within your control. The more authoritative content you put out there, the easier it will be to develop backlinks to your website.
Broken Link Building
Identify broken links on relevant websites and suggest your content as a replacement. Tools like Ahrefs or Broken Link Checker can help find these opportunities. Reach out to the site owner, inform them of the broken link, and propose your content as a suitable alternative.
Media Requests
Journalists and bloggers often seek expert opinions for their articles. Reach out and connect with experts and media professionals. By providing valuable insights, you can earn backlinks from reputable publications.
Spy On Competitors
The best method of finding out how to build quality backlinks is to see how your competitors are building their backlink profile. Take a look at what they’re using for backlinks and target any opportunities that you might’ve missed or view as a great source. Reach out to those websites and offer your own resources. Using SEO tools such as AhRefs, Semrush, and Moz are a great way to track backlink profiles for side by side comparisons with both your competitors and your own website.
Business Relationships
If your plumbing business has a well established relationship with other businesses, cross-promoting each other is a highly effective way to to develop backlinks for your website. Take your business relationship to the next level by promoting each other online. Even a simple link to “recommended plumbers” can go a long way in getting backlinks for your business.
Podcasting
Being a featured guest on a podcast is a great way to build backlinks while showcasing your expertise. If you’re working with someone that has their own podcast, asking them to link back to your website will be beneficial for your overall search ranking.
Your Own Content
Consistently publishing blog posts, case studies, and customer testimonials on your website. High-quality, original content attracts backlinks naturally over time. Ensure your content addresses common questions and concerns of your target audience.
How To Track Your Backlink Success
Monitoring your backlink profile is essential to understand the effectiveness of your SEO efforts. Here’s how:
50 Directories Every Plumber Should Submit To?
Directory listings are an easy way to build backlinks while also boosting your local SEO presence. Here are 50 directories you should consider:
Directories For Plumbers
Google Business Profile
Yelp
Bing Places
Facebook Business Pages
Angi (Angie’s List)
HomeAdvisor
Thumbtack
Houzz
Yellow Pages
Better Business Bureau (BBB)
Manta
Nextdoor
Porch
Thumbtack
Chamber of Commerce
Local.com
Foursquare
MapQuest
MerchantCircle
CitySquares
Hotfrog
eLocal
Alignable
Cylex USA
EZlocal
USCity.net
Brownbook.net
Fyple
GetFave
LocalDatabase
Bizcommunity
Opendi
CallUpContact
FindUsLocal
MyHuckleberry
Top Rated Local
LocalStack
Superpages
Kompass
iBegin
PureLocal
Express Update
DexKnows
Tupalo
USA Co Directory
n49.com
Infobel
CommunityWalk
Yellowbot
LocalStack
Start Building Backlinks for Plumbers: Get A Play-By-Play With a Free SEO Evaluation from MarketKeep
If you want to stand out in the competitive world of local plumbing services, backlinks are essential. They are one of the most powerful ways to improve your search rankings, boost your website traffic, and grow your brand credibility. By creating valuable content, networking with other businesses, participating in podcasts, and systematically tracking your results, you can build a strong backlink profile that puts you ahead of your competitors. It’s not about chasing thousands of random links—it’s about building the right links from the right places. Start today by choosing one or two strategies outlined above and committing to consistent action. Over time, you’ll see your rankings climb, your website traffic increase, and your phone ringing with new customer inquiries. Start building your backlink foundation today, and watch your plumbing business grow tomorrow!
Ready to learn more about what you have to do to get to the top of Google Search Results? Fill out the form below to receive a free SEO Evaluation from the team at MarketKeep. Our team will record a video walking you through your website’s current SEO Performance and what has to be done in order to improve your search ranking so you can connect with your customers in the moments that matter most to them.