Local SEO for the trades in the Hudson Valley.
Systems built to get more calls.
with Chad Cunha at Colum.
You can trust Colum to build Local SEO systems for your trades business that are tailored to your service area, goals, and growth stage. We specialize in Local SEO for the trades — delivering structured Google Maps visibility backed by clear strategy and practical execution.
Why invest in Local SEO for a trades business?
When someone searches “plumber near me” or “electrician [town],” they’re not browsing, they’re trying to hire. Google Maps is often the first (and only) place they look.
What this means for you:
More calls from high-intent local searches
Better visibility in your service areas (not just your office address)
Stronger trust signals: reviews, photos, services, and consistent info
A system you can keep running month after month
Good Trades Businesses Lose Jobs Every Day.
Not because they aren’t skilled.
Not because they don’t work hard.
But because they don’t show up when someone searches:
“Plumber near me”
“Painter in Poughkeepsie”
“Emergency electrician”
If you're not in the top 3 on Google Maps, you’re invisible.
We fix that.
What does Colum Local SEO systems provide?
After a phone call to see if Colum is the right fit for your business, you can expect the following.
You get:
A tuned Google Business Profile built to rank and convert
A clear plan for service areas + services + trust signals
A review flywheel (so rankings don’t fade)
Reporting that ties actions to visibility, and visibility to calls
Additional Local SEO support we provide
Not every business needs everything on day one. Colum focuses on the few changes that move rankings and conversions without creating chaos.
Add-ons (optional):
Review request + follow-up system
Photo + post cadence (lightweight, repeatable)
Local service page outlines (for your website)
Citation/data cleanup + distribution (only when it’s worth it)
Simple call + lead tracking so you can see what’s working
Book a Google Maps visibility audit
If you’re not sure what’s holding you back, start here.
What you’ll receive:
A quick ranking/visibility snapshot
A list of the highest-impact fixes (in priority order)
A “do-it-yourself” path OR an option for Colum to implement it
Local SEO in Hudson Valley, NY
Write this as a dynamic / configurable section depending on the visitor.
Colum supports service businesses looking to win more calls in Poughkepsie and nearby areas like Rhinebeck, Kingston, and Newbourgh. If you serve multiple towns, we’ll build your map visibility around how customers actually search in each one.
Why choose Colum?
This is your credibility section — framed honestly.
What makes Colum different:
Systems over hacks: simple processes you can keep running
Trades-first messaging: built around calls, jobs, and service areas
No fluff reporting: you’ll know what changed and why
Straightforward partnership: clear scope, clear timeline, clear next steps
I don’t claim “years in the trades.” I build ranking systems and conversion structure that work for local service businesses. I’ll learn your business fast so the strategy matches how you actually sell and serve.
Who does Colum serve?
Colum works with local service businesses,
like plumbers, HVAC companies, painters, and contractors, who rely on phone calls and follow-ups to get work.
Request Local SEO help
Interested in growing your business? Tell me what trade you’re in, where you serve, and what you want more of (calls, estimates, booked jobs). I’ll reply with the next best step.
The goal is simple: help the right customers find you first.
Customer results
What you should expect when this is working:
More map views and website traffic
More calls from Google Business Profile
Higher visibility for your main services in your top towns
More booked estimates from the same ad/website traffic
“Kick Start” option
Kick Start: Google Business Profile + Trust Signals (one-time)
GBP optimization (services, categories, description, attributes)
Service area structure + keyword mapping
Photo + offer guidance (what to add, what to avoid)
5-Star Review Surge plan (templates + timing + who to ask)
Priority checklist for the next 30 days
Frequently Asked Questions about Local SEO for the trades
How fast can I see results from Google Business Profile optimization?
Some activity improvements can happen quickly once your profile is fully optimized. Ranking movement usually takes a few weeks, depending on competition. Stronger results come from consistent reviews, updates, and authority signals over time. Local visibility isn’t a one-time tweak. It’s momentum built through structure.
Do I need a new website for this to work?
No. A well-optimized Google Business Profile can generate leads on its own. However, a strong website improves rankings and increases conversions in competitive markets, but a clean, trust-building website helps conversion and acts as further proof that your business does what your GBP says it does.
What matters most for ranking in Google Maps?
Three factors: relevance, distance, and prominence. Your services must match search intent, your location must be close to the searcher, and your business must show strong trust signals like reviews and activity.
Is Local SEO better than running Google Ads?
Google Ads stop when you stop paying. Local SEO builds long-term visibility in Google Maps. Ads can generate fast leads, but strong map rankings create consistent inbound calls without paying per click.
How many reviews do I need to rank higher?
There’s no exact number. What matters is consistent review growth, strong ratings, and keywords in reviews that match your services. Momentum matters more than chasing a specific number. In fact, review recency is more important that amount of reviews.
Can I rank if I don’t have a physical office?
Yes. Service-area businesses can rank without a storefront. Your profile and website just need to be structured correctly around your service area and authority signals.
What if my competitors already have hundreds of reviews?
You can still compete. Rankings aren’t based on review count alone — relevance, activity, optimization, and authority all play a role. A structured approach can close the gap over time.
What happens if I stop doing Local SEO?
Your rankings may slowly decline as competitors continue building reviews, updates, and authority. Local visibility is not permanent. It requires ongoing signals to maintain position.
I tried SEO before and it didn’t work. What’s different here?
Most SEO focuses on website traffic that’s not tied to a geographic location. We focus specifically on Google Maps visibility and website traffic for service-area searches. The difference is local intent structure and focus.
Can I optimize my Google Business Profile myself?
You can handle the basics. However, the difference comes from structured implementation, competitive analysis, review strategy, and authority building over time. Small gaps in execution often become wider with time as the competition invests in local SEO strategies.