Tilers in Ireland get the majority of their work from Google searches. When a homeowner in Dublin needs bathroom tiling work done, they type “bathroom tiler Dublin” into Google. If you’re not showing up in those results, you’re losing money. This guide explains exactly how to rank for the searches that matter.
Why Local SEO Works for Tilers
Tiling is local work. A homeowner in Cork isn’t going to call a tiler in Donegal. This means you don’t need to compete nationally. You just need to own your local area. That’s achievable.
Most tilers think about Google as a black box. It isn’t. Google has clear rules. Follow them and you rank. Ignore them and you don’t.
Google Business Profile is Everything
Your Google Business Profile is the most important ranking factor for local searches. It’s the first thing people see when they search for tilers in your area.
Set your category to “Tile Contractor” or “Flooring Contractor”. Upload high-quality photos of your finished work. Photos of beautiful tiled bathrooms, kitchens, and floor installations matter more than any written description. These photos are social proof. They show you can do the work.
Add every service you offer as a separate entry: wall tiling, floor tiling, bathroom tiling, kitchen tiling, wet room installation. Each service helps Google understand what you do.
Ask every customer for a review after the job is complete. Reviews are the second-largest ranking factor. Five reviews from recent customers will outrank a tiler with zero reviews, even if that tiler has been in business for ten years.
Keywords That Convert
Stop thinking about “tiling services” or generic terms. Think about what homeowners actually search for.
Tilers should target: “tiler [your town]”, “bathroom tiler [town]”, “floor tiling [town]”, “wall tiler [town]”, “wet room installation [town]”, “kitchen tiling [town]”. These are the searches that bring qualified leads.
If you’re a tiler in Galway, the keywords that matter are “tiler Galway”, “bathroom tiler Galway”, “floor tiling Galway”, and similar. These are specific and local. The person searching has a job ready to go.
Avoid broad terms like “tiling contractor Ireland” or “best tiler in the country”. You’ll never rank for those, and they don’t convert anyway.
Your Website Structure Matters
Your website should have a clear page for each major service. A bathroom tiling page. A floor tiling page. A wall tiling page. A wet room page. This structure tells Google what you actually do.
Each page should include:
A clear headline (“Bathroom Tiling in [Town]”) A description of the service (what it is, when homeowners need it, why it matters) Photos of finished work (before and after) A call-to-action button Testimonials or reviews
That’s it. You don’t need 50 pages. You need 5-6 pages that are extremely clear and include portfolio photos.
Portfolio Photos Are Critical
This is the single biggest advantage you have over competitors without websites. Most tilers don’t have good photos. If your photos are excellent, you win.
Photograph your finished work in natural light. Show the full room. Show close-ups of the tiling. Show different angles. If you’ve done bathroom tiling, show the bathroom before and after.
Update your portfolio quarterly. Fresh photos tell Google that you’re actively working and moving jobs.
Build Trust With Reviews
Customers trust other customers more than they trust you. One review is not enough. Three reviews is good. Five reviews is competitive. Ten reviews is dominant.
Ask for reviews after every completed job. Make it easy. A simple text message with a link to Google Maps takes ten seconds to send. Most customers will leave a review if you ask.
Respond to all reviews, even bad ones. Thank good reviewers. If someone leaves a negative review, respond professionally and briefly. This shows you care.
Content Ideas for Your Blog
Write about common tiling questions. What’s the difference between floor and wall tiles? How long does bathroom tiling take? What’s the cost of wet room installation? These questions come up in Google searches.
Write about the trades you partner with. Plumbers need tilers. Electricians work alongside you. Blog posts can bring in leads from related trades.
Write about maintenance. How to clean grout. How to seal tiles. How to fix a chipped tile. These posts rank well and they show expertise.
You don’t need dozens of blog posts. Ten good posts that answer real questions will work better than fifty thin posts that don’t.
Track What Works
Google Search Console is free. It shows you which searches bring people to your website. Use it. If you’re already ranking for “bathroom tiler Dublin”, find out exactly where you rank (first page, third page?) and try to move up.
Track phone calls. Use a local phone number on your website. When someone calls, note down how they found you. This tells you if Google is actually bringing you business.
Local SEO for tilers is not complicated. Focus on your Google Business Profile. Get reviews. Build a website with clear service pages and portfolio photos. Target local keywords. Do this and you’ll rank.
Your competitors aren’t doing this. That’s why they’re not ranking.
Written by Maebh Collins
ACA qualified, Dundalk-based. I build websites and write SEO content for trade businesses across Ireland and the UK. If you have questions, get in touch.