Answers — common questions UK renewable installers ask about getting more leads online.
Presencly builds websites and runs local SEO for MCS-certified solar, heat pump, battery and EV charger installers across the UK. These are the questions installers actually ask us before they sign up — and our honest answers.
Getting found online
Why your business isn't showing up and what actually moves the needle.
How to do SEO for my website
To do SEO for your website: claim your Google Business Profile, install Google Search Console and Google Analytics, fix anything PageSpeed Insights flags above 80 mobile score, add a clear title tag and meta description to every page, build one quality backlink per month, and publish one useful page per month targeting a real customer question. Most small UK businesses see meaningful ranking movement within 60–90 days if all six are done consistently.
Read the answerWhy isn't my business showing up on Google?
Most UK small businesses don't show up on Google for one of five reasons: no verified Google Business Profile, a website that doesn't tell Google what you do (missing keywords in titles and headings), the site is too new (Google sandboxes new domains for 3–6 months), technical issues like a noindex tag or broken sitemap, or zero backlinks pointing at the site. Diagnose which one applies before paying anyone to fix it.
Read the answerWhy am I getting no calls from my website?
Two things stop a website generating calls: not enough visitors (traffic problem) or visitors who don't pick up the phone (conversion problem). Check Google Analytics for monthly visitor count first. Under 100 visitors a month = traffic problem; fix your SEO. Over 100 visitors and still no calls = conversion problem; your phone number is hidden, the site is too slow, or your copy doesn't make the case clearly enough. Each needs a different fix.
Read the answerHow do solar customers find installers online?
UK homeowners follow a four-step journey to find a solar installer online: a triggering event (energy bill spike, neighbour's panels, Warm Homes Plan news), a Google search like "solar panels near me" or "MCS solar installers Bristol," a 10-second comparison of the top 3–5 results in the Maps three-pack and below, then a phone call or quote form. Most installers lose customers at step 3 because their site or reviews look weaker than competitors.
Read the answerGoogle Business Profile vs website — which matters more?
For UK local businesses in 2026, Google Business Profile drives more direct calls and Maps directions, but your website drives more high-intent quote enquiries from comparison shoppers. About 60% of local-intent searches click a Maps three-pack listing first; about 40% click through to read the website before deciding. You need both. If forced to pick one, set up GBP first — it's free, takes a day, and starts paying immediately.
Read the answerWhy are competitors winning all the solar jobs?
Competitors win solar jobs not because they install better but because they're easier to find and easier to choose. Five gaps usually explain it: they rank higher on Google for 'solar installers + your town,' they appear in the Maps three-pack and you don't, their Google reviews count is 5–10× yours, their website looks more credible at first glance, and they answer enquiries within an hour while you take two days. Close any two and you'll start winning.
Read the answerWhat is local SEO and do solar installers need it?
Local SEO is the work that gets your business to appear when someone Googles a service + a place ('solar installers Bristol', 'plumber near me'). It differs from regular SEO because Google uses four extra signals — your distance from the searcher, your Google Business Profile completeness, your review count and recency, and citations of your business name across the web. Any UK service business with customers in a defined area needs it. Online-only businesses don't.
Read the answerHow do I get more solar PV clients?
The fastest way to get more solar PV clients in the UK is to be findable and trustworthy at the moment a homeowner searches. That means a fully completed Google Business Profile, a steady stream of recent reviews, real install photos on your site, a contact form under four fields, and answering the phone first time. Referrals and a follow-up routine win the rest. Most installers don't need more leads — they need to stop leaking the ones they already get.
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Cost and timing
What a real website costs, what hosting buys you, how long it takes to rank.
How much does a website cost for a local business?
A small-business website in the UK costs anywhere from £0 to £15,000+ in 2026, depending on who builds it. DIY platforms like Wix or Squarespace run £200–£500 per year. A freelancer typically charges £500–£3,000 one-off. A full agency build sits at £3,000–£15,000. Subscription models (like Presencly's £999 build + £99/month) split the cost over time and bundle hosting, updates and support so you don't get blindsided by hidden fees later.
Read the answerHow long does it take to show up on Google after building a website?
A new website appears in Google's index within 1–14 days. It starts ranking for your business name within 2–4 weeks. Ranking for competitive local keywords like 'solar installers Bristol' takes 3–6 months — longer if the domain is brand-new and Google sandboxes it. Anyone promising page 1 in 30 days is either targeting zero-competition keywords or selling you something they can't deliver. Real SEO compounds; expect meaningful traffic by month 4–6.
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Choosing an agency
Red flags, green flags, and how to tell good agencies from bad ones.
Top 5 ways to tell a web design agency is good
A good UK web design agency specialises in a niche, shows live portfolio URLs (not just screenshots), commits to measurable outcomes like ranking or leads, publishes transparent pricing without 'POA,' and turns down work that isn't a fit. Bad agencies do the opposite: they pitch every industry, hide their portfolio, talk about 'deliverables' instead of results, ask you to 'get on a call' before quoting, and accept any client with a budget.
Read the answerBest web design and marketing agencies in London
The 'best' London web design agency depends entirely on your industry and budget. For small local businesses, a niche specialist (solar, dental, hospitality) will outperform a generalist every time. For mid-market builds, agencies like Ragged Edge, Hugo & Cat and Output are well-regarded. For trades and renewable installers specifically, Presencly's £999 build + £99/month model and 90-day Google guarantee is built around that brief. Avoid anyone who pitches 'we work with everyone.'
Read the answerTemplate website vs custom-built — what's the difference for installers?
A template website costs £200–£500/year and ships in a week — fine if you're testing whether you want to be online at all. A custom-built website costs £999–£15,000 upfront and ships in 2–8 weeks — worth it once you're getting more than ten enquiries a month, because templates hit a ceiling on speed, SEO and trust signals. Most UK installers outgrow Wix and Squarespace within 18 months and rebuild.
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Is my website any good?
Honest tests to run on your existing site before paying anyone.
Got a question we haven't answered? Email support@presencly.co.uk.
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