AltCMO has released its second annual Construction SEO Report, the only industry-specific benchmark study analyzing how the largest contractors and design firms perform online.
In 2024, AltCMO published the first report of its kind for the ENR Top 400 Contractors, addressing the question: Does SEO really matter in the construction industry? The findings were clear; leading contractors were investing heavily in digital visibility.
This year, the research expanded. In addition to the ENR Top 400 Contractors, the 2025 study includes the ENR Top 500 Design Firms, creating a nearly 900-website dataset that offers the most comprehensive look yet at digital authority in the A/E/C industry.
Key Findings from the 2025 Report
- Domain Authority is now standard among leaders. Over 77% of ENR contractors and 80% of design firms scored above 30, a recognized threshold for strong online authority.
- Page speed is improving, but mobile still lags. Desktop websites averaged a solid 74 out of 100. Mobile sites averaged just 57, with many firms losing visibility to faster competitors.
- Backlinks remain the backbone of SEO. The median backlink count rose to 1,500, reinforcing the link between credible media mentions, project coverage, and search authority.
- Spam scores stay low. Only 18% of firms showed concerning levels of toxic backlinks, suggesting the industry is building cleaner digital profiles.
- AI presence is universal. Every firm in the dataset is now discoverable in ChatGPT and other AI platforms, a change from 2024 when some contractors were invisible.
Why This Matters for Contractors and Design Firms
Search visibility is no longer optional; it is now a business imperative. From winning projects to attracting top talent, being discoverable online is central to growth.
- Owners and developers complete most of their decision-making online before contacting potential design and construction partners.
- Potential job candidates evaluate company culture, reputation, and credibility through search and AI platforms.
- AI-driven search is accelerating. With queries often 20–30 words long, buyers are further along in their decision-making journey, making AI traffic four times more valuable than traditional search visits.
As AltCMO CEO Perryn Olson explains:
“The construction industry has traditionally relied on relationships and referrals. That’s still true, but the reality is that every referral and every shortlist decision now gets validated online. If you don’t have authority in search, you’re already behind.”
Download the Full Report
The full Construction SEO Report 2025 is available now for free and remains ungated.
Understanding Domain Authority in Construction SEO
Domain authority is a crucial metric that reflects a website's credibility and ranking potential on search engines. For contractors and design firms, maintaining a high domain authority can significantly impact visibility and client acquisition. This report highlights how top players in the industry leverage domain authority to enhance their online presence.
In the 2025 Construction SEO Report, it was found that over 77% of ENR contractors and 80% of design firms achieved a domain authority score above 30, indicating strong online credibility. This metric is influenced by various factors, including the quality and quantity of backlinks, site structure, and user engagement, making it essential for firms to focus on these areas to improve their search rankings.
The Role of Backlinks in SEO Strategy
Backlinks serve as endorsements from other websites, significantly influencing a site's authority and search engine ranking. For construction firms, developing a robust backlink profile is vital for enhancing visibility and attracting potential clients. This report sheds light on effective strategies for building high-quality backlinks.
The 2025 report revealed that the median backlink count for top contractors rose to 1,500, emphasizing the importance of credible media mentions and project coverage. Firms can improve their backlink profiles by engaging in industry collaborations, publishing insightful content, and participating in relevant industry discussions, which ultimately strengthen their SEO efforts.
Impact of Page Speed on User Experience and SEO
Page speed is a critical factor affecting user experience and search engine rankings. A fast-loading website not only enhances user satisfaction but also contributes to lower bounce rates, which is vital for retaining potential clients. The report discusses how contractors and design firms can optimize their websites for better performance.
According to the findings, websites that load quickly can significantly improve engagement metrics, which search engines consider when determining rankings. Techniques such as optimizing images, leveraging browser caching, and minimizing HTTP requests can help firms enhance their page speed, thereby improving their overall SEO strategy and user experience.
Leveraging AI for Improved Search Traffic
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming how businesses approach SEO and online visibility. For construction firms, utilizing AI-driven tools can provide insights into user behavior and optimize content for better performance. This section explores how AI can be a game-changer in the construction industry's digital marketing strategy.
The report indicates that users are increasingly relying on AI platforms for search, resulting in higher-quality traffic. With queries often being longer and more specific, understanding AI's role in shaping user intent can help firms tailor their content and SEO strategies to meet the evolving needs of potential clients, making AI traffic four times more valuable than traditional search visits.
