Boost Local SEO for Contractors: 7 Proven Tips
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Claiming and Optimizing Your Google My Business Listing
- Selecting Primary and Secondary Categories
- Optimizing the Info Tab
- Setting Up Service Area
- Managing Business Hours and Special Hours
- Optimizing Phone Number and Tracking Calls
- Utilizing Business Description and Opening Date
- Making Use of Product Section
- Getting Your Business Listed Online
- Importance of Business Directories and Social Media Profiles
- Data Aggregators and their Significance
- Voice Search and Promoting your Business
- Automating Google Reviews
- Optimizing Your Website for Local SEO
- Creating Local Landing Pages
- Importance of Meta Titles and Descriptions
- Checking for Site Issues and Improving Speed
- Conclusion
Introduction
Are you feeling frustrated with your digital marketing efforts? Are you unsure of what your digital marketing company is doing for your business? Or maybe you can't afford a digital marketing company and want to take a DIY approach to grow your business online. In this article, we will provide you with the top local SEO tips that will help you dominate your local market. We'll cover everything from optimizing your Google My Business listing to getting your business listed online and optimizing your website. Let's get started!
Claiming and Optimizing Your Google My Business Listing
One of the most essential steps in local SEO is claiming and optimizing your Google My Business listing. This is where you start gaining visibility and attracting leads for your business. Let's take a closer look at how you can optimize your listing to its full potential.
Selecting Primary and Secondary Categories
The primary and secondary categories you select for your business are crucial for ranking purposes. You should choose a primary category that represents your primary moneymaking division. If you have multiple profitable segments within your business, focus on the one that generates the most revenue. As for secondary categories, choose those that produce a decent amount of revenue and avoid going overboard with irrelevant options. You can find a comprehensive list of categories in the Google Sheet provided in the description.
Optimizing the Info Tab
When optimizing your Google My Business profile, fill out every tab that Google provides you. Even though it's hard to determine what factors Google uses to rank businesses, it's best to complete each section as thoroughly as possible. Start with the info tab, where you should research and select the most relevant primary and secondary categories for your business. Remember to prioritize categories that align with your primary services and generate the most revenue.
Setting Up Service Area
Google ranks your business based on the location where you verified your Google My Business listing, even if you don't display your address. If you want to rank in a different city or area, it's recommended to set up a separate Google My Business listing for that location. You can choose your service area within your listing, allowing customers to see if you provide services in their area. Start with your county or counties, then move on to cities and zip codes. Make sure to be as relevant as possible and avoid reaching too far beyond your actual service range.
Managing Business Hours and Special Hours
Properly managing your business hours is essential for audience engagement and click-through rates. If you provide emergency services or have an answering service that operates 24/7, make sure to list your business as 24-hour service. This way, potential customers searching for your services during off-hours will know that you're open for business. On the other hand, if you have specific hours of operation, list when you answer your phone or handle customer inquiries. By indicating your availability, you'll increase the likelihood of attracting customers when your listing shows up.
Optimizing Phone Number and Tracking Calls
When setting up your Google My Business listing, use your primary phone number as the local landline number. You can also add a tracking number to your listing and have it forward calls to your revenue tracking numbers. This allows you to track the number of calls, where they are coming from, and the revenue generated from those calls. Additionally, make sure to provide your website's URL for easy access to more information about your business.
Utilizing Business Description and Opening Date
Take advantage of the 750 character limit for your business description on Google My Business. Include key terms related to your primary services and generate a description that captures your business's value and mission. If you don't have a mission statement or value statements yet, consider creating them and incorporating them into your description. Adding an opening date is also crucial, as it helps potential customers understand the longevity and reliability of your business. Fill this information out accurately to avoid misleading visitors with incorrect opening date details.
Making Use of the Product Section
The product section is often underutilized but can provide great value to your listing. Include discounts, coupons, or additional services you offer in this section. When potential customers search for specific services like AC repair or drain cleaning, having relevant information in the product section increases your listing's relevancy and visibility. Take the time to fill out this section and make the most of the prime placement it receives on your listing.
Please note that the content has been truncated due to the character limit.
