How To D. I. Y your Local Service Area ads with a Guaranteed return on investment

How To D. I. Y your Local Service Area ads with a Guaranteed return on investment

Good frikken morning ladies and gentlemen! The Contractor Social Media Guru is  back ( Well at least Reg is ) with another edition of our contractor marketing blog dedicated to helping contractors who have delt with marketing agencies who sell harder than they deliver!

Google Local Service Area (LSA) advertising is a powerful tool for contractors and local service providers to connect with potential customers in their geographic area. 

Here the long and the short of how this could help you kick ass in your local market.

What are Google Local Service Area Ads?

Google LSA ads are pay-per-lead ads ( Fully screened by Google ) that show up right at the top of Google's search results when people look for specific services in their area. These ads are perfect for local pros like roofers, plumbers, electricians, locksmiths, and HVAC techs to connect with folks who need their help. 

So How Does It Work though?

1. Sign Up and Apply:

• Eligibility: First, determine if your business is eligible. Google LSA is currently available for a variety of service categories in select areas.

• Application Process: You'll need to sign up and go through a screening process, which includes background checks, insurance verification, and license checks. This helps ensure that only reputable businesses are listed.

1. Create Your Profile:

• Business Details: Provide accurate business information, such as your name, address, phone number, and hours of operation.

• Service Areas: Define the specific areas or zip codes you serve.

• Service Types: List the specific services you offer (e.g., "plumbing repair," "AC installation or Roofing").

1. Set Your Budget:

• Budget Control: You set a weekly budget that controls how much you’re willing to spend on leads. Google charges you for each valid lead you receive (calls, messages, etc.).

• Bid Adjustments: Adjust your bid to be more competitive for higher visibility. ( It's important to note that higher bidders get more attention from searches. ( This means budget per week might fluctuate )

Here's our industry hack. Google has a calculator which helps you estimate you average expenditure per week in relation to the amount of leads you'd like to get per week. ( See image below or click "Here" to do the math yourself )

1. Ad Placement:

• Top of Search Results: Your ads appear at the top of Google search results, above the organic listings and traditional Google Ads.

• Trust Badges: Your ad will display a "Google Guaranteed" or "Google Screened" badge if you pass the screening process. This badge builds trust with potential customers.

1. Lead Management:

• Direct Leads: Customers can contact you directly through the ad via phone or message. Each interaction is tracked in your LSA dashboard.

• Lead Details: You’ll receive details about the lead, including the type of service they need, their contact information, and the time they reached out.

1. Pay-Per-Lead Model:

• Cost Per Lead: You only pay for valid leads, not for clicks or impressions. The cost per lead varies based on your industry, location, and competition.

The best part of this is the fact that you don't pay when you get called up by marketing agencies ( Sounds unreal right? ) 😅

1. Reviews and Ratings:

• Customer Reviews: Collecting and managing reviews is crucial. Positive reviews improve your ranking and attractiveness to potential customers.

• Responding to Reviews: Engage with your customers by responding to their reviews, which can enhance your credibility and customer satisfaction.

1. Performance Tracking:

• Dashboard Insights: Use the LSA dashboard to track your ad performance, including lead volume, costs, and customer interactions.

• Adjust Strategies: Based on the performance data, you can adjust your service areas, budget, and bid to optimize your ad’s effectiveness.

Benefits of Google LSA Ads for Contractors

1. Increased Visibility:

   • Being at the top of search results increases your visibility to potential customers actively seeking your services.

2. Trust and Credibility:

   • The "Google Guaranteed" or "Google Screened" badge signals to customers that you’re a trusted and verified provider.

3. Cost-Effective:

   • The pay-per-lead model ensures you only pay for actual customer inquiries, making it a cost-effective advertising option.

4. Targeted Reach:

   • You can specifically target your service areas, ensuring your ads reach the right audience.

5. Enhanced Customer Interaction:

   • Direct leads through calls and messages facilitate immediate customer interaction and quicker service provision.

Tips for Maximizing Your Google LSA Ads

1. Complete and Accurate Profile:

   • Ensure all your business details are accurate and up-to-date. A complete profile can improve your ad ranking and customer trust.

2. Collect Positive Reviews:

   • Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews. Respond to reviews promptly to show your commitment to customer service.

3. Monitor and Adjust:

   • Regularly monitor your ad performance and make necessary adjustments to your budget, service areas, and bids to maximize your return on investment.

4. Quality Service:

   • Providing high-quality service ensures satisfied customers and positive reviews, enhancing your reputation and lead volume.

Google Local Service Area advertising offers a strategic advantage for local contractors looking to expand their customer base and increase their visibility online. By understanding how it works and implementing best practices, you can effectively leverage this tool to grow your business.

My closing 2 cents on the topic

Stop wasting your hard earned $$$ on Facebook Advertising and opt for something which includes less of a "gambling" factor. Opt for proven processes as mentioned above. Remove the risk from your marketing process.

Last but not least. CHECK REVIEWS AND ASK FOR PORTFOLIO AND REFERENCES! I honestly cant stress this enough.

We know how busy things get on your end. That's actually why The Contractor Social Media Guru is here. 

We're here to handle the marketing so you can spend time on what matters most. Your business.

Click the "Book Now" button below to schedule a time to chat with us. And please don't hesitate to ask all your burning questions. We're here to help. Reg signing out.

Good luck out there today guys!