Below are some of the techniques you can expect from any reputable contractor SEO agency:
Strategic Research
Search results widely vary depending on what search terms the person is entering into the search engine. Some of these keywords are more valuable than others.
If someone searches "How to fix a leaky faucet," they probably want to find DIY solutions for their plumbing issue. They might be open to hiring a plumber, but they will probably need quite a bit of convincing to do so.
On the other hand, someone searching for “plumbers near me” is ready to hire a plumber right now. Therefore, a plumber ranking high for this keyword will gain many more leads than if they ranked high for the previous query. The plumber doesn’t need to spend much time convincing the potential customer to call them either.
How do you know which search terms are more profitable for your business? This is what experienced SEO companies can do for you. They strategically research high-purchase keywords and what keywords your competitors attempt to rank for. Then, they’ll use that valuable knowledge to customize a strategy that gets real results.
Engaging Content
Once your contractor SEO agency understands what your target audience wants, they’ll build content around your high-value keywords.
Engaging, high-quality content fuels contractor SEO. It shows customers that you know your trade well and can solve their problems, building a relationship before they even pick up the phone.
It also tells Google that your content is the top answer, boosting your website's ranking in search results. It’s a win-win.
Content marketing generates three times more leads than traditional marketing while costing up to 62% less. It actively sets you apart from competitors, continually builds traction with customers and search engines, and accelerates lead generation.
Is this form of SEO worth it for contractors? The results speak for themselves.
Link Building
Engaging content builds a strong foundation for another SEO technique: link building.
When trusted websites link to your site, search engines see it as a sign that your business is reliable. It also creates another avenue for potential customers to find you.
Directory Listing Optimization
Another vote of confidence that Google considers is online directories. These websites, like Houzz, Home Advisor, or Facebook, list your business name, address, phone number, and a link to your main website.
Optimizing and managing these listings offers credibility in your business and another way for potential customers to find you. You’ll boost your reputation and cast a wider net of customers through this method.
Google Business Profile Management
Google Business Profile (GBP) is another critical tool for local contractors and SEO agencies. Customers who see a well-kept GBP will find reviews that build trust and posts that showcase services and features. Additionally, they will have an easy time finding information and contacting the business.
Google Business Profiles save time and effort for searchers. They make it easy for people to find and hire you for their home project, which means more leads for you.
Managing a successful Google Business Profile takes constant effort and monitoring. To stand out from other competitors, it's important to hire an SEO agency that specializes in managing Google Business Profiles.
Is SEO Worth It For Home Services Businesses?
The main reason why seasoned contractors invest in contractor SEO is because it works. It dramatically increases their lead generation, zeroing in on potential leads that would be ideal customers. It’s a cost-effective method that brings in returns long after the initial work.
Consider some other statistics on why contractor SEO is such a good investment:
- 70% of homeowners plan to remodel within the next year, creating a fantastic opportunity for home services businesses. (Source: Scorpion)
- Even if you’re not a remodeler, home services businesses will have a lot of new work available to them as the market is expected to increase by 18% (Source: Verified Market Research)
- Over 55% of these new customers will run a search before scheduling an appointment. These customers also don’t have a company in mind before searching, so the company with the best local SEO will likely gain the lead. (Source: Invoca)
- As many as 80% of customers ignore ads, preferring to do their research in organic results instead. Contractor SEO positions home services businesses into these organic results. (Source: Scorpion)
- In general, leads from SEO have a 15% close rate. Specifically, 40% of home services leads convert into customers. Now, those are some impressive results! (Source: Intergrowth)
You need more than high-quality workmanship and customer satisfaction. From these facts, it is clear that contractors also need to ensure that they have a strong, strategic online presence to be successful.
What Are You Investing In?
5 Benefits Of SEO For Contractors
Before investing in contractor SEO, you must have a firm grasp of what you can expect from it. Here are some of the top benefits of contractor SEO.
Lower Long-Term Costs
Contractor SEO is very cost-effective as a long-term marketing strategy. Advertising results will only continue as long as you’re running the ads. SEO efforts continue to generate results long after completing the work. For example, a high-quality piece of content can generate leads even 1 - 2 years after its creation.
Home service contractors can even achieve top search engine rankings for important keywords without spending money on ads. If you want to spend less money but have longer-lasting results, contractor SEO is for you.
Higher Conversion Rates
Contractors that invest in SEO have more and more people within their target market visiting their website. That will result in a consistently higher conversion rate, too.
SEO leads are more effective than other marketing methods, and home service business owners see a boost in profits.
More Quality Leads
Contractor SEO increases traffic, conversion rates, and quality leads for your business.
Your SEO agency will help you understand your audience, what they’re searching for, and how to convince them to hire you. The leads you receive will be easier to convince to hire you. They will also be more likely to hire you for bigger projects and hire you again in the future.
Increased Brand Awareness
Contractor SEO benefits reach beyond the internet and into the “real world.” If people often find your content when they search, they will remember your business name when they need your services. And they’ll even make recommendations to friends, family, and neighbors because your name will be the first to pop into their heads.
Start with a good contractor SEO campaign. It helps more people recognize your brand and gives you a better reputation locally.
A 24/7 Salesman For Your Contractor Business
Contractor SEO doesn’t stop once you’re personally offline. These marketing tactics continue to work around the clock to give you high-quality traffic to your website, a better customer experience, and more consistent leads.
Home services businesses that invest in this avenue of marketing start the day by scheduling appointments, answering phone calls, and gaining more customers.