If you own a business or provide a service, then probably one of the biggest questions you probably ask yourself is “how do I generate more online leads for my business”, so that’s what I am going to be discussing in today’s post.
Create a Google My Business Account
If you aren’t using Google My Business to generate free, organic leads as a contractor or local service provider, then you’re missing out. In fact, if you want to learn more about this free service and other SEO Tips, then don’t forget to check out our previous article before you leave. If you have created a Google My Business account, but aren’t sure how to get started, then you could also check out our other post on How To Use Google My Business.
Why Is Google My Business Helpful?
This free platform allows potential customers in your service area (and all over the world for that matter) to search for local businesses that can help provide them with the services that they need. It is also a way for your customers to leave you feedback once a job is done. Doing great work and providing your customers with a great experience will help build your trust and authority as a company and people will eventually take notice.
Use Google Local Service Ads
If you’re tired of spending money on Google Adwords, or maybe you’re looking for a safer approach to online advertising, then I highly suggest checking out Google Local Service Ads. This service was rolled out over a year ago by Google and it allows local business owners to pay for leads only if a real potential customer calls your phone.
The Benefits Of Local Service Ads
Here are some other additional benefits to using Google Local Service Ads:
- You only pay for results. Meaning you only pay when a customer actually contacts you.
- You can set your budget based on the number of leads you want.
- Customers can easily contact you directly.
- Your business will show up on search with the Google Guarantee Icon.
What Types of Businesses Can Use This Service?
Unfortunately, for the time being, not all businesses will be eligible to sign up for this service, but to see if yours makes the cut, check out the list below.
- Appliance Repair Technicians
- Auto Service Technicians
- Carpet Cleaners
- Electricians
- Event Planners
- Garage Door Professionals
- HVAC Professionals
- House Cleaners
- Junk Removal Providers
- Lawn Care Providers
- Locksmiths
- Movers
- Pest Control Technicians
- Pet Care Provider
- Pet Groomers
- Photographers
- Plumbers
- Roofers
- Tree Service Providers
- Water Damage Service Providers
- Window Cleaners
- Window Service Providers
And there you have it. That is a current list of businesses who qualify to sign up for Google Local Service ads.
How Do I Qualify?
Many of you are probably asking yourself, “I have to qualify to use this service?”, and the answer is yes. Here is what Google typically requires you to have in order to use this service:
- Your company must Be licensed & insured (and you will have to provide documentation).
- Your business needs to be in good standing and have a good reputation
- Google might perform a background check on you and your employees.
You can learn more about the qualification process by contacting Google directly and speaking to customer support.
Get Listed On Directories
If you’re a local contractor that operates within a specific service area, then it definitely pays off to get yourself listed, and sometimes pay for listings on certain directories. For example, many local contractors use services such as HomeAdvisor or Thumbtack to generate qualified leads. One thing you want to try to remember with directory listings is that you want to find places where you know your potential customers go in order to find services that they need.
If you’re wondering what other directories you could possibly get listed on that might help you generate more local business, then I highly suggest reading this post by Local Seo Guide. They have compiled a pretty decent sized list for you to take a peek at and you can choose which one’s you think might benefit your business the most.
Get Active On Social Media
Now I’m sure many of you have heard this a number of times as well, but social media can be a great sales channel for your local business if you know how to use it right. Posting updates and offers to your customers is all fine and dandy, but you should also try getting creative when posting on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and even Twitter. Use these platforms to show the world what you can really do without trying to make every post a “hard sell“.
That being said, think about your social media profiles like they are a place to showcase your best work and don’t be afraid to show it off. This will not only possibly be a way for you to help generate new business, but it will help you start building your own personal brand.
Add Calls to Action to Your Website
If your local business has a website, then you should probably be making sure it has clear calls to action where appropriate. For example, making sure your phone number is clearly displayed on your website and giving potential customers the ability to click to call you from their mobile devices is definitely a practice you want to start taking part in if you aren’t already.
Additionally, make sure that you have a contact form some where on your website that potential customers can fill out after they have landed on your website. In fact, some businesses have multiple contact forms throughout their website and on every additional landing page that they create, but that is another topic for another day.
Create A Referral E-Mail Campaign
Another great way for you to drum up more business is by utilizing your current e-mail list to ask for referral business. If you’re new to e-mail marketing or aren’t sure how to go about building an automated e-mail campaign, then I suggest you check out Mailchimp.
Mailchimp offers an amazing platform that will help you design and customize your e-mails like an e-mail marketing pro, and their platform is easy to learn.
Well, that should definitely be enough to get a few of you guys started and I definitely hope this helps you start scaling your own business, so, take care and please feel free to leave a comment in the comments section below if you think I should add to this list or if you have any questions about any of the topics that were discussed in this post.