All posts by Local Splash

Are you trying to wear too many hats? Somewhere in the middle of running your business, you’re expected to track the numbers on your lead-gen and marketing. Many platforms promise a lot of insight but usually just bury you in numbers! That frustration is exactly what led to the creation of the LocalSplash Hub.

The Hub was built specifically for local businesses. Thanks to a simple interface, it gives clarity in your marketing performance, and gives confidence in knowing at a glance how well your business is doing. You can drill down into any area of your marketing to get specific.

Bottom line, you get answers easily. We designed The Hub to cut through the noise and not overwhelm. We wanted to make it simple to see what’s working, what isn’t, and where to focus next.

If you’ve ever wished your reporting dashboard could be smarter, less complicated, and more in tune with the realities of your daily routine, this is the upgrade you’ve been waiting for.

A Familiar Foundation, Reinvented

The Hub takes everything business owners already rely on in the Local Splash dashboard and brings it into a cleaner, faster, and more intuitive interface. You’ll recognize the core features you’re accustomed to seeing. But the difference is in how much easier it is to find and use them. Pages load quickly, navigation feels natural, and the overall layout makes it simple to spot trends at a glance.

What’s more, the Hub offers both English and Spanish language settings and supports dark mode for those who prefer a clean, softer-on-the-eyes experience. These may seem like small touches, but they add up to a system that feels flexible, personal, and accessible for any business owner or team.

Lead Disposition: Smarter Lead Management

One of the most significant advancements inside the Hub is lead disposition. Instead of just logging calls or tracking form submissions, you can classify each lead according to its outcome. Was the appointment scheduled? Was the job completed? Did the call require a follow-up? Or was it simply not a qualified opportunity?

By categorizing leads in this way, you create a much clearer picture of your sales pipeline. Over time, patterns emerge. You can see which marketing channels deliver the most leads, and the best quality leads. That insight helps you budget smarter, coach your team better, and ultimately close more business.

Traditional dashboards often stop at showing you how many people called or clicked. The Hub goes further by giving you the context of what happened during the call. That difference is what makes lead disposition such a powerful tool for contractors, service providers, and any business that relies on turning inquiries into revenue.

Call Transcriptions and AI Summaries

Every business owner knows – the phone rings constantly, and by the end of the week it’s nearly impossible to remember the details of who said what. The Hub solves that problem with automatic call transcriptions and AI-generated summaries.

Let’s say a customer called on Tuesday to ask about scheduling, and by Friday you’re trying to recall whether they preferred morning or afternoon. Instead of replaying the entire call or relying on scribbled notes, you can open the Hub and read the transcript. Even better, the AI summary condenses the key points so you can review the conversation in seconds.

This feature is a time saver, but it’s also a performance booster. It helps your team follow up with precision, capture details accurately, and avoid miscommunication. You’ll spend less effort chasing down information and more time focusing on your customers.

Clearer Insights from Google Business Profile and Ads

The Hub also consolidates your Google business insights and advertising data into a single, seamless view. Instead of logging into multiple platforms, you can see how your website visits, direction requests, and phone calls are trending directly alongside your ad performance.

The Hub was created for real business owners of every type who want results without the learning curve, and need a clear way to see what’s happening with their business.

Want to know how many people clicked your ad last month, or the cost of each conversion, or how many of those clicks turned into real calls? The Hub lays it all out in a simple, visual format. With graphs that show impressions, clicks, and conversions over any time period, you can easily connect the dots between marketing spend and customer actions.

This is particularly valuable for small business owners who don’t have the time to wrestle with spreadsheets or decipher complex analytics reports. You don’t need to be a data expert. The Hub translates activity into plain language and clear visuals that make sense right away.

These features make the experience approachable for anyone, regardless of technical skill. It provides just the right level of detail so you can make informed decisions without slowing down your day.

More Than Just Reporting

At first glance, you might think of the Hub as a reporting tool, but it’s more accurate to call it a growth platform. It helps you capture new opportunities, manage them effectively, and understand the true return on your marketing investment.

This is also where the rest of Local Splash’s services connect. Local SEO, Google Ads campaigns, directory listings, and review management all flow into the Hub. That integration means you’re not just seeing numbers – you’re seeing how each service contributes to generating real leads and growing your business.

By bringing everything together in one place, the Hub eliminates guesswork and gives you confidence in the decisions you make.

Leap Forward

The Hub represents a major leap forward for business owners who are tired of outdated, clunky dashboards. With lead disposition, call transcriptions, AI summaries, and seamless integration with Google insights and ad campaigns, it gives you more than just data. It gives you clarity, efficiency, and control.

If your current provider can’t offer this level of transparency and usability, it might be time to ask why. LocalSplash designed the Hub to solve real problems for real businesses, not just to add another tool to the pile.

The Hub is already live for existing users, and in just a short time it will replace the current client dashboard. The only question is, Will you keep settling for less, or embrace a system that finally puts the power back in your hands?

If you thought business cards were a thing of the past, you may want to reconsider. With everything from meetings to marketing happening online, it’s understandable to feel that way. But if you’re a local business owner trying to get verified on Google, a digital or paper business card might be exactly what you need to prove you’re the real deal.

At Local Splash, we help local service providers claim and optimize their Google Business Profiles. And increasingly, we’re seeing Google ask for one surprising item during video verification: a business card. Yes, a professionally branded business card can be the difference between a pending profile and a verified one. That’s why we now offer custom-designed digital business cards as part of our GBP service, completely free of charge.

Let’s break down why business cards have become part of the Google verification process, and how we’re making it simple for you to check this box with confidence.

What Is Google Video Verification, and Why Is It Strict?

If you’ve recently tried to claim your Google Business Profile (GBP), you may have been asked to complete something called Google Video Verification. This step is often triggered when Google’s automated systems want extra assurance that your business is legitimate and physically operates at the location you’ve listed.

The process is pretty straightforward: Google asks you to record and submit a short video showing visual proof that your business exists. That can include your storefront or workspace, your tools or vehicle, any licenses or signage you have – and yes, even your business card.

To a lot of business owners, this request feels random or excessive. But it’s really not. Google is trying to weed out fake listings, scammers, and lead generation schemes. A business card with your name, business name, and contact info reinforces that there’s a real person behind the listing. I.e. someone who cares enough to present themselves professionally.

Digital Business Cards for Google

It often catches people off guard when Google asks for something as simple as a business card in the video you record for verification. It’s not something everyone has on hand anymore so it’s easy to get caught off-guard. That’s exactly why we started offering custom digital business cards that are specifically designed for this situation.

We’ve made the process simple: once we have your business name, contact info, and basic details, our design team will send you a clean, professional card you can use right away. These aren’t generic templates either. Each card is made to look like it came from your business, not one of those quick online generators.

We offer design styles that are modern, sharp, and traditional. If you prefer clean lines or something a little bolder, we’ll match the look to your industry and personality. You don’t need to stress over design decisions! We’ll guide you.

You’ll receive the final version as a digital file you can open on your phone or laptop. That way, when Google asks to see it, it’s ready to go. And if you want a physical copy, it’s formatted for easy printing too.

Why Google Cares About Small Details Like Business Cards

It might seem odd that a tech giant like Google still asks to see something as old-school as a business card. But there’s a reason behind it.

Think of video verification like a virtual tour. Google’s trying to confirm that your business is real. They’re looking for real-world details that connect the dots – things like your workspace, equipment, signage, or even a business card with your branding on it.

From Google’s perspective, having a business card signals that you’re serious about your business – it reflects intention, planning, and presence. That goes a long way in helping your profile get verified without hiccups.

It also helps build trust with customers. The same card you use in the verification process can later be used on your website, in email signatures, or shared in person. It’s one of those small things that quietly reinforces that your business is professional and real.

How to Get Your Business Card from Local Splash

If you’re already a Local Splash client, the process is quick. Just contact your rep and let them know you’d like a business card for Google verification. We’ll grab a few details, show you some layout options, and get a version back to you quickly – usually within a day or two.

Not working with us yet? No problem. Let us know what you need help with – whether it’s the card, the Google verification itself, or getting your profile set up from scratch. We’ve worked with thousands of local businesses and can walk you through what to expect.

And if you’re wondering how to use the card during your video call: keep it nearby. Hold it up during the call, or have it visible on your desk or in your workspace. You don’t have to overthink it. It’s just one more detail that helps check the right boxes.

Need Help With Google Video Verification or GBP Setup?

Verification can feel intimidating, especially when you’re juggling a dozen other things to run your business. That’s exactly why we built our Google Business Profile service to handle these small-but-crucial details for you.

From designing your business card to coaching you through the verification steps, Local Splash is here to help you make progress and not get stuck in the Google rabbit hole. Our team understands Google’s process and knows what visual elements can make a difference.

So whether you’re brand new to GBP or stuck mid-verification, don’t hesitate to reach out. The sooner you’re verified, the sooner your customers can start finding you online.

Let’s Get You Verified

A well-designed business card might seem like a minor thing – but when Google is watching, it can make a major difference. And with Local Splash, it’s one less thing you have to worry about. 

Contact your Local Splash team today to:

1. Get your Google Business Profile set up or verified
2. Request your own digital business card
3. Get help preparing for your Google Video Verification

We’ll handle the design. You handle the business.

Turning leads into paying customers comes down to what happens after the phone rings or the form gets filled out, and that’s where many service providers unknowingly lose momentum. If even one out of every five missed leads could have become a job, that’s thousands left on the table each month.

With the resources from Local Splash, you’re already getting leads thanks to strong Google visibility and smart local marketing. Whether those leads convert is in your hands. The good news? With just a few changes to your follow-up process, you can close more jobs and land better clients. 

Here are five simple but powerful ways to make sure the leads you’re already receiving turn into paid work.

#1 Respond Fast –Speed Wins

The single biggest advantage you have when it comes to closing a lead is time. People searching for a contractor or service provider are often contacting multiple businesses at once. And more often than not, they go with the first one that replies. That means every minute counts.

Even if you’re in the middle of a job and can’t make a full phone call, send a quick text:
“Thanks for reaching out. I’ll follow up shortly to learn more about your project.”

This small step alone immediately separates you from slower competitors and shows you’re engaged and professional. Since Local Splash delivers leads in real time through call, form, or text, you’re already set up for speed. The key is to capitalize on that timing and make that initial contact count.

#2 Send Clean, Clear Estimates

Once the conversation is underway, the next impression you make is through your estimate. A rushed or confusing quote with vague pricing and unclear terms can make people feel like the final price might change later, and it erodes trust. 

On the other hand, a clear, well-organized estimate signals that you’re serious, experienced, and detail-oriented. It reassures them you’re transparent and fair.

Break your estimate into easy-to-understand sections: labor, materials, projected timeline, and payment terms. This gives the client clarity and reduces friction when it’s time to make a decision. You don’t need fancy software – even a simple email or PDF that’s visually clean and free of jargon does the trick.

It also helps to include a short message alongside your quote that reiterates your understanding of their needs and invites questions. That kind of clear communication makes you memorable and hireable.

#3 Show Social Proof

In today’s world, people trust people. Before they hire you, they want to know others were happy they hired you. You’ll always want to ask happy clients for a quick review or to snap a photo after a job; most are glad to help if you ask. 

Social proof gives your potential client a reason to feel confident in their decision.

This can take a few forms:

• Before-and-after photos of past work
• Google reviews (especially recent ones)
• Any certifications, awards, or years in business that build credibility

You don’t need to send your entire portfolio. Just share one or two relevant examples in your message or estimate follow-up. It might be a photo from a similar job or a link to your reviews. 

Since Local Splash helps your business stand out in local search, there’s a good chance your leads have already seen your good reviews. Reinforcing that trust during the sales process is what turns interest into action. 

#4 Follow Up Without Being Pushy

Not every customer will respond right away, and that’s normal. In fact, most of your competitors won’t follow up at all, which means a well-timed, friendly check-in gives you a huge edge.

The key is tone and timing. A good rule of thumb is to follow up 24 to 48 hours after sending a quote, and again a few days later if you still haven’t heard back. Keep the tone light and helpful:

“Hi [Name], just following up on the estimate I sent over. Let me know if you have any questions or if you’d like to discuss the project further.”

Here’s a pro tip: in most cases, respond using the same communication channel they used. They are giving you their preferred method of contact (phone call, text or email), so match that if possible. 

You’re not trying to force a sale. You’re keeping the door open. And if a customer isn’t quite ready to commit, your professionalism and consistency will likely bring them back when they are.

#5 Say What Makes You Different

When potential clients are comparing multiple contractors, they’re not just comparing prices – they’re comparing people. The more clearly you can articulate what sets you apart, the more likely you are to get the job.

So what’s your edge? Maybe you finish jobs faster than others. Maybe you communicate better. Maybe your team leaves the job site cleaner than anyone else. Whatever it is, don’t assume your lead will just figure it out. You need to tell them.

Try saying something like:

“One thing our clients really appreciate is that we send daily project updates so you’re never left wondering what’s going on.”

Another way to say it might be: “We might not always be the cheapest, but we’re the team that gets it done right the first time, and that saves money in the long run.” 

Statements like this give your lead confidence that they’re making a smart, long-term decision, not just going with the lowest price.

Neither approach is bragging; it’s giving your potential customer a reason to choose you over someone else. And the more consistent you are in sharing this difference, the more it becomes part of your brand.

Next Step

These five steps aren’t complicated but they will make a real difference. The leads you’re getting through Local Splash already show buying intent. They’re looking for someone to help with a specific problem, right now. What you do in those crucial first moments – how fast you respond, how clearly you communicate, and how well you follow through – determines whether that lead turns into real revenue.

If you’d like help refining your process or want tips on how to make your follow-ups more effective, reach out to your team at Local Splash. We’re here to help you get the most out of every lead you receive.