All posts by Local Splash

As a local service-based business, your service area choices can make or break your online visibility. You might be tempted to cast a wide net, covering as many areas as possible. However, when it comes to Local SEO and Google visibility, sometimes less is more. Let’s explore two powerful strategies to boost your local business presence: restricting your service areas and converting your Service Area Business (SAB) to a storefront.

Understanding Service Area Focus

Before diving into strategies, it’s important to clarify what we mean by service area focus. For businesses that serve customers at their locations, Google allows the creation of a Service Area Business (SAB) profile. This profile lets you specify the geographic areas where you offer your services.

However, the way you define your service area can significantly impact your visibility in local search results. Google’s algorithm favors businesses most relevant to the searcher’s location, creating what we call an “influence radius” around your business.

Local Business Relevance Matters Most

Your business is most relevant to your nearby area. Why? It’s simple:

• Lower travel costs for you and your customers
• More time-efficient service delivery
• Stronger local connections and reputation

Local SEO works best in your immediate proximity. When you adjust your online profile to reflect this reality, you align with what Google’s algorithm prefers.

To emphasize this point, let’s consider an extreme example. Technically, you could offer your services worldwide. Imagine a home builder traveling overseas to construct a house! While it has happened, it’s clearly not a practical or efficient way to run a local service business. The key is to focus on your most relevant market without diluting your online presence.

Strategy 1: Restricting and Limiting Service Areas

If you’re listing too many service areas, you may be diluting your relevance. Limiting your service areas to a few key locations can help:

• Focused Relevance: By selecting your most preferred 2-3 locations, you’re telling Google where you are most relevant.
• Stronger Rankings: Fewer service areas often mean better rankings in those specific places.
• Quality Over Quantity: It’s better to rank well in a few key areas than to have weak visibility across many.

To implement this strategy:

1. Analyze your current service areas.
2. Identify your top-performing or most profitable locations.
3. Select 2-3 core service areas that align best with your business goals.
4. Update your Google Business Profile and ensure your website and online listings reflect this change.

Strategy 2: Converting SAB to Storefront

Strategy 2: Converting SAB to Storefront

If you have a physical location where customers can visit, converting your SAB listing to a storefront can be a game-changer:

• Preferential Treatment: Storefronts generally perform better in local search results.
• Improved Ranking Potential: Physical locations are seen as more established and trustworthy.
• Better Visibility: The combination of improved ranking and trust often leads to more customers.

Before making this change, ensure:

1. You have a physical location that customers can visit.
2. You’re comfortable displaying your business address publicly.
3. You comply with Google’s guidelines for storefront businesses

To convert your SAB to a storefront, update your Google Business Profile, and Google may require you to re-verify your profile before publishing the update.

Why These Strategies Work

Both strategies align with Google’s preference for relevant, localized results. By restricting your service area or establishing a storefront, you show Google where you are most relevant and trustworthy. This approach reduces competition, positioning you as a top choice in a focused area rather than being spread too thin.

Implementing These Strategies

Whether you restrict your service area or convert to a storefront listing, contact your Local Splash team. Our team can:

1. Update your Google Business Profile with the necessary changes.
2. Verify your business address and ensure compliance with Google’s guidelines.
3. Handle any additional verification steps required by Google.

Consistency across all your online platforms, including your website and directory listings, is key.

Potential Challenges

While these strategies are powerful, there are potential challenges:

• Business Goals: Ensure that restricting your service area aligns with your overall objectives.
• Customer Expectations: Communicate clearly about your service area to avoid disappointing potential customers.
• Compliance: Make sure you fully comply with Google’s guidelines if converting to a storefront.

Conclusion

Sometimes, the path to greater visibility means narrowing your focus. By restricting your service areas or converting to a storefront listing, you can enhance your relevance and authority in the eyes of Google and potential customers.

Take a moment to assess your current service area. Could a more focused approach boost your visibility? By implementing these strategies, you can optimize your local presence and see a significant boost in online visibility and customer engagement. Contact Local Splash to get answers.

Key Indicators to Watch

Establishing a niche for your home services business requires a comprehensive online marketing strategy. This strategy should encompass a strong online presence, optimized listings, a user-friendly website, targeted advertising, and active social media engagement. 

Effective marketing increases brand visibility, builds trust with potential customers, and positions your business prominently in search results, particularly through Google Local Services Ads. These efforts collectively enhance brand awareness and provide a competitive advantage in a saturated market.

Listings

When building a successful online marketing campaign for your home services business, having up-to-date business listings is a critical component. Think of these listings as the digital equivalent of a phone book entry, but with more dynamic content and the ability to influence how your business appears in local search results.

1. Start with your NAP – Name, Address, and Phone number. Ensure this information is consistent across all platforms to boost your local SEO. This consistency helps search engines trust your business’s legitimacy, which can improve your ranking in search results.
2. Claim and optimize your Google Business Profile (GBP) profile. GBP is a powerful tool that allows customers to find, contact, and review your business directly from Google’s search results. Fill out every detail:
   • Business category and description.
   • Service areas.
   • Hours of operation.
   • Contact information.
3. Add photos of your work, team, and before/after comparisons to give a personal touch and showcase your quality. This visual appeal can have a substantial effect on potential customers searching for home services.
4. Encourage customer reviews and respond to them, demonstrating your engagement and customer service level. Positive reviews boost your credibility in the local search landscape.

Pro Tip: Local Splash prioritizes high-value listings over scattering efforts across numerous low-performing directories. Focusing on platforms that deliver the highest return on investment, such as Google Business Profile (GBP), Yelp, Facebook, and Bing, ensures that your business is prominently featured where it matters most. This targeted approach enhances visibility and drives more qualified leads to your services.

Remember: Regularly check your listings for accuracy, as outdated information can lead to lost opportunities and diminish trust with potential clients. Keep your listings updated with any changes in your business, such as new services or hours of operation. This attention to detail in your local listings can play a significant role in the overall success of your online marketing efforts.

Website

When considering your website design, it’s crucial that it looks professional and ranks well on search engines. SEO (Search Engine Optimization) should be at the forefront of your design process to ensure your website is visible to potential customers looking for your services online.

• Create a User-Friendly Website: Your website’s usability is key. It should be easy to navigate, fast-loading, and mobile-responsive to cater to the increasing number of users who access the internet via smartphones.
• Online Presence: A strong online presence is established through a combination of well-executed web design and ongoing SEO efforts. Your website content needs to be informative, relevant, and updated regularly to maintain its search rankings.

As Provided by Local Splash

Your website is the digital face of your home services business, and with Local Splash’s MySite service, it can stand out impressively. MySite offers customizable, SEO-optimized web designs that are mobile-friendly and fully secure, ensuring your business shines online. 

From easy-to-use chat and scheduling options to integrated payment systems, MySite equips your site with the tools needed for success. Embrace the convenience of updating your website with no coding required, and let Local Splash’s expertise drive your online presence to new heights.

Key Elements of Your Website:

1. Homepage: Introduce your services and unique selling proposition.
2. About Page: Share the story behind your business and crew.
3. Services Page: Clearly list the services you provide with detailed descriptions.
4. Contact Page: Include an easy-to-use contact form and alternative contact methods.
5. Blog or Resource Section: Offer valuable advice and tips related to your in-home services to help your SEO and provide value to visitors.

Ensure that your website reflects the quality of your work – make it as impeccable, approachable, and professional as your services.

Ads & Social

Navigating the world of online advertising can be overwhelming, but mastering platforms like Google Ads and social media can lead to significant growth for your home services business. By harnessing the power of paid ads and effective social messaging, you can connect with your ideal customers and increase your leads and revenues.

Google Ads PPC

With Google Adwords, you’re investing in visibility at the top of search engine results, directly above organic listings. This pay-per-click model ensures you only pay when potential customers click through to your website. 

To optimize your Google Adwords campaign:

• Tailor Your Ads: Create ads specific to home services that resonate with your target audience.
• Set a Budget: Google Ads allows for flexible budgeting, making it a cost-effective choice for all sizes of businesses.
• Track and Analyze: Use Google’s robust tracking tools to monitor your conversion rate and adjust for the best ROI.

FB and Google Business Profile Post Generator

Effective use of social media starts with engaging content. Both Facebook and Google Business Profile offer post generators that can enhance your content marketing strategy.

• For Facebook:
  • Ensure your content appeals to the local services ads market and utilizes Facebook’s extensive advertising strategies.
  • Engage with your community using posts that highlight customer testimonials and examples of your work.
• For Google Business Profile:
  • Take advantage of this free tool to appear in local search results and connect with those seeking home services.
  • Regular posts about promotions or new services can improve your lead generation and keep your business top-of-mind.

The key is consistent, clear communication across these platforms, making sure your message aligns with your overall marketing campaigns. Use these spaces not just for advertising, but for building relationships with your audience.

LSA by Google

Local Services Ads (LSA) by Google have revolutionized the promotion of home service businesses online. These ads serve as an economical bridge, linking your business directly with potential clients who are in immediate need of the services you provide. Positioned at the very top of Google search results, LSAs ensure your business stands out prominently.

The Google Guarantee enhances this service by adding a layer of confidence for both you and your customers. In instances where customers, who found your business through LSAs, are not satisfied with the work quality, Google may step in. 

The company holds the discretion to provide reimbursements to the customer for the amount spent on the initial service, with this safety net being subject to a cumulative cap throughout the life of the guarantee.

How LSAs Work:

• Targeted Exposure: LSAs help you appear to local customers based on their search queries.
• Pay Per Lead: You only pay when someone contacts you through the ad, making it a budget-friendly option.

Creating a Winning LSA Campaign:

1. Verification: Ensure your business is properly vetted by Google to build trust with customers.
2. Accurate Information: Input your business hours, services, and any required licenses.
3. Budget Management: Decide how much you’re willing to spend on leads each week to control costs.

Benefits for Home Services:

• High Intent Leads: LSAs connect you with users who are ready to book a service, increasing the likelihood of conversion.
• Reviews and Ratings: Showcasing your positive reviews from satisfied customers can enhance your credibility.

By optimizing your LSA profile and managing your budget, you can develop an advertising strategy that boosts your visibility and is aligned with your financial goals. The key is to maintain an updated and detailed profile to maximize your lead generation efforts.

Tip: In the Local Splash client dashboard, you’ll find FBAds leads and LSA leads under the “Leads” tab. 

Partner with Local Splash 

To succeed in online marketing for your home services business, you need to establish a strong digital presence. This includes having optimized listings, a user-friendly website, strategic advertising, and active social media engagement.

With tools like Google Local Services Ads and effective use of platforms like Google Ads and Facebook, you can connect with potential customers and grow your business. 

Local Splash stands ready to guide you through these complexities, ensuring that you can focus on what you do best – running your business. For a tailored approach to online marketing success, reach out to us today and discover how having the right partner makes all the difference!

Chat and Call History Are Changing in Google Business Profile

Google has announced the discontinuation of the chat and call history within Google Business Profile. These changes take effect July 15th for chat and July 31st for call history. 

Key Dates to Remember: 

• After July 15th, 2024, new chat conversations will not be possible, but you can still continue existing chats for a few weeks.
• On July 31st, 2024, Google Business Profile will remove the chat button, and call history will no longer be available.

We understand these features have been valuable tools for many of our clients in managing customer inquiries and maintaining seamless communication. 

Despite these updates, Local Splash is dedicated to supporting your business with top-tier digital marketing solutions.

How to Save Your Google Business Profile Chat and Call History

Until August 30, you can download your chat and call history to maintain access to past interactions. Simply visit Google Takeout, sign in with your Google account, and select the data you wish to download, ensuring you include your Google Business Profile chat and call history. Follow the prompts to download and securely save your data on your computer.

Understanding the Impact on Your Business

Adapting to your customers’ behavior, rather than trying to change it, will better position you to handle the discontinuation of features on Google’s platform.

To understand how the discontinuation of chat and call history features might affect your business operations, analyze your current customer interaction data. This analysis will help you gauge the potential impact and plan accordingly.

Maintaining Communication with Your Customers

Even though chat and call history features are being phased out, your business will still be easily found through Google Search and Maps. 

Customers can continue to contact you directly through calls from your business profile. Here are some steps to maintain effective communication:

1. Update Your Contact Details: Check that your contact information is current and accurate in your Client Dashboard at https://my.localsplash.com/.
2. Enhance Your Google Listing: Enable features like Google Q&A or Google Offers to further engage with your audience. Ask us how today. 
3. Consider Other Communication Tools: Evaluate other tools and methods to maintain and enhance customer engagement. If you’re using MySite with Local Splash, you can take advantage of the Live Chat feature for real-time visitor interaction. 

Update Your Welcome Message in Google Business Profile

You’ll also want to make your customers aware that Google Chat has been discontinued, and provide alternative communication methods — like calling your business directly or using Live Chat on MySite.

To do that, update your welcome message on Google Business Profile. Sign into GBP and navigate to the welcome message settings. Edit the text to direct your customer to the new ways to reach you. Google provides detailed instructions — click here.

Introducing Live Chat Integration with MySite

We’re excited to introduce Live Chat for MySite users, making it easier to engage with your visitors in real-time. 

Live Chat benefits include:

• Real-Time Engagement: Seamlessly engage with website visitors in real-time.
• Instant Support: Provide instant support and address customer inquiries promptly.
• Lead Capture: Capture leads and convert website traffic into valuable customers.

Implement Live Chat on MySite

To integrate Live Chat on your MySite, simply contact our support team for assistance. You can reach Client Support by calling (877) 635-6225 or visiting our client support page. Our team will help you customize the chat settings to fit your business needs and provide training to enable your team to use Live Chat effectively. 

Please note that while Live Chat is included for single users, a paid upgrade is available if you wish to include your entire team.

Additional Steps You Can Take to Improve Online Customer Engagement

To make the most of your online presence and customer interactions, consider these best practices:

• Respond Promptly: Whether through Google Q&A, emails, or Live Chat, timely responses show customers you value their inquiries.
• Personalize Your Interactions: Use customer names and reference previous interactions to create a more personalized experience.
• Gather Feedback: Regularly ask for and review customer feedback to improve your services and address any issues.

​​Google Q&A

Google Q&A allows businesses to answer questions directly on their Google Business Profile, providing valuable information to potential customers. To set it up, complete the following:

• Open your Google Business Profile.
• Click on the “Questions & answers” tab: This will take you to the section where you can add and manage the Q&A section of your profile

Google Offers

Google Offers enables businesses to create promotional offers and deals that appear on their Google Business Profile. This can help attract more customers and increase engagement. Here’s how to add it to your Business Profile in Google:

• Log in to your Google Business Profile 
• Click “Add Update” 
• Click “Add Offer”
• Enter a headline, start date, end date, and any terms or conditions
• Click Preview – if all looks good, click Post 

The Solution to More Powerful Content Marketing

Local Splash’s client dashboard is packed with tools that allow you to publish easily and attract more attention to MySite. Here’s how you can create engaging posts right from your client dashboard:

1. Log into your Local Splash Dashboard at https://my.localsplash.com.
2. Click on the “Posts” tab.
3. Click on “Create New Post”.
4. Choose Your Post Type: Choose “What’s New” or “Offer,” depending on the type of post you want to share.
5. Add Your Content: Upload an image and write a description. We include an AI assistant to help you write the perfect message.
6. Schedule Your Post: Pick the perfect time for your post to go live, so it reaches your audience when they’re most active.* 
7. Add a Button: Make your post more interactive by adding a call-to-action button like “Learn More” or “Shop Now.”
8. Publish: Review your post, and when you’re happy with it, hit the “Publish” button to share it with your followers.

*The scheduling feature is a significant advantage over Google Business Profile, which requires third-party tools to schedule content. The result? You deliver updates exactly when your audience looks for them. 

By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to turning your MySite into a powerful content marketing tool that attracts and engages customers. 

Alternative Communication Strategies

In addition to LiveChat on MySite and Google Business Profile, explore other communication channels to provide your customers with easy ways to reach you. This may include social media messaging, email marketing, and customer service hotlines.

We’re Here to Support You

We understand that adapting to Google’s changes may pose challenges, but we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our goal is to empower you with innovative solutions that minimize the impact of Google’s updates, plus elevate your online presence and customer engagement strategies.

If you have any questions or need assistance in implementing Live Chat on your MySite, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We’re here to support you and help you make the most of your digital marketing efforts.

Thank you for choosing Local Splash as your trusted partner in driving online success. Together, we’ll continue to adapt, innovate, and succeed in business.