As a contractor, getting more leads is crucial to the success of your business. And in today’s digital age, having an online presence is essential for generating those leads without breaking the bank.
One of the most effective ways to attract new customers, seemingly on autopilot, is through search engines. With millions of people using search engines every single day, it’s a goldmine for fresh leads that are ready to buy. In this article, we’ll discuss ten ways to get more restoration leads from search engine results pages the right way!
1. Optimize Your Website for Local SEO
Local SEO is crucial for any business that wants to attract customers in its vicinity, but it definitely isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It involves optimizing your website and online presence to show up in local search results for relevant keywords.
To optimize your website, start by including your city and state in title tags, meta descriptions, URLs, and content on relevant pages. This helps search engines understand where you’re located and show your website to potential customers in that area.
With hundreds of factors playing into your local SEO success, Google’s algorithm favors businesses with complete and accurate information.
Consider creating location-specific pages to increase your visibility in specific locations. This will help your website rank higher for location-based searches, such as “restoration services in [city].”
2. Claim Your Business Listings
In addition to having a strong website, you also need to claim your business listings on popular directories like Google My Business, Yelp, and Angie’s List. These platforms not only help customers find your business but also improve your online presence and credibility.
Keep these updated with accurate business information, including your address, phone number, and hours of operation. Last but not least, encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews on these platforms to boost your credibility further and attract new leads.
Imagine if potential customers find two businesses side by side in the search results – one with a complete and updated business listing, and the other with little to no information. Which one do you think they will choose?
3. Use Relevant Keywords
Keywords are crucial when it comes to ranking in search engine results pages (SERPs). Tools like SEMRush and Ahrefs can help you research and use relevant keywords related to restoration services in your area throughout your website’s content, including page titles, meta descriptions, and image alt tags.
Strategically placed key phrases also play a pivotal role in your GMB profile, social media, and all your other listings or platforms.
Keep in mind that keywords should be used naturally and not stuffed into your content. Keyword stuffing can harm your SEO efforts and make your website appear spammy to both search engines and potential customers.
4. Create High-Quality Content
In addition to using relevant keywords, you also need to create high-quality, informative content that will engage and educate your audience. This could include blog posts, videos, infographics, and more.
Not only does quality content help improve your website’s SEO, but it also establishes you as an authority in the restoration industry as a whole. This inadvertently leads to increased trust and credibility from potential customers, making them more likely to choose your business over competitors.
How regular or not you are with your content creation efforts is entirely up to you, but consistency is key. Whether it’s weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, make sure you’re regularly putting out fresh and relevant content that your audience will find valuable.
5. Leverage Social Media
Social media is an excellent tool for restoration businesses as it allows you to connect with potential customers, share your content and services, and even provide customer support.
For best results, focus on the social media platforms that are most relevant to your business and target audience. This could include popular platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (X), and LinkedIn.
Be sure to optimize your social media profiles with relevant keywords, a link to your website, and accurate business information. Share your content regularly, engage with followers, and consider using paid advertising options to reach an even larger audience.
While paid advertising can certainly be beneficial, it’s still possible to grow an organic following and engage with potential customers without spending a dime. Let your creative juices flow, and experiment with different types of content to see what resonates best with your audience.
6. The Marvel of Email Marketing
Another effective way to reach potential customers and nurture existing relationships is through email marketing. This involves sending out targeted emails to individuals who have willingly provided their contact information, such as through a newsletter sign-up or after making a purchase. Make it easy by giving a tiny discount in exchange for an opt-in. It will pay for itself many times over.
Email marketing allows you to keep your audience updated on your business, offers, and promotions. It’s also a great way to provide valuable content such as blog posts, customer testimonials, and before-and-after photos.
To make the most out of it, be sure to segment your email list based on demographics or interests to send more personalized and relevant messages. Additionally, always include a clear call-to-action and make it easy for recipients to unsubscribe if they no longer wish to receive emails from you.
Don’t underestimate the power of email marketing in driving conversions and building brand loyalty. With the right strategy, it can be a highly effective tool in your digital marketing arsenal.
7. Monitor Your Online Reputation
With the growth of online reviews and ratings, restoration businesses must vigilantly monitor their online reputation. Customers often turn to review sites, Google Maps, or social media to share their experiences with a business, and folks tend to heavily rely on these reviews when making purchasing decisions.
Make it a habit to regularly check review sites such as Google My Business, Yelp, and industry-specific platforms for any feedback from customers. Respond promptly and professionally to both positive and negative reviews to show that you value customer feedback and are committed to addressing any issues that may arise. This can also help improve your online reputation by showing that you take their satisfaction seriously.
It’s also a good idea to regularly monitor your social media accounts for mentions or tags, which can help you stay on top of any conversations about your business. Be sure to address any concerns or questions raised by customers. This will not only help improve your online reputation but also show that you are actively engaged with your customers and their needs.
In addition, consider setting up Google Alerts for your business name and any relevant keywords to stay informed about any online mentions or discussions related to your industry. This can help you keep track of what people are saying about your business and allow you to address any issues or concerns in a timely manner.
8. UX Optimization
Having an optimized website from a user experience perspective (UX) is crucial for attracting potential customers and generating leads. A user-friendly, visually appealing, and informative website can leave a lasting impression on visitors and help convert them into customers.
To optimize your website’s user experience (UX), consider the following:
- Please keep it simple: Ensure that your website’s layout is clean and easy to navigate. Avoid cluttering the pages with excessive text or images.
- Make it mobile-friendly: With more people using their phones to search for businesses, having a responsive website design is essential. This means that your website should look good and function well on different devices, including smartphones and tablets.
- Use high-quality visuals: Images and videos can make your website more engaging and visually appealing. Use high-resolution images and videos to showcase your restoration work and services.
- Provide clear and concise information: Make sure that the descriptions of your services, contact information, and other important details are easy to find and understand.
- Include customer reviews: Positive customer reviews can build trust in potential customers. Consider including testimonials or reviews on your website to showcase the quality of your work and customer satisfaction.
- Use call-to-action buttons: Encourage visitors to take action by including clear and prominent call-to-action buttons, such as “Get a quote” or “Contact us”.
- Test for speed and functionality: A slow-loading website or broken links can turn off potential customers. Check for issues with website speed and functionality regularly to ensure a seamless user experience.
- Incorporate SEO strategies: Make sure your website is optimized for search engines by using relevant keywords, meta titles and descriptions, and alt tags for images. This can help improve your website’s visibility and attract more traffic.
In addition to these tips, it is important to regularly update your website with fresh content to keep visitors engaged and coming back for more.
9. Direct Mail
Direct mail marketing can also be a valuable tool for restoration companies. This involves sending physical mail, such as postcards or flyers, to targeted audiences. Here are some tips for effective direct mail marketing:
- Target the right audience: Identify your target market and tailor your mailing list accordingly. For example, if you specialize in historic home restorations, you may want to focus on mailing to neighborhoods with older homes.
- Use eye-catching design: Make sure your mail piece stands out by using a professional and visually appealing design. This can help grab the recipient’s attention and encourage them to read further.
- Include a clear call-to-action: Similar to your website, it is important to include a call-to-action in your direct mail piece. This could be a special offer, a discount code, or simply an invitation to contact your company for more information.
- Track response rates: Direct mail campaigns can be costly, so it is important to track the success of your efforts. Use unique phone numbers or promo codes to monitor the response rate and adjust your strategy accordingly.
10. PPC Campaigns
A PPC (pay-per-click) campaign involves placing targeted ads on search engines or social media platforms and only paying when someone clicks on your ad. Targeting options, keywords, and ad formats can all be customized to reach your desired audience.
Working with a certified professional like our team here at Contractor 20/20 can help ensure that your PPC campaign is effective and optimized for success. Our experts will handle all aspects of the campaign, from keyword research to ad creation, in order to generate quality leads for your restoration company.
This type of marketing campaign can be a valuable tool for reaching potential customers who are actively searching for restoration services online. By using targeted keywords and ad copy, you can attract high-quality leads and increase your online visibility.
As with any marketing strategy, it is important to track and analyze performance regularly. This will allow you to make adjustments as needed and continually improve its effectiveness.
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Supporting contractors’ growth since 1990, Contractor 20/20 is a family-owned business spanning two generations. Initially catering to small business owners in 1979, we shifted our focus to marketing and advertising for restoration, plumbing, heating, cooling, and electrical trades in 1996.
We’re your marketing team, passionate about home service contractors. Let us use our proven strategies to help you grow your restoration business. Schedule a free strategy session today to see how we can take your marketing efforts to the next level!
