Learn how to rank higher on Google, optimize your website, and attract more customers with these actionable local SEO tips.
Did you know that 46% of all Google searches have local intent?
This means nearly half of potential customers are searching for services in their area. For home service businesses like landscapers, pavement contractors, and plumbers, this presents a golden opportunity to connect with local customers actively looking for your help. If you’re not optimizing for local search engine optimization (SEO), you could be missing out on a significant portion of business.
Local SEO ensures your business appears when someone searches for services nearby. Think of it as the digital equivalent of being listed on the town bulletin board—but with far greater reach. Whether it's getting found on Google Maps or ranking for "best services near [city name]," local SEO positions you as the go-to solution for community needs.
Keep reading to learn how to harness the power of local SEO and effectively grow your business!
Optimizing Your Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is the cornerstone of local SEO, acting as your business’s online storefront. An optimized GBP ensures your business appears in the local search results pack, typically consisting of a small map and three top-tier business listings at the top of a local search.
To optimize your GBO, claim your business with verification. Fill out your details: business name, phone number, address, website, hours of operation, and holiday schedules. Then, use high-quality photos of your work projects to build trust and make your profile visually intriguing. Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews because businesses with more favorable testimonials are more likely to stand out to potential clients and customers.
Pro Tip: Use keywords strategically in your business and service descriptions. If you’re a concrete contractor or pavement painter, mention a keyword like “affordable sports court painting in [your city]” for higher rankings in local searches.
Remember that GBP is an ongoing process and a constant work in progress. So, keep your business fresh and trending with updated posts, review responses, and shared promotions.
On-Page SEO for Local Rankings
Your website is more than a digital brochure. It could be a local SEO powerhouse if optimized correctly.
Ensure your NAP (name, address, and phone number) is consistent across all pages. Then, create dedicated landing pages for every service and location. For example, if you offer asphalt sealcoating in Springfield, that would be your keyword: “asphalt sealcoating in Springfield.”
Use locally focused keywords naturally throughout your descriptions and service content. Sprinkle keywords in headers and meta descriptions, too. For example, a paving company could target phrases like “emergency pavement repair near downtown” or “paving services in [city].”
Remember mobile optimization. Most local searches are done via smartphones, so a fast-loading, mobile-friendly website will improve user experience and boost local rankings.
Pro Tip: Add a blog section to your website to showcase your expertise on relevant topics. Use keywords naturally with a density of 1 to 2% (10 to 20 times for every 1,000 words).
The Role of Lead Generation Forms in Local SEO
Local SEO gets people to your website, but then what? Lead generation forms, like those from AK DASH, come in here.
These forms are designed to convert visitors into leads, ensuring your local SEO efforts translate into tangible results. With AK DASH Lead Generation Forms, you can capture details like a potential customer’s name, contact information, and service requests. Their intuitive design ensures ease of use, encouraging people to fill them out.
The forms are easy to integrate into your website while keeping your brand consistent, friendly, and professional.
Pro Tip: Pair AK DASH Lead Generation forms with your Google Business Profile by adding a contact link, making it even more straightforward for potential clients to reach you.
Tracking and Refining Your Local SEO Strategies
Unfortunately, local SEO isn’t a “set it and forget it” marketing technique. It requires constant monitoring and tweaking with tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console. These tools help you track metrics like website traffic, click-through rates, and user behavior.
How long is someone spending on your website? How many service pages did they explore? Did they feel compelled to leave contact information? You can see how many people view your GBP and call directly from site listings.
To keep your content fresh, analyze which keywords drive the most traffic and adjust content accordingly. If “paving services near me” is more effective than “pavement businesses in [city],” then the first keyword should be your focus across future content.
What about your competitors? Monitor them, too. Are they ranking higher for specific services? Study their strategies to pounce on opportunities to outdo them.
In Conclusion
Local search engine optimization is the bread and butter of modern home service businesses. It drives targeted traffic and connects you with customers in nearby communities. With tools like AK DASH lead generation forms and a strategic approach to optimization, you can turn searches into sales and ensure a thriving business.
