tl;dr
To attract more leads for your general contractor business: optimize your Google Business Profile, enhance your website with targeted keywords, and build authority through reviews and quality backlinks to attract more leads for your general contractor business.
Introduction
Hey there, it’s Sam from Thencan Designs. If you’re reading this, you’re likely searching for ways to get more leads for your general contractor business. Maybe you’ve tried local service ads, PPC campaigns, or other methods, only to find them costly and ineffective once you stop pouring money into them. That’s where local SEO comes in. It’s a powerful, cost-effective strategy to attract leads organically over time.
Today, I’m going to share the three most critical factors to help you leverage SEO to get those high-quality leads for your general contractor business – these are the exact same factors I consider with all of my SEO clients!! Let’s dive in!
1. Optimize Your Google Business Profile
The first step in getting local leads is optimizing your Google Business Profile (GBP). If you search for “general contractors near me,” the first thing you’ll see below the paid ads is the Map Pack – go try it out for yourself… This is prime real estate, and you want your business to appear there.
To get started:
- Complete Your Profile: Make sure every section of your GBP is filled out accurately and thoroughly.
- Regular Updates: Google rewards profiles that show consistent activity. Post updates, photos, and respond to reviews regularly – but don’t go crazy, as this isn’t a super high ranking factor!
- Google Business Profile Masterclass: For a deep dive, check out our Ultimate Guide to Google Business Profiles that includes our FREE GBP Masterclass. It covers everything you need to know to optimize your GBP and start ranking in the Map Pack… eventually 😉
2. Build and Optimize Your Website
Your website is the next critical piece. After the Map Pack, the organic search results are the next most valuable spot – those are the blue links you’re used to seeing in Google for the past 20 years. Here’s how to optimize your website for general contractor SEO:
- Keyword Research: Use keyword research to identify the terms potential clients are searching for. Focus on high-value keywords related to your services and location. It’s probably either “general contractor [city] [state]” or “[city] general contractor”.
- Strategic Pages: Optimize key pages on your site, including your homepage, service pages (like kitchen remodels and bathroom remodels pages), and location pages. Each page should target a specific keyword.
- SEO Titles and Content: Ensure your SEO titles and meta descriptions are optimized with primary keywords. Create high-quality, informative content that addresses your clients’ needs and questions. We have a YouTube video that dives deep on this topic, by the way.
For a practical example, if you’re a general contractor in Fort Collins, Colorado, your primary keyword might be “fort collins general contractors.” However, this can vary, so thorough keyword research is essential. Check out our videos on keyword research and SEO title optimization for more detailed guidance.
3. Build Authority with Reviews and Backlinks
The third key to boosting your SEO and getting more contractor leads is building authority. This involves two main strategies:
- Get Reviews: Encourage your clients to leave reviews on your GBP. Reviews not only help you rank higher in the map pack but also influence your website’s ranking in organic search results.
- Earn Backlinks: Focus on getting locally relevant and industry-specific backlinks. Join your local Chamber of Commerce, participate in local business networking groups, and get listed on relevant industry websites. Avoid buying backlinks, especially from low-quality sources like Fiverr or Upwork. WARNING: Seriously, I wouldn’t risk buying backlinks without the guidance of an SEO expert. If you want, feel free to reach out.
If you need help with reviews, check out our Review Coaching video. It provides tips and strategies for getting more and better reviews from your satisfied clients.
Recap
To summarize, the three most important factors for getting more leads for your general contractor business through Google are:
- Google Business Profile: Optimize and maintain it regularly to appear in the map pack.
- Website Optimization: Use strategic keyword targeting and high-quality content to rank in organic search results.
- Building Authority: Get positive reviews and high-quality backlinks to boost your credibility and search engine ranking.
Feeling a bit overwhelmed? No worries. Head over to our local SEO services page and click on the big orange button that says “Get a Free SEO Strategy Video.” I’ll personally review your website and provide you with three actionable steps to improve your SEO and get more leads 💪
Now that you know how to leverage SEO for your general contractor business, it’s time to get to work. Start with your Google Business Profile, and make sure to check out our Ultimate Guide to GBP for more detailed guidance. Good luck getting leads for your contractor business, and I’ll catch you in the next one!
FAQ
What is the most important factor for getting contractor leads?
Optimizing your Google Business Profile is crucial for appearing in the Map Pack (which shows up first) and attracting local leads.
How can I optimize my Google Business Profile?
Ensure all information is accurate and complete, post regular updates and photos, and respond to customer reviews quickly.
What are the key pages to optimize on my website?
Focus on your homepage, service pages, and location pages, each targeting specific, high-value keywords.
How do I conduct keyword research?
Use tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, or Semrush to identify the search terms your potential clients are using.
Why are reviews important for SEO?
Reviews improve your Google Business Profile ranking in the Map Pack and can also boost your website’s organic search rankings.
How can I get more reviews?
Encourage satisfied clients to leave reviews on your Google Business Profile and follow up with them for feedback.
What are locally relevant backlinks?
These are links from local organizations like the Chamber of Commerce, local business networking groups, and local directories.
Should I buy backlinks for my website?
NO!!! Avoid buying low-quality backlinks from sources like Fiverr or Upwork. Look for genuine, high-quality link opportunities. If you’re having trouble with this, we have a video on this topic on our YouTube channel… but it’s only encouraged for advanced SEO adventuers!
What is the Map Pack?
The Map Pack is a section in Google search results that displays a map and three business listings related to the search query, appearing below the paid ads. There is occasionally a fourth result that will show first and be labelled “Sponsored” – that is also an add. The other results are NOT sponsored, and can get your contractor business SO MANY leads!
How long does it take to see results from SEO?
SEO is a long-term strategy. It can take several months to start seeing significant results, but the leads generated are often more sustainable and cost-effective than paid ads.