David Bratvold - LocalSink

How to Maximize Google Local Services Ads Results by Properly Managing Leads

Posted on December 21, 2024 by David Bratvold

Google Local Services Ads (LSAs) are a powerful way for local businesses to connect with potential customers. However, many companies fail to make the most of this tool simply because they don’t manage their leads effectively. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key lead management practices and tools within LSAs to help you boost your ad performance and get better results.

We’ll also include five video tutorials that explain how to work with the various lead tabs in detail, making it easier for you to take action and see improvements quickly.

The Importance of the Leads Tab

The Leads tab is the backbone of your success with LSAs, accounting for 90% of your results. Companies that mark their leads accurately and in a timely manner consistently outperform competitors, ranking higher and receiving more leads.

By marking leads as soon as they come in—whether responding to message leads or answering phone calls—you train Google’s algorithm to deliver better-quality leads to your business. Neglecting this crucial step can cause leads to pile up, costing you valuable opportunities.

Overview of the Lead Tabs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9cVA8P6DZ0

The Leads tab includes several sub-tabs, each serving a distinct purpose:

New
Active
Booked
Completed

Each tab plays a role in the lead management process, and understanding how to navigate and update them is vital. Below, we break down the function of each tab and how to use them effectively.

1. New Tab

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYAj2xtDc90

The New tab is where all new leads first appear. This includes incoming phone calls and message inquiries. Here’s how to handle leads in the New tab:

Review Each Lead:
- For message leads, review the content of the message.
- For phone call leads, listen to the call recording (calls longer than 60 seconds typically indicate meaningful interactions).
Rate Leads: Mark each lead as “Very Satisfied,” “Satisfied,” or “Very Dissatisfied.”
- For satisfied leads, indicate why they are relevant to your business.
- For bad leads, specify the reason (e.g., wrong service type, job inquiry, etc.). This helps train Google’s algorithm to refine lead quality.
Action Steps:
- Archive leads that don’t qualify.
- Mark good leads as “Booked” or “Upcoming” to move them through the pipeline.

2. Active Tab

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDiJFcFIqZw

The Active tab is the most critical section to manage. Leads often “hide” here, causing businesses to miss opportunities. Clearing this tab regularly is essential to maintaining a high lead volume.

Clear Out Backlogs:
- Go through each lead in the Active tab.
- Listen to phone calls or review messages.
- Mark leads as “Booked,” “Archived,” or “Completed” as appropriate.
Consistency is Key:
- Make it a habit to review and clear the Active tab daily. This real-time management keeps your leads organized and ensures Google sees your business as responsive.
Pro Tip: If you have a significant backlog, prioritize clearing it out quickly rather than being overly meticulous about rating every lead.

3. Booked Tab

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQ-XDpI1IbE

The Booked tab stores jobs that you’ve scheduled as “Upcoming.” Once the scheduled time has passed, these leads automatically move to the Completed tab.

What to Do Here:
- Edit appointment times or details if there are changes.
- Keep an eye on this tab to ensure appointments are accurate, but it requires less frequent management compared to New and Active tabs.

4. Completed Tab

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBFbyoSIyrU

The Completed tab serves as a log of past jobs. Leads automatically move here after their scheduled time in the Booked tab has passed.

Minimal Interaction Needed:
- Use this tab to review call recordings or messages for analysis.
- No significant action is required here.

Tips for Success

Mark Leads Accurately: Properly rate leads and mark them as booked, archived, or completed. This helps Google’s algorithm deliver more relevant leads over time.
Clear Tabs Daily: Keeping tabs like Active and New clear ensures you’re not missing opportunities.
Be Proactive: Respond to leads in real-time whenever possible. Speed and consistency are key to staying ahead of competitors.
Train the Algorithm: By accurately marking bad leads, you’re “training” Google to avoid sending similar low-quality leads.

Final Thoughts

Managing your leads effectively within Google Local Services Ads is the single most important factor in improving your ad performance. By mastering the use of the New, Active, Booked, and Completed tabs, you’ll not only increase your lead volume but also enhance the quality of leads over time. If you need help with setting up or optimizing your Google Local Services Ads account, feel free to contact us today so we can help you get started!

Take the time to set up a daily routine for lead management, and you’ll see noticeable improvements in your results. Watch the embedded videos for step-by-step guidance, and start implementing these tips today!

5 Things You Need to Know Before Hiring a Marketing Agency for Your Home-Service Business

Posted on December 16, 2024 by David Bratvold

Hiring a marketing agency can be a game-changer for your home-service business—but choosing the wrong one can cost you time, money, and results. Before signing on the dotted line, here are 5 critical things you need to know to make the right decision.

1. Beware of “Proprietary Software”

If an agency pitches their “proprietary software” as the magic bullet for your marketing success, consider it a major red flag. Here’s why: proprietary software often locks you into systems that you can’t own or control. If you decide to leave the agency, you may lose access to the tools, data, and campaigns you paid to build.

Instead, your marketing should be built on widely recognized, transparent tools that allow you to maintain ownership. Think platforms like Google Ads, WordPress, or HubSpot—solutions that you can control, even if you switch providers.

Pro Tip: Always ask, “Can I access and keep the assets we create together?” If the answer is unclear or “no,” RUN!

2. Ask About Ownership of Marketing Assets

Ownership of your marketing assets is non-negotiable. Whether it’s your website, ad accounts, or content, you need to ensure that YOU are the rightful owner. Unfortunately, some agencies retain ownership as a way to keep you tied to their services.

Imagine investing thousands into a website only to realize the agency owns it, and you’ll lose it if you leave—that’s a nightmare no business owner wants.

Before signing any agreements, clarify:

Who owns the website and its content?
Will you have full access to your Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and analytics accounts?

Rule of Thumb: If an agency hesitates or says you won’t own what they create, don’t walk away—RUN!

3. Demand Transparency Upfront

When evaluating an agency, transparency is key. On a sales call, ask them to walk you through their strategy via a screen share. They should be able to show you their approach, tools, and processes clearly.

Here’s where many agencies fall short: instead of presenting concrete strategies, they rely on vague promises and sales scripts. If they dodge the question or can’t share specifics, you’re likely dealing with a salesperson—not a strategist.

Questions to Ask:

“Can you show me what your plan would look like?”
“How will you measure success and share results with me?”

An honest agency will welcome tough questions and provide clear answers.

4. Watch Out for Long-Term Contracts

Lengthy contracts might sound professional, but they’re often designed to lock you in—not help you grow. A reputable agency will prove their value month after month without needing a 12- or 24-month commitment.

If an agency pushes for a long-term contract, proceed with caution. Ask yourself:

Do I feel confident in their ability to deliver results?
What happens if I’m unhappy with their performance?

Many agencies will let you opt for shorter terms or month-to-month agreements. That way, you can hold them accountable for delivering consistent value.

Bottom Line: If a long contract feels like a trap, trust your instincts.

5. Find Out Their Specialty

No agency can truly be great at everything—and that’s okay. The best agencies know their strengths and focus on what they do best. Whether it’s Google Ads, SEO, direct mail, or social media, you should expect to work with different experts for each specialty.

When evaluating agencies, ask:

What industries do you specialize in?
What services are you BEST at delivering?
Where do you refer clients who need services outside your expertise?

A great agency will have the confidence to say, “We’re not the best fit for that, but here’s someone who can help.” That kind of honesty speaks volumes.

The Final Word

Choosing the right marketing agency for your home-service business is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. By asking the tough questions about ownership, transparency, contracts, and expertise, you can avoid costly mistakes and find a partner that delivers real value.

Remember: If something feels off, it probably is. Trust your gut, do your research, and don’t settle for less than what your business deserves.

Ready to start your search? Ask the right questions, hold agencies accountable, and make an informed choice—your success depends on it!

Step-by-Step Guide to Optimize Your Google Business Profile (GBP) for Your Pest Control Company

Posted on October 1, 2024 by David Bratvold

If you’re tired of your Google Business Profile not showing up on the Google search results, you aren’t alone. You might feel tired of running around, trying to run your pest control business and feel overwhelmed by how much is required to optimize your GBP. Don’t throw in the towel just yet.

Imagine how you would feel if you knew how simple it was to optimize your GBP, and you could get it done in less than an hour. Well, we made this guide for you!

Here’s a step-by-step guide to optimize your Google Business Profile (GBP) for your pest control company, focusing on local search optimization and customer engagement:

1. Optimize Your Google Business Profile Information

Business Name: Ensure your business name is correctly listed and consistent across all online platforms.
Address: Double-check your address for accuracy and proper formatting to ensure consistency across the web.
Service Areas: Clearly define the areas you serve, focusing on your primary and secondary markets.
Phone Number: Use a local phone number that matches your other online profiles to build trust with Google and customers.
Business Hours: Keep your business hours updated, including special hours for holidays or emergencies.
Website: Make sure the website link directs customers to a relevant landing page, such as your home page or a specific pest control service page.

2. Set Up Proper Service Categories

Primary Category: Select “Pest Control Service” as your primary category to match your main service offering.
Additional Categories: Add related categories like “Exterminator,” “Wildlife Control Service,” “Termite Control,” “Rodent Control,” and other relevant services you provide.

3. Add Photos and Videos

Professional Photos: Upload high-quality photos of your office, service vehicles, and team members in uniform.
On-the-Job Photos: Include images of your technicians at work, performing pest control services. This helps potential customers see the breadth of your services and professionalism.
Before and After Photos: Show examples of pest infestations before and after your service to highlight the effectiveness of your treatments.
Videos: Add short videos explaining your services, showcasing customer testimonials, or providing tips for preventing common pests.

4. Manage Reviews

Request Reviews: Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews. Provide your technicians with lanyards featuring a QR code that links directly to your review page to make it easy for customers to give feedback.
Respond Quickly: Respond to new reviews promptly, thanking customers for positive feedback and addressing any negative comments or concerns professionally.
Request Specific Feedback: Ask customers to mention specific pests or treatments in their reviews, which can help with keyword relevance and showcase your expertise.

5. Post Weekly Updates

Content Ideas: Share updates about your services, seasonal pest control tips, special offers, or company news. Highlight any certifications, new services, or case studies to keep your profile engaging.
Keywords: Use relevant keywords related to pest control services in your posts to boost visibility.
Call to Action: Include a clear call to action in each post, such as “Call Today,” “Schedule an Inspection,” or “Get a Free Quote.”

6. Complete the Q&A Section

Common Questions: Populate the Q&A section with frequently asked questions about your services, treatments, safety protocols, and pricing.
Thorough Answers: Provide detailed, helpful answers to each question to improve your profile’s relevance and help potential customers make informed decisions.

7. Add Social Profiles

Link Your Accounts: Add links to all your active social media profiles, such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn, to enhance your online presence and engage with customers.

8. Monitor Insights and Performance

Regularly Review Insights: Google provides insights on how customers find your business and interact with your profile. Use this data to adjust your strategy and improve engagement.
Optimize Based on Performance: If certain posts or updates are performing well, consider creating more content in that style or on those topics.

9. Utilize Lanyards with QR Codes for Reviews

Generate QR Codes: Use a QR code generator to create a code that links directly to your Google review page.
Design and Distribute Lanyards: Ensure the lanyards are durable and prominently display the QR code, along with a friendly message encouraging customers to leave a review.
Train Your Technicians: Instruct your technicians to ask for reviews and show customers how to use the QR code, especially after completing a successful service.

10. Stay Updated and Engage with Customers

Engage Regularly: Regularly check your GBP for new updates, reviews, or questions. Active engagement shows customers you are attentive and helps improve your online presence.
Keep Up with Changes: Stay informed about any updates or new features on Google Business Profile to ensure you are utilizing all available tools.

By following these steps, you can optimize your Google Business Profile for your pest control company, improving your chances of ranking higher in local searches like “pest control near me” and attracting more customers.

If all of this sounds like too much, you might want to consider LocalSink, a digital marketing agency that helps pest control companies manage their Google Business Profile.

For Pest Control Companies Who Don’t Want to Wait…

If you’re a local home service business owner, chances are you’re spending your time doing good work and keeping things running. You may not have the time to spend working on your Google Business Profile, even though it’s extremely important.

Just look at what we did for EcoCare Pest Control, one of the best pest control companies in Portland & Vancouver, WA!

That’s why we started LocalSink, a digital marketing agency that manages Google Business Profiles for pest control companies just like you. We check all the boxes listed above, and more! So, if you’re a plumber who needs some extra help, feel free to contact us!

How to DOUBLE Leads for Your Restoration Company in ONE WEEK With Google Local Services Ads

Posted on September 30, 2024 by David Bratvold

If you’re a restoration company with a Google Local Services Ads account, you might be tired of not seeing the amount of leads you were hoping for. You might be frustrated hearing other companies in your area getting handed hundreds of LSA leads each month on a silver platter, while you’re lucky if you even get 1 or 2 leads in a month!

It’s so darn frustrating! The good news is that you aren’t alone.

Now, imagine looking at your LSA dashboard and seeing more leads than you can handle, at a cost per lead that you CAN handle!

Here’s a step-by-step guide for managing your Google Local Services Ads (LSA) and Google Business Profile (GBP) for your water damage restoration company:

1. Optimize for “Restoration Service Near Me” Searches:

Ensure proper category setup: Your LSA and GBP should be categorized under “Water Damage Restoration” or similar relevant services.
Use keywords in review replies: Include phrases like “restoration service near me” or “water damage repair” when responding to reviews to help boost your local SEO.
Service area accuracy: Clearly define the areas you serve, and exclude areas where your services aren’t available to avoid irrelevant leads.

2. Weekly GBP Updates:

Post updates weekly: Highlight recent water damage restoration jobs, customer testimonials, or safety tips on water damage prevention.
Use restoration-related keywords like “water damage repair,” “emergency flood response,” or “mold remediation” to improve relevance for search queries.

3. Reply to All Reviews:

Respond promptly to all reviews: Thank customers for positive feedback and offer solutions to any negative reviews to demonstrate responsiveness and professionalism.
Incorporate service keywords into replies to strengthen your SEO ranking for restoration-related searches.

4. Add Plenty of Pictures:

Upload new images regularly: Include before-and-after photos of water damage restoration projects, photos of your team working, branded vehicles, and restoration equipment in action.
Keep images updated weekly to keep your profile dynamic and relevant.

5. Lead Management:

Clear the “New,” “Active,” and “Booked” tabs regularly: Mark leads as “completed” or “archived” as soon as they’re handled to keep your lead flow optimal.
Daily review of lead statuses will help ensure you’re staying on top of incoming requests and maximizing your lead potential.

6. Insurance Verification:

Check insurance status regularly: Ensure your insurance details are up-to-date to avoid account suspension. Set up reminders to review insurance details every 30 days.

7. Service Areas and Exclusion List:

Clearly mark service areas: Ensure all service areas are correctly marked, and exclude areas where you do not provide water damage restoration services to prevent irrelevant leads.
Review service areas periodically to ensure accuracy.

8. Policy Manager Tab:

Monitor weekly for policy violations: Check the Policy Manager tab regularly to avoid any issues or violations that could affect your LSA status.

9. Budget Management:

Set to ‘Automated Bidding (maximize leads)’: This ensures that Google is optimizing your ad spend for the highest number of leads.
Adjust your budget weekly: Aim to set your weekly budget to three times the prior week’s spend to maximize lead generation without overspending.

10. Business Bio and Details:

Choose enticing business bio options like “Free in-home estimate” or “100% satisfaction guarantee” to make your listing more attractive to potential customers.
Ensure the correct phone number and website are listed to avoid any disruptions in communication.

11. Business Hours or Ad Schedule:

Align business hours with phone availability: Make sure the business hours listed on your LSA profile match the times when someone can answer the phone. If necessary, adjust the ad schedule to ensure you’re only running ads during times when you’re available to take calls.

Regular Monitoring:

Weekly Review Checklist:
- Post new GBP updates.
- Respond to all reviews.
- Upload fresh photos.
- Mark leads as completed or archived.
- Check insurance status to ensure it’s up to date.
- Update service areas and exclusions as needed.
- Monitor the Policy Manager tab for violations.
- Adjust budget based on the previous week’s spend.

This system will help ensure that your water damage restoration company’s LSA and GBP are optimized for visibility, lead generation, and smooth management of your online presence.

If this all sounds like too much, you might want to find a digital marketing agency that offers Google Local Services Ads Management– or…

Tired of Waiting for Local Services Ads Results for Your Restoration Company?

We can help! LocalSink is a digital marketing agency for restoration contractors like you!

In fact, we’ll do the same thing we did for ARS Restoration, the best water damage restoration contractor in Portland, OR!

We check all the boxes above, and more! We handle all aspects of your digital marketing, so that you can focus on what you do best- building your business. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you think we could help!

How to Find a Digital Marketing Agency for Your Plumbing Company (and not get burned)

Posted on September 29, 2024 by David Bratvold

If you’re tired of looking for a good marketing agency for your plumbing business, you aren’t alone. You might feel tired of running around, trying to run your business, not having the time to juggle the both the business and the digital marketing. At the same time, the marketing agencies you’ve hired aren’t making the darn phone ring!

We know how frustrating this can be, but don’t throw in the towel just yet.

Imagine how you would feel if you knew how simple it was to find an agency that meets your needs. Even better, you could find the right agency in less than an hour. Well, we made this guide for you!

Here’s a step-by-step approach to finding the right agency for your plumbing company:

1. Define Your Goals and Budget

Clearly outline what you want to achieve with your digital marketing efforts. For a plumbing company, this might include increasing phone calls, getting more service requests, or boosting local visibility.
Determine your budget. Knowing how much you’re willing to invest can help you find agencies that fit within your financial parameters.

2. Research Agencies with Proven Experience

Look for an agency that specialize in digital marketing for local service businesses, particularly in plumbing or similar trades.
Check their case studies, client testimonials, and reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, or Clutch.co. This will give you an idea of their past performance and client satisfaction.

3. Ask for Referrals and Recommendations

Reach out to your professional network or other business owners in your industry. Personal recommendations can be very valuable and often point you to agencies that have delivered results for others.

4. Evaluate Their Transparency and Communication

Choose an agency that is upfront about its pricing, services, and the expected timeline for results. Avoid those that make unrealistic promises.
During your initial consultation, pay attention to how they communicate. Are they clear, concise, and willing to explain their strategies? Transparency is key to a trustworthy partnership.

5. Inquire About Their Services and Expertise

Ensure the agency can handle all your digital marketing needs, including Google Business Profile management, Google Ads Management, Google Local Services Ads Management, Local SEO, social media, and more.
Ask them about their approach to each of these services and how they tailor their strategies to specific industries like plumbing.

6. Request a Customized Proposal

A reputable agency will provide a proposal tailored to your business, detailing the strategies they recommend and the expected outcomes.
They should explain how their efforts will directly contribute to making your phone ring and generating more leads.

7. Look for Transparency in Reporting and Results

Ensure the agency offers regular, detailed reports that clearly show what they’re doing, the progress being made, and the return on investment (ROI).
Ask how they measure success and what KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) they focus on for plumbing companies.

8. Check Their Contract Terms

Be cautious of agencies that lock you into long-term contracts without a clear exit clause. A good agency should offer flexibility and be confident in their ability to deliver results, not force you into lengthy commitments. If possible, try to find an agency that doesn’t require a contract for plumbers.

9. Start Small with a Trial Period

If possible, start with a smaller project or a trial period to gauge the agency’s performance before committing to a long-term partnership.

By following these steps, you can find a reliable digital marketing agency that focuses on delivering tangible results, like making your phone ring and increasing your customer base. The right agency will act as a partner, helping you grow your plumbing business while you focus on running it.

Need Help With Digital Marketing for Your Plumbing Company?

At LocalSink, we believe digital marketing should be an added benefit to your local home service business, and not add more problems to your plate. We do not use contracts with our clients, since we believe that if our services are good, you’ll stay! We track everything to make sure results are measured, and make sure that clients get regular face-to-face interaction with our team.

If you are looking for an agency that checks all the boxes above, consider contacting us!

Step-by-Step Guide to Optimize Your Google Business Profile (GBP) for Your Waterproofing Company

Posted on September 28, 2024 by David Bratvold

If you’re tired of your Google Business Profile not showing up on the Google search results, you aren’t alone. You might feel tired of running around, trying to run your waterproofing business and feel overwhelmed by how much is required to optimize your GBP. Don’t throw in the towel just yet.

Imagine how you would feel if you knew how simple it was to optimize your GBP, and you could get it done in less than an hour. Well, we made this guide for you!

Here’s a step-by-step guide to optimize your Google Business Profile (GBP) for your waterproofing company, focusing on enhancing local search visibility and improving customer engagement: