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Author: David Bratvold

How to Find a Digital Marketing Agency for Your Real Estate Company (that actually understands your goals)

Posted on by David Bratvold

If you’re tired of looking for a good marketing agency for your real estate 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 what you should do to find an agency that delivers real results:

1. Define Your Goals and Budget

  • Start by clearly outlining what you want from your digital marketing efforts. For a real estate brokerage, this might include generating more leads for listings, increasing brand awareness, or driving traffic to your website.
  • Determine a budget for your marketing. Knowing how much you’re willing to invest will help you filter out agencies that don’t fit within your financial parameters.

2. Look for Agencies with Real Estate Experience

  • Find an agency that has experience working with real estate companies or have a strong understanding of the real estate market. This ensures they know the unique challenges and opportunities in your industry.
  • Review their case studies, client testimonials, and online reviews to see if they have successfully helped other brokerages or real estate agents. Look for evidence of their ability to generate quality leads and build brand visibility.

3. Ask for Referrals from Your Network

  • Reach out to other real estate professionals or business owners you trust. Personal referrals can be incredibly valuable and often point you to agencies with a proven track record.

4. Evaluate Their Transparency and Communication

  • Choose an agency that is transparent about its services, pricing, and the results they can realistically deliver. Avoid those that make grand promises without a clear plan or detailed explanations.
  • Pay attention to how they communicate during your initial conversations. A good agency should be clear, responsive, and open to answering all your questions.

5. Ensure They Offer Comprehensive Services

6. Request a Customized Proposal

  • A reputable agency will provide a proposal tailored to your specific needs and goals. They should outline the strategies they recommend and the expected outcomes, focusing on generating leads and building your brand in the real estate market.

7. Check Their Reporting and Results

  • Make sure they offer regular, detailed reports showing what they’re doing, the progress made, and your return on investment. You want to see clear evidence of their efforts and the results they’re achieving.
  • Ask about the key performance indicators (KPIs) they track and how these align with your business objectives.

8. Review Contract Terms Carefully

  • Be cautious of agencies that require long-term contracts without a clear exit clause. A good agency should offer flexibility and prove their value through results, not long-term commitments.

9. Start with a Small Project or Trial Period

  • If possible, start with a smaller project or trial period. This will allow you to evaluate the agency’s performance and ensure they’re a good fit for your business before committing to a longer partnership.

We hope this helps you find the right agency to grow your real estate brokerage. Let us know if this helps!

Need Help With Digital Marketing for Your Real Estate 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.

We’ll help your real the same way we helped Astra Realty, one of the best real estate companies in Wylie, TX.

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 Electrical Company

Posted on 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 electrical 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 electrical company, focusing on local search optimization and customer engagement:

1. Optimize Your Google Business Profile Information

  • Business Name: Ensure your business name is consistent across all platforms and reflects your brand identity.
  • Address: Verify your address is accurate and formatted correctly. Consistency is key for local SEO.
  • Service Areas: Clearly define all the areas you serve, particularly focusing on your main service locations.
  • Phone Number: Use a local phone number that matches other online profiles to build trust with Google and customers.
  • Business Hours: Keep your business hours updated, including any variations for holidays or special events.
  • Website: Ensure the website link directs users to a relevant landing page, such as your home page or a specific service page.

2. Set Up Proper Service Categories

  • Primary Category: Select “Electrician” as your primary category to align with your core services.
  • Additional Categories: Add related categories like “Electrical Contractor,” “Lighting Contractor,” “Emergency Electrician,” “Solar Energy Equipment Supplier,” etc., to cover all services you provide.

3. Add Photos and Videos

  • Professional Photos: Upload high-quality photos of your office, service vehicles, and team members.
  • On-the-Job Photos: Include pictures of your team working on electrical installations, repairs, or inspections. These help potential customers visualize the quality and scope of your work.
  • Before and After Photos: Showcase completed projects to demonstrate your expertise.
  • Videos: Consider adding short videos that highlight your services or feature customer testimonials.

4. Manage Reviews

  • Encourage Reviews: Ask satisfied customers to leave reviews. Equip your technicians with lanyards featuring a QR code linking directly to your review page, making it easy for customers to provide feedback.
  • Respond Promptly: Always reply to new reviews quickly, thanking customers for positive feedback or addressing any concerns raised in negative reviews.
  • Ask for Specifics: Encourage customers to mention specific services or experiences in their reviews, which can help with keyword relevance.

5. Post Weekly Updates

  • Content Ideas: Share updates about your services, special offers, industry tips, or company news. Highlight any new services or certifications to keep your profile fresh and engaging.
  • Keywords: Use relevant keywords related to electrical services in your posts to enhance visibility.
  • Call to Action: Include a clear call to action in every post, such as “Contact Us Today,” “Schedule an Inspection,” or “Learn More.”

6. Complete the Q&A Section

  • Anticipate Common Questions: Populate the Q&A section with common questions customers might have about your services, pricing, or safety protocols.
  • Provide Clear Answers: Offer detailed, helpful answers to each question, which can improve your profile’s relevance and assist potential customers in making informed decisions.

7. Add Social Profiles

  • Link Your Social Media: Add links to all your active social media profiles, including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter, to enhance your online presence and build customer trust.

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 refine your strategy and improve engagement.
  • Adjust Your Approach: If certain posts or updates are performing well, consider creating more content in a similar style or on related topics.

9. Utilize Lanyards with QR Codes for Reviews

  • Create QR Codes: Use a QR code generator to create a code that links directly to your Google review page.
  • Design Lanyards: Ensure your lanyards are sturdy and prominently display the QR code, along with a friendly request for customers to leave a review.
  • Train Your Technicians: Teach your technicians to ask for reviews and demonstrate how to use the QR code, particularly after completing a job successfully.

10. Stay Updated and Engage with Customers

  • Engage Regularly: Regularly check your GBP for new updates, reviews, or questions. Active engagement shows customers you’re attentive and helps improve your online presence.
  • Keep Up with Changes: Stay informed about any changes or new features on Google Business Profile to make the most of all available tools.

By following these steps, you can optimize your Google Business Profile for your electrical company, improving your chances of ranking higher in local searches like “electrician 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 electricians manage their Google Business Profile.

For Electricians 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 Skipjack Electrical, one of the top electricians in Edgewater & Annapolis, MD!

That’s why we started LocalSink, a digital marketing agency that manages Google Business Profiles for electricians 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 Real Estate Company in ONE WEEK With Google Local Services Ads

Posted on by David Bratvold

If you’re a real estate 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 real estate company, including specific adjustments for the unique elements like headshots:

1. Optimize for “Real Estate Service Near Me” Searches:

  • Ensure proper category setup: Your LSA and GBP should be categorized under “Real Estate Agents” or similar relevant categories.
  • Include keywords in review replies: When responding to reviews, naturally include phrases like “real estate agent near me” to help boost your local SEO.
  • Accurate service areas: Clearly define the areas where you provide real estate services, and make sure to exclude areas where you don’t work to avoid irrelevant leads.

2. Weekly GBP Updates:

  • Post weekly updates: Highlight recent property sales, new listings, market trends, or client testimonials.
  • Use real estate-related keywords such as “home buying,” “property sale,” or “luxury real estate” to improve local relevance.

3. Reply to All Reviews:

  • Respond to every review: Express gratitude for positive reviews and provide helpful responses to any concerns raised in negative ones.
  • Use service-related keywords in your replies to help your profile appear in local searches related to real estate.

4. Adding Headshots and Photos:

  • Add headshots to the LSA dashboard: For real estate LSAs, professional headshots are required. Make sure all agents have their headshots uploaded with high-quality images.
  • Team photos: In addition to headshots, add team photos to your GBP showing your agents in action.
  • Property images: Regularly upload pictures of completed sales, new property listings, and other property-related visuals to your GBP.

5. Lead Management:

  • Clear the “New,” “Active,” and “Booked” tabs regularly: Mark leads as “completed” or “archived” as soon as they’ve been addressed. This ensures smooth lead flow.
  • Review leads daily to maintain a clean lead pipeline and encourage Google to send you more inquiries.

6. Insurance Verification:

  • Check insurance status regularly: Make sure your insurance details are up-to-date to avoid any disruptions in your LSA performance. Set calendar reminders to check insurance every 30 days.

7. Service Areas and Exclusion List:

  • Outline service areas: Clearly mark all the areas where you offer real estate services, including specific neighborhoods, cities, or regions.
  • Exclude irrelevant areas where you don’t work to avoid attracting unqualified leads.

8. Policy Manager Tab:

  • Monitor for policy violations: Check the “Policy Manager” tab on a weekly basis to ensure there are no issues or violations that could result in your account being suspended.

9. Budget Management:

  • Set to ‘Automated Bidding (maximize leads)’: This allows Google to optimize your ad spend to maximize the number of leads.
  • Adjust budget weekly: Set the budget to three times the previous week’s spend to ensure you’re maximizing lead flow without overspending.

10. Business Bio and Details:

  • Select enticing bio options like “Free consultation” or “100% financing” to make your profile stand out.
  • Ensure correct phone number and website are listed in both your LSA and GBP profiles to avoid missed inquiries.

11. Business Hours or Ad Schedule:

  • Align business hours with phone answering availability: Ensure that the hours listed reflect when you or your team can answer calls. If necessary, set a custom ad schedule that aligns with your availability to respond to leads.

Regular Monitoring:

  • Weekly Review Checklist:
    • Post GBP updates (new listings, client stories).
    • Respond to all reviews.
    • Ensure all headshots are high-quality and updated.
    • Upload fresh property photos.
    • Mark leads as completed or archived.
    • Review insurance status.
    • Update service areas and exclusions as needed.
    • Monitor the Policy Manager tab for violations.
    • Adjust budget based on the previous week’s spend.

This guide will help ensure that your real estate company’s LSA and GBP are fully optimized for visibility, credibility, and lead generation while keeping all relevant elements up to date.

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 Real Estate Company?

We can help! LocalSink is a digital marketing agency for real estate companies like you!

In fact, we’ll do the same thing we did for Astra Realty, the best real estate company in Mckinney, TX!

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 Waterproofing Company That Fits YOUR Needs

Posted on by David Bratvold

If you’re tired of looking for a good marketing agency for your waterproofing 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 what you should do to find an agency that will deliver real results:

1. Define Your Goals and Budget

  • Start by getting clear on what you want from digital marketing. For a waterproofing company, this might mean increasing the number of service calls, boosting local visibility, or generating more leads for specific services like basement waterproofing or foundation repair.
  • Decide on a budget for your marketing efforts. Knowing your budget will help you find agencies that can provide the services you need without exceeding what you’re willing to spend.

2. Look for Agencies with Relevant Experience

  • Seek out an agency that has experience working with waterproofing companies or similar home service businesses. This ensures they understand your industry’s unique challenges and customer needs.
  • Check their case studies, client testimonials, and reviews to see if they’ve successfully helped businesses like yours before. Look for evidence of their ability to generate leads and drive service calls.

3. Ask for Referrals from Your Network

  • Reach out to other business owners you know, especially those in related trades. Personal recommendations can be invaluable and lead you to agencies that have proven results.

4. Evaluate Their Transparency and Communication

  • Choose an agency that is transparent about its pricing, services, and the results they expect to achieve. Avoid those that make vague promises without a clear plan.
  • Pay attention to how they communicate during your initial conversations. A good agency should be clear, responsive, and willing to explain their strategies and answer all your questions.

5. Confirm Their Full-Service Capabilities

6. Request a Customized Proposal

  • A reputable agency will provide a customized proposal based on your specific goals and needs. They should outline the strategies they recommend and the expected outcomes, focusing on making your phone ring and generating leads.

7. Check Their Reporting and Results

  • Ensure the agency offers regular, detailed reports showing what they’re doing, the progress made, and your return on investment. You want to see clear evidence of their work and results.
  • Ask them about the key performance indicators (KPIs) they track and how these align with your business objectives.

8. Review Contract Terms Carefully

  • Be cautious of agencies that require long-term contracts without a clear way out. A good agency should offer flexibility and prove their worth through results, not by locking you into a lengthy commitment.

9. Start with a Small Project or Trial Period

  • If possible, start with a smaller project or a trial period. This allows you to evaluate the agency’s performance and see if they’re a good fit for your business before committing to a longer partnership.

We hope this helps you find the right agency to grow your waterproofing company. Let us know how it goes!

Need Help With Digital Marketing for Your Waterproofing 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.

We’ll help your waterproofing company the same way we helped Rock Solid Waterproofing, one of the best basement waterproofing companies in Portland & Vancouver, WA.

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 Plumbing Company

Posted on 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 plumbing 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 is a step-by-step guide to optimize your Google Business Profile (GBP) for your plumbing company:

1. Optimize Your Google Business Profile Information

  • Business Name: Ensure your business name is accurate and consistent with your branding.
  • Address: Make sure your address is up-to-date and correctly formatted.
  • Service Areas: List all the areas you serve, especially focusing on your primary market.
  • Phone Number: Use a local phone number and ensure it’s the same across all your online profiles.
  • Business Hours: Keep your business hours up to date, including any special holiday hours.
  • Website: Ensure your website link is correct and leads to a relevant landing page.

2. Set Up Proper Service Categories

  • Primary Category: Choose “Plumber” as your primary category.
  • Additional Categories: Add additional relevant categories, such as “Drainage Service,” “Water Heater Installation,” “Emergency Plumber,” etc., to cover all services you offer.

3. Add Photos and Videos

  • Exterior and Interior Photos: Add high-quality photos of your office, vehicles, and team.
  • Action Shots: Include images of your team at work, showcasing the services you provide.
  • Before and After Photos: Use these to highlight the quality of your work.
  • Videos: If possible, add short videos explaining your services or featuring customer testimonials.

4. Manage Reviews

  • Request Reviews: Ask satisfied customers to leave reviews. You can use the lanyards with a QR code that links directly to your review page to make this easy.
  • Respond Promptly: Always respond to new reviews quickly and professionally, thanking the customer for their feedback and addressing any concerns they may have.
  • Encourage Specific Feedback: Ask customers to mention specific services in their reviews, which can help with keyword relevance.

5. Post Weekly Updates

  • Types of Posts: Share updates about your services, special offers, tips, or company news.
  • Include Keywords: Use relevant keywords in your posts to improve visibility.
  • Call to Action: Always include a call to action, such as “Call Now,” “Learn More,” or “Get a Quote.”

6. Complete the Q&A Section

  • Common Questions: Populate the Q&A section with frequently asked questions about your services. Think about what customers often ask you in person or over the phone.
  • Answers: Provide thorough, helpful answers to each question. This can improve your profile’s relevance and help customers make informed decisions.

7. Add Social Profiles

  • Link Accounts: Add links to all your active social media profiles, such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. This can help build trust and show customers you are active online.

8. Monitor Insights and Performance

  • Check Insights Regularly: GBP provides insights into how customers find your business and interact with your profile. Use this data to adjust your strategies as needed.
  • Adjust Your Strategy: If you notice certain posts or updates are performing well, consider creating more content in that style or on that topic.

9. Utilize Lanyards with QR Codes for Reviews

  • Create the QR Code: Use a QR code generator to create a code that links directly to your review page.
  • Design the Lanyards: Ensure the lanyards are durable and display the QR code prominently, along with a polite message encouraging reviews.
  • Train Technicians: Train your technicians to request reviews and show customers how to use the QR code.

10. Stay Updated and Engage with Customers

  • Regular Engagement: Regularly check your GBP for new updates, reviews, or questions. Engage with customers to show you are active and attentive.
  • Stay Informed: Keep up to date with any changes or new features on Google Business Profile to ensure you are taking full advantage of all available tools.

By following these steps, you can optimize your Google Business Profile to rank higher in local searches like “plumber near me” and attract more customers to your business. If all of this sounds like too much, you might want to consider LocalSink, a digital marketing agency that helps plumbing companies manage their Google Business Profile.

For Plumbers 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.

That’s why we started LocalSink, a digital marketing agency that manages Google Business Profiles for plumbers 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 Electrical Company in ONE WEEK With Google Local Services Ads

Posted on by David Bratvold

If you’re an electrical 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 electrical company:

1. Optimize for “Electrician Near Me” Searches:

  • Ensure proper category setup: Your LSA and GBP should be categorized as “Electrical Services” or a similar relevant category.
  • Optimize keywords in reviews and replies: Use phrases like “electrician near me” naturally in review responses to strengthen your local SEO.
  • Update service areas: Ensure your service areas are accurately listed, and exclude areas where you don’t provide services to avoid irrelevant leads.

2. Weekly GBP Updates:

  • Post weekly updates: Share recent electrical projects, team updates, safety tips, or promotions.
  • Use industry-related keywords in your posts, such as “electrical panel upgrades,” “EV charger installations,” and “emergency electrical services.”

3. Respond to All Reviews:

  • Reply to all reviews promptly: Keep responses professional and personable. For negative reviews, provide resolutions.
  • Include relevant service keywords in replies, which may help in ranking higher in local searches.

4. Add Plenty of Pictures:

  • Upload images regularly showcasing:
    • Electrical projects (e.g., panel upgrades, wiring work)
    • Your team on-site
    • Work trucks/vans with branding
  • Update photos often to keep your profile engaging.

5. Lead Management:

  • Clear the “New,” “Active,” and “Booked” tabs: Mark leads as “completed” or “archived” immediately once they’ve been handled. This improves your lead flow and signals to Google that you manage your leads effectively.
  • Daily lead review: Have a dedicated person or set up reminders to clear leads as they are handled.

6. Insurance Verification:

  • Regularly check insurance status: Ensure insurance details are always up-to-date to avoid account suspension. Set up periodic reminders to review this, such as every 30 days.

7. Service Areas and Exclusion List:

  • Ensure your service areas are outlined in blue: Add all service areas clearly on the map.
  • Set up exclusions: Mark areas where you don’t provide services to avoid unwanted leads.

8. Policy Manager Tab:

  • Monitor for violations: Check the “Policy Manager” tab weekly for any violations that could freeze or suspend your LSA account.

9. Budget Management:

  • Set to ‘Automated Bidding (maximize leads)’: This helps Google optimize the number of leads for your budget.
  • Adjust the budget weekly: Each week, set your budget to three times the prior week’s spend to ensure you’re maximizing your leads while staying within budget.

10. Business Bio and Details:

  • Select enticing options such as “100% financing” or “Free in-home estimate” to attract more potential customers.
  • Verify correct contact information: Double-check that your phone number and website are correctly listed to ensure customers can easily reach you.

11. Business Hours or Ad Schedule:

  • Align hours with phone availability: Make sure your business hours match the times you have someone available to answer the phone. If needed, set up a custom ad schedule to run ads only during hours when you have staff ready to take calls.

Regular Monitoring:

  • Weekly Review Checklist:
    • Post GBP updates.
    • Respond to reviews.
    • Add fresh pictures.
    • Mark leads as completed/archived.
    • Check insurance status.
    • Review and update service areas.
    • Monitor the Policy Manager tab for violations.
    • Adjust budget based on prior week’s spend.

This system keeps your electrical company’s LSA and GBP optimized for better visibility and lead generation.

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 Electrical Company?

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

In fact, we’ll do the same thing we did for Skipjack Electrical, the best plumber in Edgewater, MD!

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 Restoration Company (and not lose a ton of money in the process)

Posted on by David Bratvold

If you’re tired of looking for a good marketing agency for your restoration 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 what you should do to find an agency that will actually deliver results and help you grow:

1. Define Your Goals and Budget

  • Start by getting clear on what you want from your digital marketing efforts. For a restoration company, this might mean getting more emergency service calls, increasing brand visibility, or generating leads for specific services like water damage restoration or mold remediation.
  • Decide on a budget for your marketing. Knowing how much you’re willing to invest can help you narrow down your options and focus on agencies that fit within your financial parameters.

2. Look for Agencies with Relevant Experience

  • Find an agency that has experience working with restoration companies or similar service industries. This ensures they understand the unique challenges and customer needs in your field.
  • Review their case studies, testimonials, and online reviews to see if they have successfully helped businesses like yours before. Look for evidence of their ability to generate leads and drive service calls.

3. Ask for Referrals from Your Network

  • Reach out to other business owners you trust, especially those in related industries. Personal referrals can point you to agencies that have a proven track record of delivering results.

4. Assess Their Transparency and Communication

  • Choose an agency that’s transparent about what they can do, how much it will cost, and the results you can expect. Avoid those that promise the moon without a clear plan to achieve it.
  • Pay attention to how they communicate. A good agency will be clear, responsive, and willing to explain their strategies and answer all your questions.

5. Confirm They Offer Full-Service Marketing

6. Request a Customized Proposal

  • A reputable agency will provide a tailored proposal based on your specific needs and goals. They should clearly outline the strategies they recommend and the expected outcomes, focusing on making your phone ring and generating leads.

7. Check Their Reporting and Results

  • Ensure the agency provides regular, detailed reports showing what they’re doing, the progress made, and your return on investment. You need to see clear evidence of their work and the results they’re achieving.
  • Ask about the key performance indicators (KPIs) they track and how these align with your business goals.

8. Review Contract Terms Carefully

  • Be cautious of agencies that lock you into long-term contracts without a clear exit strategy. A good agency should offer flexibility and demonstrate their value through results, not binding commitments.

9. Start with a Small Project or Trial Period

  • If possible, start with a smaller project or a trial period to evaluate the agency’s performance. This way, you can see if they’re a good fit for your business before committing to a longer-term partnership.

We hope this helps you find an agency that’s right for your restoration company. Let us know how it goes!

Need Help With Digital Marketing for Your Restoration 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.

We’ll help your restoration company the same way we helped ARS Inc., one of the best restoration companies in Portland & Vancouver, WA.

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 Real Estate Company

Posted on 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 real estate 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 real estate company, focusing on enhancing local search visibility and improving customer engagement:

1. Optimize Your Google Business Profile Information

  • Business Name: Ensure your business name is accurately listed and consistent across all online platforms.
  • Address: Verify that your address is correct and formatted properly. Consistent information across the web helps with local SEO.
  • Service Areas: Clearly define all the areas you serve, focusing on your primary markets. Include neighborhoods, cities, or regions where you are most active.
  • Phone Number: Use a local phone number that matches other online profiles to build trust with Google and potential clients.
  • Business Hours: Keep your business hours updated, including any variations for holidays or special events. For real estate, indicating weekend availability can be beneficial.
  • Website: Make sure the website link directs users to a relevant landing page, such as your homepage or a specific page detailing your real estate services.

2. Set Up Proper Service Categories

  • Primary Category: Choose “Real Estate Agency” as your primary category to align with your main service offering.
  • Additional Categories: Add other relevant categories, such as “Real Estate Consultant,” “Property Management Company,” “Commercial Real Estate Agency,” and “Real Estate Developer” to cover the full range of services you provide.

3. Add Photos and Videos

  • Professional Photos: Upload high-quality photos of your team, office, and any branded vehicles.
  • Property Photos: Include images of the properties you currently have listed or recently sold. Highlight key features and property types (e.g., residential, commercial, luxury homes).
  • Team Photos: Show images of your real estate agents at work, such as showing homes, meeting with clients, or at local community events. This helps potential clients connect with your team on a personal level.
  • Videos: Add short videos that feature virtual tours of properties, client testimonials, or market updates. Videos are a powerful way to engage with potential clients and showcase your expertise.

4. Manage Reviews

  • Request Reviews: Encourage satisfied clients to leave reviews. Provide your agents with lanyards featuring a QR code that links directly to your review page, making it easy for clients to provide feedback.
  • Respond Quickly: Always respond to new reviews promptly, thanking clients for their feedback and addressing any concerns professionally.
  • Encourage Detailed Feedback: Ask clients to mention specific experiences, such as a home purchase or sale, in their reviews to help with keyword relevance.

5. Post Weekly Updates

  • Content Ideas: Share updates about new listings, market trends, tips for buyers and sellers, or community news. Highlight any achievements, such as awards or new team members, to keep your profile engaging.
  • Keywords: Use relevant keywords related to real estate services in your posts to enhance visibility.
  • Call to Action: Include a clear call to action in each post, such as “Contact Us Today,” “Schedule a Free Consultation,” or “View Our Listings.”

6. Complete the Q&A Section

  • Common Questions: Populate the Q&A section with frequently asked questions about your services, such as the buying/selling process, market conditions, or what sets your agency apart.
  • Provide Comprehensive Answers: Offer detailed and helpful answers to each question to improve your profile’s relevance and assist potential clients in making informed decisions.

7. Add Social Profiles

  • Link Social Media Accounts: Add links to all your active social media profiles, such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter. This enhances your online presence and provides more opportunities for client engagement.

8. Monitor Insights and Performance

  • Regularly Check Insights: GBP 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 Data: 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 Effective Lanyards: Ensure the lanyards are sturdy and prominently display the QR code, along with a friendly message encouraging clients to leave a review.
  • Train Your Team: Educate your agents on how to ask for reviews and show clients how to use the QR code, especially after a successful transaction or meeting.

10. Stay Updated and Engage with Clients

  • Engage Regularly: Regularly check your GBP for new updates, reviews, or questions. Active engagement shows clients you are attentive and responsive, which can help build trust and enhance your online presence.
  • Stay Informed: Keep up with any changes or new features on Google Business Profile to ensure you are utilizing all available tools to their fullest potential.

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

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

For Real Estate Companies Who Don’t Want to Wait…

If you’re a local home service business, 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 Astra Realty, one of the top realtors in Mckinney, TX!

That’s why we started LocalSink, a digital marketing agency that manages Google Business Profiles for real estate 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 Plumbing Company in ONE WEEK With Google Local Services Ads

Posted on by David Bratvold

If you’re a plumbing 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 to help you manage your Google Local Services Ads (LSA) and Google Business Profile (GBP) for your plumbing company:

1. Optimize for “Plumber Near Me” Searches:

  • Ensure proper category setup: Make sure your LSA and GBP are categorized under “Plumbing.”
  • Optimize keywords in reviews and replies: Use phrases like “plumber near me” when replying to reviews (but keep it natural).
  • Keep service areas updated: Add your service areas clearly and exclude areas you don’t serve. This ensures your profile ranks for relevant locations.

2. Weekly GBP Updates:

  • Post GBP updates once per week: Highlight recent jobs, team updates, promotions, or customer testimonials.
  • Incorporate keywords: Include phrases like “plumbing repairs,” “emergency plumber,” or “water heater installation” to increase relevance.

3. Respond to All Reviews:

  • Use a timely and positive tone: Reply to every review, whether it’s positive or negative. For negative reviews, offer a resolution.
  • Show appreciation in positive reviews: Thank the reviewer and add a quick mention of your services to reinforce positive SEO impact.

4. Add Plenty of Pictures:

  • Types of images to upload:
    • Completed jobs (before and after)
    • Team members working
    • Branded work trucks/vans
    • Office or workspace photos
  • Update pictures regularly to keep the profile fresh.

5. Lead Management:

  • Keep the “New,” “Active,” and “Booked” tabs clear: Mark leads as “completed” or “archived” as soon as they’re handled. This tells Google you’re efficiently managing leads, encouraging them to send more.
  • Set reminders to review leads daily. Consider having a team member responsible for checking lead statuses.

6. Insurance Verification:

  • Regularly check insurance status: Ensure someone on your team checks the insurance details to avoid expiration. Set calendar reminders to review this every 30 days.

7. Service Areas and Exclusion List:

  • Highlight service areas in blue: Ensure all areas you cover are clearly defined.
  • Add exclusions: Any areas you don’t serve should be added to the exclusion list to avoid getting irrelevant leads.

8. Policy Manager Tab:

  • Check weekly for violations: Ensure someone reviews the “Policy Manager” tab regularly for any policy violations or issues that could result in account suspension.

9. Budget Management:

  • Set to ‘Automated Bidding (maximize leads)’: This will help you get the most leads for your budget.
  • Adjust weekly budget: Set the budget to three times what you spent in the previous week to avoid overspending but still maximize leads.

10. Business Bio and Details:

  • Highlight enticing offers: Select options like “100% financing,” “Free in-home estimate,” or other attractive services that will stand out to potential customers.
  • Verify phone number and website: Double-check that the correct phone number and website are listed to ensure customers can reach you easily.

11. Business Hours or Ad Schedule:

  • Match hours to phone availability: Ensure your business hours align with when someone can answer the phone. If needed, adjust the ad schedule to custom hours where you have someone available to pick up calls.

Regular Monitoring:

  • Weekly Review: Set up a checklist for weekly tasks:
    • GBP post updates
    • Review and reply to reviews
    • Upload new images
    • Check LSA lead statuses and manage accordingly
    • Review budget and spending
    • Check insurance and policy violations

This system ensures that your LSA and GBP remain active, optimized, and aligned with Google’s ranking algorithms.

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 Plumbing Company?

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

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 Pest Control Company (and NOT get scammed…)

Posted on by David Bratvold

If you’re tired of looking for a good marketing agency for your pest control 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 is how we recommend finding an agency to accommodate your needs and not get scammed:

1. Define Your Goals and Budget

  • Start by getting clear on what you want from digital marketing. Is it more phone calls, increased leads, or better visibility online? Knowing your goals will help you find an agency that aligns with your needs.
  • Set a budget for what you’re willing to spend on marketing. This will narrow down your options and help you focus on agencies that can work within your budget.

2. Look for Agencies with Experience in Pest Control

3. Get Referrals from Your Network

  • Reach out to other business owners you trust. Personal referrals can lead you to agencies that have a history of delivering results.

4. Assess Their Transparency and Communication

  • Choose an agency that is open and honest about what they can and cannot do. They should give you a clear plan, explain their strategies, and set realistic expectations.
  • Good communication is key. Make sure they’re easy to talk to and are willing to answer all your questions.

5. Confirm Their Full-Service Capabilities

6. Request a Customized Proposal

  • A reputable agency will give you a customized proposal based on your specific needs and goals. They should explain how they’ll make your phone ring and what results you can expect.

7. Check Their Reporting and Results

  • Make sure they provide regular reports showing exactly what they’re doing, the progress made, and the return on your investment.
  • Ask them about their success metrics and how they measure the effectiveness of their campaigns.

8. Review Contract Terms Carefully

  • Be cautious of long-term contracts without clear exit options. You want flexibility in case things don’t work out. A good agency should be confident in their results, not in locking you in.

9. Start with a Small Project or Trial Period

  • If possible, begin with a smaller project or a trial period. This way, you can see how they perform before making a bigger commitment.

We hope this helps you find an agency that’s a perfect fit. Let us know how it goes!

Need Help With Digital Marketing for Your Pest Control 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.

We will help your company the same way we helped EcoCare Pest Control, one of the best pest control companies in Portland & Vancouver, WA.

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