Want your business to be seen on Google? Of course, you do, every company does. But, there are some things that work, and others that won’t work, as it relates to you being seen online. What approach should you take when trying to become a leader on Google and outperform your competitors in Google searches? Well, these are three surefire ways to get found on the first page results of Google, regardless of the size of Plumbing + HVAC company.
1. Pay for Google Search Ads
How to Use Ads to Get to the Top of Google
Yes, getting your page to show up on the first page results of Google organically is free. But, this takes time. And, more often than not, when you want to outrank the competitors in your area, this is not something you have. Therefore, you can purchase ads that Google will place atop the organic search results that show up on the search engine almost instantly. Read on to learn about how they work and how you can use them for your business.
Using a paid search campaign is a great approach you can take as a Plumbing + HVAC business, which works hand in hand with the organic work you’re doing so that your page ranks on the first page results of Google. Paid searches show up on top of the organic results. Google cycles these throughout the day, meaning each time someone searches for an industry-specific Plumbing + HVAC search, they’re likely to see one of the ads you purchased.
Over time, if this pairs up with the organic results from the SEO work you’re doing on your website, it’s going to look great for people who are shopping and looking for the top businesses in Plumbing + HVAC.
What are Google Ads?
Then, Google compares ads based on relevancy, budget, quality, visitor usefulness, and other factors, to determine where the paid-for ads are going to show up on Google. The reason you’re paying for these ads is that you’re only paying when someone clicks on them. So, even if your paid ad isn’t the first in the first page results, it is still going to be seen regularly by searchers.
How to Succeed with Google Ads
Alright, you are paying for ads each time a visitor clicks on one. But, how do you do well with ad placement to ensure Google places your ads above your competitors paid for ads? There’s plenty you can do to be seen on the first page results, and be one of the top ads on that first page. Some ways to improve your rank and placement are
- Tracking
- Adding links
- A/B testing
- Keeping track of metrics
- Negative word use
- Landing page optimization
Of course, this isn’t an inclusive list of ways that your page is going to increase in ad rank. However, the more of these factors you take into account when creating your ads, and choosing which keywords to bid on, the higher you’re going to see your ads rank atop the search engines and first page results on Google.
Can I just run a Google campaign myself? It is possible, it doesn’t mean it is going to work well. Hiring an expert to do it for you is the best approach. Not only do professionals know what search engines are crawling for, but they also know what the algorithms are looking for. A professional ad company will help ensure your rank increases, your ads are seen, and that your paid for ads are going to work well with the organic work you’re doing on your site, to ensure you’re on the first page results for all Google keywords you are targeting as a Plumbing + HVAC business.
2. Get Listed in Google My Business
Your company’s not listed as a business? This is hurting your rank immensely. So, how do you go about getting your company listed as a business?
How to Get Your Plumbing + HVAC Business Listings on the First Page
You want your website to show up on the first page results. However, your business listing on Google can also turn up on the first page results. That is if you are listed as a Google business.
Google My Business isn’t only a powerful tool for companies, it is a free tool you should be using in your Plumbing + HVAC industry. Google searches and maps pull up results from business listings, and your rank is going to be affected if you’re not listed as a business. Once you list your Plumbing + HVAC company as a Google Business, you’re also going to have to verify the account. This allows you to monitor progress, keep track of changes, and see how you’re ranking on the first page results as a business listing.
Optimizing Your Business Listing –
Optimization is critical to ensure your business listing is seen. Anyone can create a Google My Business, but if you don’t optimize it, what good is it going to do for your ranking? Not much.
Make sure you complete every step of the profile setup.
Businesses with more information get seven times as many clicks as those without the information searchers are looking for.
Consistency is key.
If you use Co. in one place, stick with Co. in others. Don’t go back and forth from Comp. to Co. to Company. It confuses Google, it confuses your searchers, and it is going to lead to a lower ranking on Google as a business listing.
Update information regularly.
Make sure your address, phone number, and relevant business information are correct. Do so regularly and make sure you keep the information up to date. People can’t find you if your Google Business listing says you’re closed. The more relevant and accurate your information is, the higher you’re going to rank on the first page results of a Google Business listing.
Reviews are a must.
Ask customers to write reviews, use Yelp, BBB, and other rating sites. The more positive information there is about your Plumbing + HVAC company in the industry, the more relevant you’re going to be for searchers. Google is going to promote your business listing business of this, and it’ll rank higher in the first page results.
Add photos.
Including photos of your listing, the storefront, employees, and other relevant information, will put a face to the name. If people can see and know what your business looks like, they are more likely to want to visit and do business with you. This is also going to lead to Google including your business listing higher up in the first page results than they would a competitor’s business that doesn’t include images in their listing.
Utilize other directories.
Yes, Google is still a leader in search engines. But, there are other business directories you can add your business to. The more places your Plumbing + HVAC audience can find you, the more credence it gives to your business. People are more likely to trust your company if they can easily find it through multiple platforms, so you’re going to see your business listing jump up on the first-page results when you have it listed on multiple directories, as opposed to being listed only in one place.
Just like you’re going to do with your Google listing, make sure the information on other directories is accurate as well. And, make sure it is consistent on Google and all other directories that you are listed on. People want to know who they are dealing with and want to know what your Plumbing + HVAC business does. When you can provide more information about your company, where it is located, and why your customer should want to shop with you, you’re going to realize an increase in rank in the search engines. And, you’re also going to see more visibility on other databases and listing directories as well, which will help increase revenues and customer base.
3. Optimize Your Website: Ranking Organically
How to Use Your Website to Get on the First Page of Google
SEO is imperative for your website to be found by the searcher. Therefore, you’re going to want to use search engine optimization tools, to help your website get atop the first-page results on Google organically, not only through paid searches.
Determine Your Keywords
When you are in a specific area, you’ll want to know exactly what people are searching for. Not only for specific words but also for phrases that your searcher is entering when they’re looking for a company in your area in Google. Some examples are
- “Plumbing + HVAC near me”
- “Best local Plumbing + HVAC service”
- “YOUR CITY + Plumbing + HVAC “
- “Plumbing + HVAC in YOUR CITY”
There’s no limit to what you can choose as your keywords or phrases. But, you’re going to want to make sure it is specific to your niche and your searcher. Targeting the right keywords will do wonders for your organic ranking, and will help get your website on the first page results for numerous keywords and phrases as well.
Let Google Know What Your Keywords Are
If Google doesn’t know why you want to rank, how is it going to improve your rank organically? The answer is, it won’t. Crawling is the manner in which Google and other search engines go about determining organic rank.
Some ways to inform Google what your keywords are includes
- Titles: You have to include them for each page on your website, blogs, and other content you add
- Meta Description: This is the short blurb that appears below results in Google, the description should describe your company within Plumbing + HVAC to your audience/searcher
- URL: This is what people see when they click on your site. Keep it short, concise, and easy to remember
- Alt tags: These are descriptions of images, and should include keywords and phrases that describe what visitors are seeing on your site.
The more you optimize your page, the easier it is for Google to crawl through it. In turn, it is going to end up ranking higher on the first page results, and over time, it is going to jump the ranks in organic searches.
You’re Writing for Humans
Don’t write for search engines. What does this mean? You want to write for a human reader. Remember, people are looking for your Plumbing + HVAC company, not Google. You want the content to be fresh and engaging. Make sure it adds value, teaches, or gives your reader something they can use.
Don’t inundate content with keywords and phrases, trying to make it rank on the first page results. Google can see through this and will penalize you. Add value and deliver something of value to your reader.
Mobile Site Optimization
Remember that people today are searching on smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other devices. Make sure your site loads quickly on mobile devices, is easy to navigate, and searchers can find what they’re looking for. The more optimized it is, for multiple mobile devices, the better.
Make a Great Experience
People want a seamless experience. A friendly interface, great content, useful content, and a site that looks great. Make your site mobile-friendly, easy on the eyes, and one which visitors want to come back to. The greater their experience, the higher up you’ll end up ranking organically on the first page results.
To Conclude
Increasing site rank on Google is doable. It will, however, take work and time. If you don’t have much time, paid ads are a great start. And, if you don’t have experience in algorithms, design, and creating a user-friendly site, work with a professional company to help.
The more time you put into building a great site, the higher it’ll rank, and the better it’ll end up doing for the right keywords within your Plumbing + HVAC business.