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Month: May 2022

Local SEO For Painting Companies – Let’s Make You A Local Celebrity

SEO in general tries to make a business more visible to a particular demographic, but local SEO takes this a step further. Local SEO can bring people to websites and stores by focusing on customers and prospects in a small area, specifically your area. By improving your local SEO, you can get an edge over your competitors.

Because painting businesses have a set area that they serve, local SEO should be an important piece of your marketing plan.

To create an effective local campaign, you’ll need to implement the following strategies:

  • Business listings in directories that are common to other businesses your area
  • Geo-targeted optimization of online properties like your website, social media pages etc.
  • Content marketing with assorted location mentions
  • Backlinks from local businesses or organizations
  • User reviews

It’s quite a few pieces to put together, so let’s break each strategy down.

Part 1 – Get Your Painting Company Included In The Most Important Business Listings

Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is by far the most popular business listing to claim.  However, there are many more that you should consider.  We always encourage our clients to claim and verify listings from:

  • Google Business Profile [add logo]
  • Bing [add logo]
  • Yelp [add logo]
  • Yahoo Local [add logo]
  • YP [add logo]

We recommend claiming and verifying your Google Business Profile first.  This is because you can use it to claim and verify your Bing profile within minutes.

If this sounds like too much to manage yourself, there are listings services that will help you claim, verify and manage up to 100 listings for a monthly fee.

Part 2 – Geo-targeted Optimization Of Your House Painting Website For Local Audiences

Local SEO uses the same parts as traditional SEO, but it also needs a few aspects that are more specific:

Business Hours and Contact Information

Visitors to local company websites generally start with information found in these places: search engines, listings or directories, and customers themselves. Every page of a company’s website should include its operation hours and contact information, such as its physical location and phone number.

Hyper Local Keywords

Title tags, meta descriptions, image alt tags and general website content should all include keywords and phrases that refer to the business’s location. To generate local leads, you may not be able to simply target a city or state. Increasing the number of clients that come through your door may be as simple as becoming hyper-local by focusing on even more narrowly defined subgroups within your community.

Our search engine optimization (SEO) experts use this information to select better geo-targeted keywords.

Implementation Hint – Create a list of your best clients and divide them by neighborhood.  Use the most popular neighborhoods to run hyper specific ads to.  

As an example, if your business is in the Houston area, but your best clients are located in Katy, TX, run an ad that starts “Hi Katy, TX, are you looking for a professional painting company?” or something similar.

You could also create an ad that has you in it by a well-known landmark in the area, such as a statue, restaurant or park.  People will immediately recognize the fact that you are in their area.

Part 3 – How To Target Your Local Audience Using Content Marketing

Marketing for local campaigns involves the same level of inventiveness and quality as other SEO campaigns, but there must be a greater emphasis on calls to action as well as issues relevant to your company’s area.

Some easy ways to do this are:

Feature Local Topics

When creating content for your blog or social media, we recommend writing information related to your business and where you are.

A good example of this for a house painting company located in Colorado would be “Why July is the best month to protect the exterior of your Denver house with a new paint job”.

Writing about local trends or even laws in your area that are related to your business is a good way to show that you are a reliable source of information.

Create Advocates For Your Brand

When you create content online, don’t just promote your products and services.  In fact, for every article you have about a product or service, you should have FOUR other articles with helpful information for your target market.

This will help build consumer loyalty and create advocates for your house painting business.  Great, helpful articles and posts make it easy for your customers to spread the news about your company by sharing your content on social media sites.

Authenticate Your Business Identity

Make sure your website’s local content is properly indexed by search engines using schema markup.

These include: a map schema; product information schemas; logos and images; and local business information (such as phone number, address, and name).

Part 4 – The Importance Of Building Quality Citations For Your Painting Business

There are several factors that go into a successful SEO campaign, including backlinks and citations. A citation is a mention of a brand on a third-party website by a customer or a business. These references of a company’s name play an important role in local search results.

Some of the most important and effective citations are listed here:

Social or Blog Content

A smart strategy to get citations is to encourage local celebrities, brand advocates and local influencers to write about you on their blogs and social media accounts.

Business Listings

Citations are listings in directories, local networks, and review sites. You may increase the number of citations you have by managing these listings and encouraging clients to post links to your painting business’ content.

Guest Posts or Magazine Articles

One of the best ways to get your name out there is to have other people write about your business for an online magazine.  Alternatively, you could post your own articles or press releases in local news publications.

 

IFTS’ local SEO packages include citation building and link development services.  These aid in getting your painting company’s name mentioned in social media, online publications, and more.

Part 5 – Customer Reviews Are Key For ANY Business

There should be more unique content than just your business name, address, and phone number on all of your social media profiles. Customer reviews are the best place to find this text.

Publishing press announcements about new listings, linking to your social media sites and company listings on your website, and engaging your consumers through online content can all encourage people to express their opinions.

Just remember, customers are more likely to provide favorable evaluations if they receive excellent service and high-quality products!

Need help getting reviews?

Implementation Hint – Create an automated system for asking for reviews or invest in software that does this, like ReviewLead.  Once you get the reviews, be sure to reply to them using keywords and locations to help your local SEO even more.

Want someone to take care of this for you?  IFTS offers packages specifically for painting companies that takes care of all of your marketing (and then some).  Give us a call to get started with your free “Online Presence Audit” – 412.715.6266

What Should You Consider Before Hiring A Web Design Company?

So, you’re looking for a well-designed website that keeps people engaged while still being simple to use AND converts visitors into clients? 

Get in line! 

A website that is proactive in addressing your requirements and business goals has become more essential than ever before.  In this day of information overload, having an online presence that reflects the unique features of your business or services while still being simple enough to not only attract but also retain customers is essential. You need to stand out among the almost 2 billion websites that exist today.

Remember – there is no need for consumers to waste time on a confused or dysfunctional website when there are hundreds (often thousands) of alternatives available to them at the click of a button.  

Keep all of this in mind as you conduct research and attempt to determine the most appropriate route when developing your company (or personal) website. There is no reason to squander your time or money, but a few well-timed and well-placed investments may go a long way toward ensuring your success.

Did you realize that some individuals make their entire career designing websites?

Okay, so you probably already knew that, but think about the following scenario: 

Your home requires plumbing or electricity. Considering that these are important factors in your overall quality of life, are you willing to put in the hundreds of hours required to learn how to do it yourself, knowing that the chances of making an error are significant? 

Alternatively, are you planning to engage a professional, certain that their knowledge and skills will ensure that your requirements are fulfilled? 

Another scenario that is commonly encountered:

A business owner will tell us, “My teenage nephew is really good at computers and promised to help set up a website for our company this weekend.”

Does this nephew know about SEO, website speed optimization, CTAs, internal and external linking, Google Business Profile optimization, congruity across your online presence and other factors that help your website rank as well as convert? Our guess is probably not.

Most people don’t know what must go into a website to make it work for your business in 2022.  There are 175 new websites created PER MINUTE every day.  The “If you build it, they will come” mindset no longer works like it did twenty years ago.

Designing a profitable or promotional website is critical to your company’s livelihood, and while DIY projects are a fun and educational way to pass the time and learn something new, the truth is that there is a lot more to online success than meets the eye. 

A professional web design company employs multiple people that are well-versed in the complicated and diverse requirements of many types of websites. 

Throughout their careers, they have gained incomparable expertise that serves as a precious basis for their current endeavors. This experience has given them invaluable knowledge that serves as a priceless foundation when starting a website design project.  This is why I strongly recommend that you hire a professional when it comes to creating your website. 

However, the type of expert you choose is equally crucial. 

Figure out what you need the website to do

Before employing someone, it’s critical to have at least a basic understanding of your own requirements and objectives. Because pro web designers work with a large number of clients, understanding what you want before you talk development with them will guarantee that you and the designer are a good match and will assist them in providing you with exceptional service.

What kind of person or company do you want to work with?

It’s also crucial to be aware of who you’re working with. 

Because of the internet, it is simple for people to market themselves as “experienced professionals” (yet another reason to have a high-quality website!). 

Investigate what you’re looking for; if you come across someone claiming to do it for a significantly lower price, be skeptical; you’ll most likely wind-up spending twice as much money to get a useless site back up and running. 

Don’t be afraid to ask questions! You are knowledgeable about your industry, and they should be knowledgeable about theirs. 

Inquire about their opinions on your project and see whether their ideas are compatible with yours. Look at their previous work and see what other sorts of sites they have worked on and the industries that they are familiar with.

Due diligence is important when choosing a web design company

Another component of “knowing who you’re hiring” is to request a portfolio and references from past customers. Be careful to research the designer’s past work; it’s critical that you choose a firm that can collaborate with you and meet all of your business requirements. Reviewing work from prior clients is a valuable and instructive approach to obtain honest feedback about the quality of the designer’s work, his or her willingness to collaborate, and overall professionalism.

You’ll want to know who will be engaged in the creation of your website after learning more about the firm itself. Web design and development are comprised of several different components. You should inquire as to whether any of the services being supplied will be outsourced and whether the firm has a group of employees with whom they operate on a regular basis. 

Make a list of everything that you want your website to be capable of

You should also check to see if the company provides all of the features that you are searching for. For example, having a mobile-friendly or responsive website that adapts to any screen size might be a distinguishing feature of your site that sets you apart from your competition in certain situations. Find out what sorts of services the web firm provides and make sure that they are in line with your expectations and the requirements of your organization.

Is there a timeline that you have to meet?

Another issue that has to be addressed is deadlines. If you have deadlines, it’s critical that you communicate them to anyone you hire so that they can ensure that your project is successfully completed on time. 

You want to ensure that anyone you employ will devote the necessary time and effort to your project.  Make sure they will develop an appealing and easy-to-use website in a timely manner, so that you are not forced to wait months for your company’s website to go up.

Hiring a web design firm is a good investment for your company, and the appropriate expertise may make a significant difference in your performance and profitability. 

In your hunt for a web designer, make sure you do your homework and be clear on the type of relationship you are seeking. Don’t be hesitant to ask questions or obtain references/portfolios from potential candidates. 

Hiring the right company to design your website is just as important as hiring a web designer in the first place!

Hiring IFTS for your web design needs

Thinking about hiring IFTS, Inc.?  We offer a free one-hour consultation to hear all about your business goals and what you want your website to do for you.  After that meeting, we can provide references and other information about past projects.

To get started, schedule your appointment today by calling 412-715-6266.

Reputation Marketing for House Painting Companies PART 2

What is your reputation online?  

If it’s 

  • Bad
  • you don’t have one or 
  • you don’t know what it is

Then, this article is for you!

Last time, we covered the basics – we talked about the definition of reputation marketing and the benefits to implementing it.  If you missed Part 1, check it out here.

In Part 2, we will cover the amazing impact of online reviews and how to get them on a consistent basis.

So, let’s get started!

What Is The Impact Of Online Reviews?

Good internet reviews are critical for a company’s long-term existence. Negative client feedback, on the other hand, might have devastating consequences for your business. It is common practice for consumers to research a product or brand using search engine results, social media platforms, and other sites such as Angi or Yelp.

No one wants to waste money on a service that will not satisfy their needs. Hearing about a great experience from others is a good indication that your offered services are worth it.

Did you know that 85 percent of consumers place the same faith in online reviews as they do in personal recommendations, and that 73 percent of consumers place greater trust in a local business when they read favorable reviews from other customers?

This demonstrates the importance of online reviews and how they have a direct influence on your brand’s reputation.

For your reputation marketing efforts to be successful, you must first get positive third-party content, like 5-star Google reviews or the “Thumbs Up” on Facebook. Online reviews should always be taken into consideration for your marketing plan as well as your 

Here are a few pointers to keep in mind:

ENCOURAGE GOOD REVIEWS

Don’t be afraid to approach your customers and ask them to submit a nice review of your company! When a customer is satisfied with a product or brand, they are more likely to post a fast review about the product or brand. If your company has a physical shop, you may display a sign or window cling directing them to your page on your website, in emails, and on social media accounts.

KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR REVIEWS

You can’t improve your online reviews if you don’t know what kind of impression you’re leaving. Keep an eye on what others are saying about your home services company on the internet.

REPLY TO REVIEWS

While you have no control over what people say about your business, you do have power over how you respond to both good and bad reviews. This creates the appearance that your company values consumer engagement and is willing to listen to legitimate issues about your services. 

If you are dealing with poor reviews, keep a level head and try to tackle the problem at its root as much as possible. This may mean you contacting the individual on a private basis, offline.

How To Create A Successful Reputation Marketing Campaign

With a sound reputation marketing approach, your house painting business will be able to stand out in search results and increase consumer awareness of your brand. Despite the fact that there is no one universal method that works for all sorts of firms, there are a few fundamental components that every reputation marketing plan should have.

Keep these ideas in mind as you work on a reputation marketing campaign for your business:

ASSESS YOUR STARTING POINT

It all starts with taking a close look at the existing status of your company’s image. Businesses are always changing, so it’s important to keep an eye on the pulse of your brand, company, and workers. 

Is your goal for your company consistent with the way others perceive your organization?

Does it appear that you’re getting good or negative feedback?

CHECK OUT YOUR COMPETITORS

Another thing you should do is investigate your rivals and examine their brand reputation and presence on the internet. Observing how rivals identify with their clients can provide you with a better understanding of what practices need to be improved and which practices should be avoided.

IDENTIFY IMPROVEMENT AREAS

Once you’ve identified the areas of your home painting business that require the most attention, you can concentrate your efforts on enhancing those spaces. Try evaluating the following areas:

  • Reviews
  • Ratings
  • Articles
  • Business Listings
  • Local SEO
  • Regular SEO

Want more tips on getting Google Reviews?  Check out our article on “10 Proven Ways to Get More Positive Online Reviews for Your Business”.

MONITOR, MAINTAIN & GROW

Savvy business owners keep an eye on their reputation at all times to ensure that everything is running well and that their consumers are satisfied. If you regularly watch your brand, you will be able to intervene and take action as soon as unfavorable reviews or comments begin to come in.

Reputation Marketing Helps Painting Businesses Convert Prospects Into Clients

A good reputation is earned via ethical, well-rounded, and high-quality business operations, and it is the most important asset a company can have. Keep track of what is being said about your company on the internet and maintain a professional image in order to maintain a good reputation.

Promotion, monitoring, and acquisition of good brand material are all part of the reputation marketing strategy that allows firms to take control of their reputation. The proactive strategies outlined above can assist you in distinguishing your brand from your greatest rivals and painting a picture of your firm that matches with your organization’s overall goal.

For more information on winning clients over with your online reputation, check out this article.