If you’ve already set up a Local Services Ad (LSA) and feel like there’s not much left to do to optimize it, think again! While LSAs may seem simple compared to traditional Google Ads, there are several key areas you can focus on to improve your ranking and get your ad in front of more local customers.
At Fule, we’ve worked with many businesses to help them optimize their LSAs, and we’ve seen firsthand the impact that small changes can make. Here are some actionable tips to help you improve your Local Services Ad ranking:
1. Optimize Your Google My Business Profile
Your Google My Business (GMB) profile is closely tied to your Local Services Ad, and having a fully optimized profile is crucial. Here’s what you can do:
- Ensure accuracy: Double-check that your business name, address, phone number, and hours of operation are all up to date.
- Add high-quality photos: Images of your business, team, or services build trust with potential customers and make your profile more engaging.
- Request reviews: Having a healthy amount of positive reviews on your GMB profile can boost your LSA ranking and help you stand out from competitors.
2. Gather More Positive Reviews
Customer reviews are one of the most critical factors in LSA ranking. The more 5-star reviews you have, the better your chances of ranking at the top of Google Maps and local search results.
- Request reviews: After completing a job, kindly ask satisfied customers to leave you a review on Google. Automate this process using a follow-up email or SMS system. Note: Be sure to get the verified reviews link from your Google local service ads business verification section so that you can your customers the local service ads review link. It’s different from merely linking to your Google business profile.
- Respond to reviews: Engage with your customers by responding to all reviews, positive or negative. Google values businesses that maintain open communication.
3. Maintain a High Responsiveness Score
Google prioritizes businesses that respond quickly to leads. Responsiveness is a key metric in determining where your ad ranks.
- Reply to every lead: Make sure to respond to all phone calls and messages promptly. Even if a customer inquiry doesn’t result in a job, a quick response improves your responsiveness score.
- Set up notifications: Enable real-time notifications so you never miss a lead. You can also set up an autoresponder if you’re unavailable.
4. Expand and Fine-Tune Your Service Area and Services
Your LSA should cover all the areas where you operate and all the services you offer. If your service area or services are too limited, you may miss out on opportunities.
- Expand your service area: Make sure you’ve selected all the cities, towns, or neighborhoods you serve. It’s crucial to cover areas where demand for your services is high.
- List all relevant services: Check that your LSA accurately reflects every service you provide, from the core offerings to smaller, but related, services. This will increase the chances of your ad appearing in more searches.
5. Budget Appropriately
Although Local Services Ads have simpler budgeting controls than standard Google Ads, your budget still influences how frequently your ad appears.
- Set a competitive budget: If your budget is too low, your ad may not show as often as it could. We recommend reviewing your monthly spend and adjusting based on your business goals and competition.
- Monitor results: Keep an eye on your return on investment (ROI). A well-optimized budget can increase your visibility without overspending.
6. Keep Your Licensing and Background Checks Up to Date
Having the right licenses and passing Google’s background checks helps your LSA rank higher and shows potential customers that your business is reliable.
- Submit documentation: Ensure all required licenses and insurance documents are submitted and up to date. Google often gives priority to businesses with verified credentials.
- Maintain trust signals: If your business holds any certifications or guarantees (like the Google Guarantee), make sure these are clearly displayed. Having the Google Guarantee badge can improve your ranking and build trust with potential customers by signaling that your business is backed by Google.
7. Regularly Monitor and Adjust Your LSA
Local Services Ads require ongoing attention to perform at their best. Even small adjustments can lead to better rankings and more leads.
- Track performance: Review how your ad is performing in terms of lead generation, clicks, and calls. Google provides insights into how often your ad is shown and engaged with.
- Adjust as needed: If your ad isn’t performing as well as expected, consider expanding your service area, requesting more reviews, or increasing your budget.
Our Final Thoughts: Stay Ahead of the Competition
Local Services Ads are a powerful tool for generating leads from local searches, but ranking at the top takes more than just setting up your ad and waiting. By following these tips—optimizing your Google My Business profile, gathering reviews, improving responsiveness, and more—you can boost your ad’s visibility and attract more customers.
At Fule, we specialize in helping businesses like yours get the most out of their LSAs. If you need assistance with optimizing your ad or driving more leads through Google Maps, feel free to reach out—we’d be happy to help you take your local presence to the next level!
ke your local presence to the next level!
