PHCC Connect | Internet Marketing FAQ

PHCC Connect – Top 5 Questions Asked at our Booth

We had a great time at the PHCC Connect in Minneapolis this year and really enjoyed engaging with the leading Plumbing & Heating Contractors from across the country. In our conversations we noticed that a few key questions came up in just about every discussion. We decided to compile a list of the five most frequently asked questions that we received and our answers to each.

We have documented our answered to each of these questions below:

1. What is the difference between SEO & Pay-Per-Click Marketing?

Over the past ten years the way the Search Engines work has changed a lot; especially with the introduction of the Google Map Listings to the search results for local search. A majority of the plumbers we talk with are confused about how the search engines work and the differences between the Map Listings, Organic Listings & the Paid / Pay-Per-Click Listings.

We have written an article and recorded a video that helps to DEMISTIFY the search engines and breaks down the anatomy of the Search Engine Results Page. By understanding how each component works, you can formulate a strategy to maximize the results of each.

• Understanding The Search Engines – http://plumberseo.net/understanding-how-the-search-engines-work-ppc-vs-organic-vs-map-listings
• Video explaining the difference between PPC, Map Listings & Organic Listings – http://plumberseo.net/seo-strategy-for-plumbers-plumbing-contractors/understanding-the-search-engines

2. How can I get my Plumbing or HVAC company to show up on the Google Map when someone searches “my city + plumber” or “my city + hvac”?

One of the most common questions that I get from Plumbers & HVAC Contractors is “How do I get my plumbing company to show up on that Map?” Below is my Google Places Strategy that has helped get my plumbing clients to the first page of Google for their services in their local area:

• Claim your Google Places Page. To claim your local listing on Google you need to visit www.google.com/places and set up your listing. Click here for step-by-step instructions for claiming your Google Places Page.
• Build out your Google Places Page. Add your Website Address – This will create an important inbound link. Upload PHOTOS – AS MANY AS POSSIBLE – Use personal Photos – Pictures of yourself (the owner), Pictures of Your Staff, Pictures of the Office, Pictures of Your Trucks, Your Logo, Coupons, Pictures of your work. People Connect & Resonate With People. Leverage that in your Map Listing. Upload a Video if you have one (If you don’t – Get one made!). List your hours of operation & services offered. ADD a Coupon. Click here for ideas on how to Optimize your Google Places Account.
• Add a Google TAG to make your listing Jump Off the page. A Google Tag is a paid option available by Google to highlight your listing in the local search results. Click here to learn more about Google Tags.
• Update your website from an SEO perspective. By completing the necessary on page SEO updates you can significantly increase your placement in the map listings. Click here for my SEO Strategy for Plumbers.
• Get Reviews! A major component of placement in the Google Map listings is the number of reviews for your company. Put a procedure in place to consistently solicit reviews from your happy customers. We help our clients train their employees to keep their eyes and ears open for Happy Customers and then provide those happy customer with a “Share The Love Card”. This is a simple business card with a link to there Google Places page where they can quickly log-in and write a positive review for the business.

3. How can I leverage Social Media in my Plumbing or HVAC Business?

• There is alot of BUZZ around Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, Google Buzz, YouTube) but how can Social Media be leveraged by a Plumbing Contractor? How can you actually use social media to Grow your Plumbing Business?
  • Here is a link to our Social Media Strategy for Plumbers & HVAC Contractors – http://plumberseo.net/seo-strategy-for-plumbers-plumbing-contractors/social-media-strategy-for-plumbers

4. How can I get my Plumbing or HVAC business to show up on Google, Yahoo & Bing in the Organic (non-paid) area when someone searches for my services in my area?

• In todays environment is has become increasingly important for Plumbers & HVAC contractors to be visible on the Major Search Engines (Google, Yahoo & Bing) as consumers are searching for their services.  The fact is, Search Engines are now the #1 source for consumers when the look for local services.
  • Here is a link to our SEO Strategy for Plumbers & HVAC Contractors – http://plumberseo.net/seo-strategy-for-plumbers-plumbing-contractors

5. What does PlumberSEO do & how can you help my Plumbing or HVAC business get more customers via the internet?

• One of the Most Common questions that we are getting from Plumbers Across the country is “I see that you have been able to get other plumbers to the TOP of the search engines for their plumbing related keywords in their area…but how do you do it?” We recorded a video explaining our PROVEN SYSTEM and talking through what we provide in our program (step-by-step) to help our  clients obtain these results.
  • Here is a link to the overview of our program – http://plumberseo.net/about/seo-system-for-plumbers

We have developed a complete Internet Marketing & SEO Guide for Plumbing & HVAC Contractors that walks you through Getting Your Plumbing or Hvac Business listed on the Google Map, Optimizing your website from a SEO Perspective & shares our best practices for dominating the Search Engines for your services in your area. You can download the guide for free by clicking here.

Images:

The images are downsized due to limited space here. The original dimensions may differ.
Click on the image to open it on a new tab.