Pet groomers, plumbers, electricians, and similar entities can be categorized as Service Area Businesses (SABs). Most operate without a brick-and-mortar location. Therefore, implementing local SEO strategies can seem challenging for them. Are you also an SAB? You may be facing a similar mental block as others in this area. Please don't worry. You can still build online visibility, traffic, and a loyal customer base. Here's a quick guide to give you a better idea of how to navigate the SEO landscape.
SABs typically offer door-to-door services by visiting customers’ locations. Since they have no storefront, they cannot expect foot traffic. Their primary markets are the service area locations. Popular service providers like these include roofers, HVAC technicians, electricians, plumbers, house cleaners, landscapers, and more. Many of them face the challenge of implementing local SEO strategies due to a lack of a physical address, which plays a significant role in establishing a business's credibility and authority. It prevents them from leveraging one of Google's crucial Search Quality Rater Guidelines, such as E-E-A-T. But agencies like topmarketingagency.com can look beyond these limitations and help them gain online visibility.
Traditional SEO practices for local businesses may not appear to be effective. Think of having a Google Business Profile page, where you need to add a physical address to link it with Google Maps. Due to this, the chances of utilizing hyperlocal search optimization techniques like "near me" are ruined. Is there no scope? Agencies have figured it out. Another issue is increased competition from storefront-based businesses as well. Basically, you have two sets of competitors to deal with in the same territory.
If you analyze your weaknesses closely, you may realize they’re also your strengths. As a part of SAB, you can target a larger geographic area than other businesses that operate from a fixed physical address. You also have the flexibility to adjust your service locations to meet the growing demands of your customers. Plus, you need to spend less on your business than those who operate a storefront.
The top sources that customers use to discover a local business include Google, Google Maps, Yelp, Facebook, etc. In the digital arena, having a GBP is as vital as having a website. Even though you don't have a storefront, you can still set up your GBP. When creating this business profile, your SEO agency will choose the “service-area business” option. You will select an address, but keep it private. At the same time, you can list as many as 20 service areas by postal code or city. Other steps also need to be implemented strategically.
Additionally, you can benefit from having a strong web presence. If you provide services at multiple locations, you would need to create specific location-based pages with relevant and distinct content, contact information, and keywords. All the pages must be mobile-friendly. Your business will be added to online platforms and directories with the correct name, address, and phone number. Link building, content marketing, social media, and other marketing efforts will also be implemented in alignment with the overall business goal.
It's a lot of work, but you can rely on a credible local digital marketing and SEO agency to handle everything for you. Professionals can help you attain desirable results.