Local SEO
When someone requires pest control services, they usually require them URGENTLY. And stats show that their journey to booking an extermination is most likely to begin with a Google search and a phone call. Because of the house-on-fire urgency many vermin evoke, this hypothetical user is going to decide on one of the first few businesses they see, either on the search results page or in Google Maps app. We use tried and true local SEO tactics to push your site into one of those top spots.
Our team of pest control local SEO experts can perform all of the steps necessary that are essential for getting YOUR WEBSITE FOUND.
NIFTY SERVICES
Why Local SEO for Pest Control is Important
There are many reasons why local SEO for pest control is so important, but the main ones include:
Orange may never be the new pink, but Google is the new Yellow Pages, whether you like it or not. When today’s customers need home services like pest control, they turn to Google for information first. Local SEO combines Google’s SEO best practices with Google Business Profile optimization, geographically-specific content creation, citation management, and other local branding initiatives to tilt the Google SERP in your favor.
Orange may never be the new pink, but Google is the new Yellow Pages, whether you like it or not. When today’s customers need home services like pest control, they turn to Google for information first. Local SEO combines Google’s SEO best practices with Google Business Profile optimization, geographically-specific content creation, citation management, and other local branding initiatives to tilt the Google SERP in your favor.
Okay, technically advertising can never be cost-free. But, local SEO is about as close as you can get! Local SEO consists of a few basic but powerful tactics and strategies, with the main investment being time and effort. Save your ad dollars for other channels, and allow Nifty Pest to set you up for success by implementing essential SEO processes that drive results.
We know–phrasing like this sounds scammy if you’re savvy. But this promise is specific to local SEO. While organic SEO is a long-term investment, local SEO works a bit differently. This localized focus means you’ll see results from your SEO efforts sooner simply because it's typically easier to rank in the Google map pack than it is to rank in the top of the organic search results. And if your local competitors haven’t invested in their own SEO program, you’ve got an even bigger edge! Local SEO zeroes in on your direct local competition.
Pest Control Local SEO Best Practices
When implementing local SEO on your site, there are many best practices to follow. They are as follows:
Devise Your Keywords
Like broader SEO strategy, the core of local SEO content is strong keyword research, selection, planning, and integration. Keywords refer to specific terms and phrases that potential customers use when searching for pest control services in your area–the trick here is measured specificity. Keywords come in two flavors: buyer intent and research intent. Use of buyer intent keywords like “‘bed bug pest control West Chicago” signals the searcher is itching for a solution to their pest problem. Research intent keyword terms would be something like “winged ants,” a search that signals the user is simply seeking information. A good keyword strategy would incorporate both categories, include local geographical language, and prioritize targeting high-quality site visitors.
Online Directories
Like we continue to point out–Google all but assassinated the Yellow Pages. Online listings reign supreme for local home services companies. Your pest control company should be listed on Google Business, Bing Places, Yahoo, Yelp, and likely some specific county and regional directories local to your service area. Optimizing your business listings, maintaining accurate and consistent information across platforms, and using SEO best practices anywhere you can all ensures more eyes on your business and visitors to your site. Plus, online citations almost always link back to your domain, improving trust and expertise in the eyes of the almighty Google algorithm. It’s a win-win-win.
Optimize Your Core Pages
You should have pages and pages within your website and blog, but you will have core pages that you should optimize for the search engines. Your homepage is one of these core pages and the title of it should be optimized with the term ‘pest control,’ your business name, and your location. The service pages are also core pages and you should optimize these in the same way.
Gather Reviews
Reviews are liquid gold–they attract leads like moths to a flame. And you can never have enough! The more reviews you have, the more likely web users are to click through and see a thriving business. Plus, Google’s algorithm loves a steady stream of positive reviews and ratings across platforms and will boost your site higher in search results as a reward. This positive feedback loop keeps your pest control business at the forefront of your local market.
Track Your Progress
Tracking and reporting is integral to your local SEO strategy. Basic best practices are just a jumping off point–metrics show us what is and is not working for your brand and allows us to make data-driven decisions to deliver the best possible results. The most important metrics to track include the Google page ranking of your main landing pages, the amount of traffic going to your site, and the number of conversions. Conversion rates can be monitored in a number of ways including call button clicks, inquiry forms opened, and newsletter subscriptions. For pest control companies, a visitor who schedules a free inspection can be considered a conversion.
The above are just a few of the pest control local SEO best practices and as a business owner, you likely do not have time for them. Our local SEO experts will take the time necessary to optimize your website and get the results you have been striving for.
WE GET RESULTS
Get Listed with Nifty Pest
Since 2009, we have been helping pest control companies both big and small get found in their local markets through local SEO strategies. We’ve been an active voice and thought leader in the local SEO realm for 15+ years, and continue to travel around the country speaking on it. We’ve spoken at MozCon, SMX, LocalU, Pest World, PMP, and more. We know what it takes to get your pest control company ranking in the local pack and have helped hundreds of businesses achieve online success with our services.
Fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation and to learn more about how we can help.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Truthfully, local SEO is important for all companies to consider. We think it’s especially important for those operating in the home services sector–you likely have a specific service area that encompasses a neighborhood, town, county, or city. High-quality web traffic for your business model equates to site visitors from your service area, increasing your visit-to-call/inquiry rate. Geographically-targeted campaigns are the best way for you to connect with folks who are actively searching for your services. Once you find each other, we’re sure sparks will fly.
Buckle-up, buttercup! SEO is a marathon, not a sprint. Digital marketers and business owners alike understand that all SEO is long-term investment and that the key is consistently dedicating time and effort to optimization over time. That being said, six months to a year, BUT map pack rankings have proven to shift more frequently than the traditional SERP. Slow and steady commitment is the name of the game.
Just as we develop custom marketing strategies and plans based on each individual client’s needs, we build custom reporting, delivered on a predetermined cadence. Our reporting will cover the work completed, analysis of impact (what worked and what didn’t? where did we see the biggest impact?), and the plan for the next interval of work. We’ll track the key performance indicators most important to your business plan–calls, inquiry forms submitted, organic web traffic, etc. Any way you want it, that’s the way you’ll get it.
We take a team approach–this allows us to stack specialists with different skills and niches to provide the all-around best service possible. Your project would likely be handled by a team of 3, but we can provide you with a single point of contact to streamline communications if that’s a priority for you.
We can do that. If you’re only interested in citations, content creation, or link building, we can offer any as an individual project. However, for the best results, we recommend a comprehensive approach to local search marketing and would like to know that you’re covering the areas we aren’t.
Maybe! Give us a call and let’s talk.