Cracking the Code: 5 Strategies for Outranking Competitors in Local Services Ads

In the ever-evolving landscape of local online advertising, Google continually introduces new tools and platforms to help businesses stand out. One of the latest additions is Local Services Ads (LSAs) also referred to as "google local services", "local services by google", and "google lsa", a powerful way to propel your Richmond VA local service business to the forefront in some cities like Chesterfield, Midlothian, Petersburg, Chester, Short Pump, Glen Allen, Henrico and industries such as home services, professionals services, healthcare, people care and pet care.

These ads grace the top of search results, catching the eye of potential customers. However, it's important to note that achieving prime placement in this local business carousel comes at a cost and fierce competition with others in the Richmond VA area.

If you perform a Google search, you'll probably find numerous articles about "Google Local Services Ads: What They Are & How to Set Them Up." However, if you're ready to move beyond that and discover how to generate high-quality leads for your business, keep reading below.

To navigate this landscape effectively and secure a coveted spot in the LSAs pack, you need to understand the key factors that influence your rankings.

Here, we break down the crucial elements that can make or break your success in the world of Local Services Ads.

1. Number of Reviews - Your Reputation Matters

Star ratings and the quantity of reviews wield significant influence on your ranking within Local Services Ads. Businesses with higher star ratings and a larger volume of reviews tend to shine brighter in this competitive arena. It's a simple equation: better reviews equal more bookings.

2. Responsiveness to Leads - The Speedy Gets Ahead

Your ad's effectiveness in generating leads hinges on various factors, with responsiveness playing a pivotal role. Responsiveness extends beyond just answering inquiries and requests; it's about being prompt and attentive. Missed calls can cast a shadow on your responsiveness score.

3. Hours of Operation - Transparency Matters

Your provided business hours are crucial in giving potential customers a clear picture of when you're available. Accurate hours not only set expectations but also increase the likelihood of converting leads.

Note: Marking your business as “temporarily closed” within your  Google Business Profile will hide your Google Guaranteed badge, and your ad will appear lower in results. You won’t be charged for leads.

4. Proximity to Searcher's Location - Location is King

Relevance is the name of the game when it comes to LSA rankings. How close you are to a potential customer's location, the services you offer, your business bio, and the reviews you've amassed all play a part. Much like Google My Business, LSAs thrive on proximity to the user. The closer you are, the higher your chances of being Google's chosen answer.

5. Services Offered - Tailoring Your Offerings

Defining the services you wish to advertise is vital. Local Service Ads allow you to select services from a predefined list relevant to your business category. When users search for services aligned with your choices, your ads become eligible to appear. Additionally, your ad can show up for general category searches if you offer common services within your category.

In the competitive realm of Local Services Ads, understanding and optimizing these factors can be the key to unlocking top rankings and securing a steady stream of leads in Richmond VA. Mastering LSAs requires a strategic approach that blends stellar customer service with meticulous attention to detail. Are you ready to elevate your business's local online presence?

Contact Your Marketing Consultant at Indispensable Marketing

If you’re a established and local service based business that need insight into Google Local Services Ads around how rankings work or Google's local search algorithm to improve local search rankings showing up on the first page of search results at Indispensable Marketing we can help. We offer marketing strategy consulting, marketing audits, monthly marketing packages, consultations, exploratory calls or monthly local SEO services. Contact us for more information.