We recently hosted a webinar on managing Google LSAs with Sam Preston, CEO of Service Scalers and Google LSA expert. This session offered actionable insights into optimizing LSAs for home service businesses. Check the recap below.
Top 5 takeaways
- Focus on verified reviews
Verified reviews are crucial for improving your LSA ranking. After completing jobs, use the "Ask for Review" feature in your LSA dashboard to secure reviews directly tied to your LSA account.
- Consistency is key
Update your LSA account regularly by adding photos, adjusting budgets, and engaging with leads. Avoid pausing your account; lower the budget if necessary to maintain activity.
- Target the right services and locations
Narrow your focus to services you excel at and target specific, high-performing areas (cities or zip codes) for better ROI and higher-quality leads.
- LSA budgets should be flexible
Set daily budgets 2–3 times higher than your expected spend to capture high-traffic days. Monitor and adjust weekly to avoid overspending while ensuring visibility.
- Leverage tools for efficiency
Use platforms like Hatch to automate responses, improve lead follow-ups, and integrate with Google LSA for faster response times and better customer engagement.
These tips will help you maximize your success with Google Local Services Ads.
Google LSA webinar recap
Yesterday, we hosted an engaging webinar, Google LSA 101, featuring industry experts Sam Preston from Service Scalers and Chelsea Muniz from Point Loma Electric & Plumbing.
This session offered actionable insights into optimizing Google Local Services Ads (LSAs) for your home service business. Below is a recap of the webinar, divided into key sections for clarity.
Why Google LSAs are essential for home service businesses
- LSA basics: LSAs operate on a pay-per-lead model, unlike traditional pay-per-click or mailer methods.
- Google guarantee: This feature boosts customer trust by ensuring service quality.
- Lead quality: LSAs prioritize local, service-specific leads, reducing irrelevant inquiries.
- Dispute mechanism: Businesses can dispute irrelevant or spam leads.
- Cost efficiency: Payment occurs only for verified leads, ensuring ROI.
Setting up and optimizing your LSA account
- Discovery and competitor research: Search your services locally and analyze competitors’ LSA listings, including their reviews, services, and operating hours.
- Account verification: Ensure all required legal documents, such as insurance, are submitted and approved by Google.
- Target relevant services: Focus on specific services you excel at to ensure quality leads and five-star reviews.
- Budget strategies: Set daily budgets 2–3 times your anticipated spending to capture high-traffic days while monitoring spending weekly.
- Automated bidding: Rely on automated systems for efficiency rather than manual adjustments.
Building activity and momentum in your account
- Consistency is key: Regularly update your LSA account with new photos, service details, and budgets.
- Engage with leads: Promptly answer messages and phone calls, marking leads as booked in the LSA dashboard.
- Google review cycle: Google rewards businesses that close the loop from lead generation to review acquisition.
- Avoid pausing accounts: Lower budgets if necessary, but maintain activity to prevent ranking setbacks.
- Review generation: Utilize tools like Hatch to request verified reviews through the LSA system.
Overcoming common challenges
- Lead relevance: If you receive irrelevant leads (e.g., car repairs for a window installer), adjust the services in your account and provide feedback to Google.
- Review importance: Verified reviews significantly impact rankings; prioritize obtaining them post-service.
- Rating vs. disputing: With Google’s shift to rating leads instead of disputing, categorize leads accurately for better results.
Advanced insights and strategies
- Photos and tags: Regularly upload project photos to your LSA account, tagging them with relevant keywords.
- Localized targeting: Define service areas strategically, focusing on specific cities or zip codes rather than broad regions.
- Branded vs. generic listings: Incorporate service keywords in your company name for better ranking visibility.
- Integration with CRM tools: Leverage platforms like Hatch to automate follow-ups and improve message response time.
Q&A
Q: What are verified reviews, and how do I get them?
A: Verified reviews are tied directly to jobs booked through LSAs. Use the "Ask for Review" button in your LSA dashboard after completing a job to ensure Google recognizes them.
Q: Should I pause my account if I'm overwhelmed with leads?
A: Instead of pausing, reduce your budget to maintain activity and prevent losing momentum.
Q: Can LSAs integrate with platforms like Hatch?
A: Yes! Hatch automates responses to LSA messages and integrates seamlessly with Google’s platform for improved lead management.
Q: How do I improve my LSA ranking?
A: Increase verified reviews, maintain consistent activity, and optimize your account settings to target the right services and locations.
Want to learn more?
Hatch customers, reach out to your Account Manager here with any questions you have.
Non Hatch customers, you can book a demo with us here.