Marketing Priority List for Service Pros

Local Service Business Marketing Channels - Start at the top and Work Down! This shows what is the most important to do when setting up a marketing plan for a service biz!

TIER 1: ESSENTIAL CORE CHANNELS

1) Local SEO (Google Maps) CRITICAL!

60–70% of people click one of the top 3 companies in the Google Maps section.
Ranking in the Map Pack is critical for capturing the majority of high-intent leads.
Fully optimize your Google Business Profile (fill out every field - or have us do it).
Reviews are critical — quantity, quality, and recency. We can automate this!
Build review requests into your follow-up process after every job. We send day 1,3, & 7
We can have an AI do the requests, replies, and repost them to your socials... for $97!
You'll never again "forget" to thank a customer for a 5-star review.

2) AI Search (ChatGPT)

More customers are using ChatGPT and AI tools to find local service companies.
AI relies heavily on Google SEO signals (reviews, content, authority, schema) so a strong Google presence increases your chances of being recommended in AI search.
Ensure you have lots of service + location content on your website.
Add local schema to your website for AI visibility. (all our sites include this)
Maintain strong, recent reviews across multiple platforms (Google, Facebook, Yelp etc).
We can take this over if you like.

3) Google Ads (PPC)

Targets people by the keywords they're searching for.
Works best with "service" or "service + location" keywords.
A good negative keyword list will reduce wasted spend with irrelevant clicks.
Landing page must be mobile optimized and fast-loading (aim for a 20%+ conversion rate).
Focus on a click-to-call or a simple quote request form as your primary Call-to-Action.
Once optimized, increase or decrease your budget based on required lead volume.

4) Google Local Services Ads (LSA)

Requires a Google Business Profile with at least 5+ reviews (help friends and family to get reviews).
Google will also run a quick background check on you (can take a few weeks to get approved).
Once approved, set a weekly budget and wait for the leads to come through (calls and/or messages).
Opt for max leads where Google sets the cost and sends you as many leads for your budget.
You can dispute bad leads and get refunds.
Works well alongside Google Ads for shared budget allocation.

5) Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Most service businesses don't follow up enough with new leads. (our Dispatch AI includes this!)
Speed of response is crucial for closing leads to booked clients. Consider an AI Agent.
Use multiple follow-up channels: phone, SMS, email, voicemail.
CRM tools like AI Sprinkled automate lead nurturing and tracking.
Better lead management means nore joibs, better ROI and quicker growth.

TIER 2: HIGH IMPACT GROWTH CHANNELS

After Tier 1 channels have been set up and optimized, add in the following channels, tracking ROI and focusing on those that get you the best returns.

6) Local Facebook Groups

One of the best free lead sources.
Parent/mom groups often have people posting about recommended service companies.
Reply with your website link + coupon code for tracking.
Identify groups with high post frequency and check daily.
A single good group can produce multiple monthly leads.

7) Partnerships

Partner with "complementary" service providers who might share similar clientele.
Propose a partnership where they send discount codes to their clients, and you pay them a referral bonus for each client referred.
Only a few strong partners can produce steady monthly leads.
If your business is established, you can also refer your partner's services to your clients, further cementing the partnership.

8) Pay-Per-Lead Sites

Sign up to platforms such as Bark and Thumbtack, to get a stream of new client leads.
Buy leads that are of most interest (recurring clients) and get charged to be given the client's contact details.
Call new leads asap - speed of response often drives close rate.
Avoid Angi for long-term contracts; stick to pay-as-you-go models.

9) Organic SEO (SERPs)

Focuses on ranking your website under the Google Map Pack. (We can help with this)
Build individual service pages and location pages.
Optimize technical SEO - H1s, H2s, meta descriptions, image alt text, internal links.
Fast page speed is essential for rankings particularly on mobile.
Build a strong backlink profile to outrank competitors (Google sees these as votes of confidence).
Use Ahrefs to analyze competitor backlinks and gaps.

10) Website Lead Magnets

Capture website visitors who aren't ready to book yet.
Pop-ups offering discounts (or guides) in exchange for an email is a good way to capture people who are interested in what you offer but not necessarily ready to book.
Builds your email list with regular follow-up to convert these people when they're ready to convert.
More clients closed means a higher ROI, and quicker (and more profitable) growth.

11) Retargeting Ads

Shows ads to people who visited your site but didn't convert.
Works across both Google Display + Facebook/Instagram.
Very low cost per click, CPC compared to search ads.
Builds authority and keeps your brand top of mind.

12) LinkedIn

Ideal for winning commercial service clients.
Easily identify property managers, office managers, facility managers etc by location.
Optimise your profile to showcase the quality and experience of your service company.
Post regularly to remain visible in newsfeed of your network.
Over time people will start to message you for quote requests (in particular) when contracts are up for renewal.

TIER 3: STRONG SUPPORT CHANNELS

If you need more lead volume, then add in the following channels.

13) Meta & Instagram Ads

Relies heavily on creative + a strong offer.
Users aren't actively searching, so you must interrupt their feed.
Leave targeting to Facebook's algorithm.
Essential to follow up quickly and repeatedly (call/SMS/email).
Lower conversion rate but cheap clicks → strong ROI potential.

14) Flyers / Door Hangers

Works best with repeated drops to the same areas.
Use a 3-drop sequence (once every 3 months).
Flyers build brand awareness more than immediate conversions.
Expect roughly a 1% conversion rate (100 flyers = 1 lead).
Target neighborhoods where you already have clients.

15) Directory Listings (Citations)

List on Yelp, Facebook, Nextdoor, BBB, etc.
Ensure NAP (name, address, phone number) consistency across all directories.
Most listings are free.
Helps with trust and local SEO.
Tools like Yext can automate this process.

16) Content Marketing (Social Media)

Instagram/TikTok are ideal for short, engaging content.
Post tips, before/after clips, time-lapses.
Builds trust and familiarity.
Positions you as a local service authority.
Can go viral, reaching thousands for free.
We do social posting, 3x per week on 3 channels for 397/month

17) Friends & Family

Still your biggest supporters early on.
Give them referral codes or bonuses for new clients referred to you.
Check in with them every few months to ask if they have friends / family who need your services.

18) Local Sponsorships

Sponsor charities, schools, and sports clubs.
Builds deep community trust over time.
Often includes high-value local backlinks on their websites which helps with local SEO.

19) Vehicle & Uniform Branding

Conveys professionalism and attracts higher-value clients.
Branded vehicles act as moving billboards.
Give staff business cards to hand out if they're approached.

20) Cold Email / Calling

Still works when done correctly (no spam).
Target specific decision-maker emails (firstname@), not generic inboxes (office@).
Use warmed-up domains + bespoke messaging.
Works best combined with LinkedIn + phone follow-ups.

Go get them!

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