Unlocking Google’s Secrets: How Contractors Can Show Up Without Paying a Dime

If you’re a contractor, showing up in Google search can be the difference between having no work or being booked out for months. In this article I'll share how you can be found in google — for free! That’s right; you don’t need a hefty ad budget to rank on Google.

1. Paid Google Search Options

Let’s quickly cover the paid stuff, then move on to the free options. Google has two major advertising products for contractors: Local Service Ads (LSAs) and Google Search Ads. LSAs are those friendly results at the top with the little green checkmark that says “Google Guaranteed.”

Local Service Ads - Google Guaranteed

Google Search Ads are also paid but look almost like regular search results, with just a tiny “Sponsored” label next to them. You can customize these ads to show up for specific keywords like “roof repair near me” or “emergency plumbing.” While both are excellent ways to gain visibility, let’s be honest: you’re here for the free methods!

Google Search Ads

2. Organic Google Search

Contrary to popular belief, getting in front of customers on Google isn’t just for companies with big marketing budgets. Showing up in organic search results is one of the best ways to appear credible, and, better yet, it’s free! Here are a few basics to make sure you’re Google-ready:

1. Have a Website: This might sound obvious, but a lot of contractors are still rocking just a truck and a phone number. A simple website puts you miles ahead, especially if you’re in an industry with low competition online. No need for a fancy 100-page site – just enough to show people who you are, what you do, and how they can reach you.

2. Basic SEO: This sounds complicated, but it really just means having some solid content on your website that clearly states what you do and where. Make sure your headlines mention your services, like “Roofing Services in [City],” and use straightforward language to describe your business. SEO is a beast, but these basics alone can help you rank higher than the local competition.

Bottom line? Just having a website with the right info will put you way ahead of the pack. But, showing up in organic google search results takes time. Especially if you are in a competitive market.

Organic Search Results

3. Google Business Profile Setup & Google Maps

This one’s big. A well-set-up Google Business Profile (GBP) is a free ticket to showing up in Google Maps and local searches. When potential customers search for services like “electrician near me” or “pressure washing in [City],” Google pulls from its list of profiles — so you want to be on that list. So How do you ensure you show up?

• Set up your google business profile and do it correctly with:

• Accurate Info: Make sure your address, phone number, and hours are correct.

• Service Categories: Select relevant categories to show up for specific service searches. The more specific, the better.

• Business Description: Write a brief description highlighting what you do, where you do it, and what sets you apart.

Your GBP is like your online storefront, so take a few minutes to get the essentials set up right. Not only will this profile help you appear in local searches, but it also boosts credibility. Plus, it can help you appear in both organic results and Google Maps.

4. THE #1 KEY TO SHOWING UP ON GOOGLE FOR CONTRACTORS!

THE KEY TO SHOWING UP ON GOOGLE: REVIEWS. Google loves businesses that customers love, and reviews are your golden ticket to proving that you’re the real deal. Having recent, positive reviews on your Google profile signals to potential clients (and Google) that you’re reliable and trusted.

• How to Get Reviews: Don’t wait around hoping customers leave a review – ask them! Make it a habit to ask for a review after every job, especially when a customer is happy with your work. You could send a quick text with a link to your profile or even have a short hand written “thank you” card with instructions. You need to make this part of your standard operating procedure for you and your team. If you would like to automate this checkout Review Rocket, our automated google review request and follow up service.

• Recency Matters: Recent reviews often carry more weight. For instance, a business with fifty recent reviews might beat out one with hundreds that are older. Google doesn't publish how they rank business profiles but I have seen this scenario happen quite often. This is one reason why continuously getting reviews can keep you ahead, even if others in your field have been around longer.

Supercharg Reviews with Review Rocket

Collecting reviews consistently can feel like an uphill battle. That’s where Review Rocket comes in. This tool automates your Google review requests, so every customer gets a text or email right after their service, making it quick and easy for them to leave feedback.

One of our clients went from getting just one or two reviews a month to over thirty within the first month of using Review Rocket. Those reviews improved their ranking and brought in more business, all without them lifting a finger! If you want to see the same boost, check out Review Rocket to automate your review requests and grow your business with minimal effort.

Following these tips won’t just get you seen on Google; it’ll position you as a trusted choice for customers who are ready to hire. Showing up for free is a huge opportunity, so make sure you’re taking advantage of it with a solid online presence and consistent reviews.

Ready to kickstart your Google presence? Get Review Rocket and watch your business grow!