The 4 Main Ways to Get Leads from Google (Guaranteed, PPC, Maps, Organic)
Part 1: Google Guaranteed
What Is Google Guaranteed?
Google Guaranteed is part of Google Local Services Ads (LSAs). These ads show up at the very top of search results with a “Google Guaranteed” badge, which gives customers confidence in your business.
How Does It Work?
- You pay per lead, not per click.
- Google verifies your business with background checks and licenses.
Why Is It Great?
- Builds instant trust with potential customers.
- Leads come directly to your phone or inbox.
Who Should Use It?
- Contractors with a good reputation and proper licensing who want high-quality leads fast.
Pro Tip:
Respond quickly to leads—Google rewards businesses that respond faster.
Part 2: Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Ads
What Are PPC Ads?
PPC ads are the text-based ads you see at the very top of Google’s search results. These ads drive traffic by targeting specific keywords, and you only pay when someone clicks on your ad.
How Does It Work?
- Create ad campaigns targeting keywords like “best concrete contractor near me.”
- Set a daily budget and pay for each click on your ad.
Why Is It Great?
- Generates leads quickly.
- Highly targeted to specific services or locations.
Who Should Use It?
- Contractors ready to invest in advertising and track ROI closely.
Pro Tip:
Use negative keywords to avoid wasting money on irrelevant clicks, like excluding terms such as “DIY” or “free.”
Part 3: Google Maps
What Is Google Maps?
Google Maps, also known as the Local Pack, displays businesses near the user’s location. These listings are tied to your Google Business Profile (GBP).
How Does It Work?
- Optimize your Google Business Profile by:
- Adding accurate business details.
- Posting high-quality photos of your work.
- Collecting positive customer reviews.
Why Is It Great?
- It’s free to use.
- Local customers trust Maps for finding nearby services.
Who Should Use It?
- Every contractor should take advantage of this free, trust-building tool.
Pro Tip:
Post updates weekly on your GBP and ask satisfied customers for reviews.
Part 4: Organic Results
What Are Organic Results?
Organic results are the unpaid listings that appear below ads and maps on Google’s search results page. These depend on your website’s search engine optimization (SEO).
How Does It Work?
- Optimize your website for keywords like “concrete driveway contractor St. Louis.”
- Use on-page SEO (keywords, meta tags, and content) and off-page SEO (backlinks).
Why Is It Great?
- Brings in free, long-term traffic.
- Builds authority and visibility over time.
Who Should Use It?
- Contractors willing to invest time in creating content and improving their SEO.
Pro Tip:
Publish blog posts that answer common questions like, “How much does a concrete patio cost?”
Comparison of the Four Methods
| Method | Cost | Speed of Results | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Guaranteed | Pay per lead | Fast | Building trust and getting high-quality leads. |
| PPC Ads | Pay per click | Fast | Targeting specific keywords and services. |
| Google Maps | Free | Medium | Improving local visibility and trust. |
| Organic Results | Free (SEO effort) | Slow (long-term) | Building a long-term online presence. |
Which One Should You Choose?
- Need leads now? Start with Google Guaranteed or PPC.
- Want to dominate your local area? Invest in Google Maps.
- Looking for long-term growth? Focus on Organic SEO.
Conclusion
No matter your goals, Google offers powerful tools to bring in leads. Whether it’s Google Guaranteed, PPC, Maps, or Organic SEO, choosing the right method—or a mix of them—can make all the difference for your contracting business.
Next Steps:
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- Need help setting up these tools? Contact us today!