The Importance of Ranking on the Local Three-Pack in Google for Plumbers, HVAC, and Electrical Contractors. 

In today's digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial for business owners and marketing managers. Especially, if you're looking to grow your businesses, and thrive in the competitive online marketplace. And when it comes to local businesses, showing up on Google Maps is one of the best ways.  Attracting potential customers in your suburb and the surrounding areas. Not to mention increasing returns on your marketing costs.

In this marketing guide, we here at Reviewly will outlined the benefits of ranking in Google Maps. And the endless opportunities if you run or own a service-based business, like you.  Not only does Google Maps allow users to find your address and get directions, but it also prominently features local businesses through its Local Three Pack.

The Local Three Pack refers to the top three businesses that appear on the map when users search for specific products or services in a particular location. 

This prime marketing real estate on Google Maps can be a game-changer for home service businesses. Especially because cashed-up, decision-ready customers are searching, (in other words, HOT prospects) and ready to make an immediate purchase.

The truth is that ranking in the three-pack happens organically and is not paid for. Having researched the subconscious mind, and buyer behaviours. We know that customers prefer to contact local businesses that they see as having EARNED their position on Google. Rather than those who have 'paid' for it.

If you search the key terms' Plumbing Service ' + 'Area' as an example. You want your business to show up in the Local Three Pack. If you're not listed, then this MUST become a priority line in your marketing budget and plumbing marketing plan.  

This will significantly increase your visibility and attract potential customers.  To highlight the importance, we've seen companies rank in the 3-pack without even having a home services website, that's how well this works. Then when you include Plumber SEO, Elecritcal SEO, or HVAC SEO, (I know that dreaded SEO term) business booms.

Being part of the Local Three Pack is crucial for you. 

You start by having your Google business profile ranking among the top positions. Not only does this increase brand exposure. It also increases organic traffic to your business's website for ranking and boosts foot traffic to your physical location. Combined all these factors build a solid reputation and plumbing brand quickly to grow your business.

What is the Local Three-Pack?

The Local Three-Pack, also known as the Local Pack, SERP, or the Map Pack. Is a feature in Google search results that displays a set of local business listings. Along with a map, at the top of the keyword search results page, e.g.: emergency plumbing or HVAC contractors. ( See above)

It is a highly coveted and valuable marketing channel for service companies. This HVAC, and plumbing marketing strategy is priceless for online real estate.

“These listings include your business's name, address, phone number, and reviews. To determine which businesses are displayed in the Local Three-Pack, Google uses its local search algorithm, which takes into account several factors such as relevance, distance, and prominence.

Relevance refers to how well a business listing matches a user's search query, while distance is the proximity of the business to the user's location.

Prominence, on the other hand, is a measure of how well-known and reputable a business is. This is based on factors like the number of reviews, ratings, and the quality and quantity of other online sources referencing the business.

 The order in which your business listings is displayed in the Local Three-Pack is 'not random' but earned.

Google uses a combination of relevance, distance, and prominence to determine the ranking of your listing. The top position in the Local Three-Pack is highly desirable as it receives the majority of the clicks from users. If this isn't part of your marketing plan, it should be.

Businesses that engage in this form of internet marketing for local search and include optimisation techniques, such as will rank higher;

• Ensuring their online listings are accurate and consistent, 

• Obtaining ongoing positive reviews, 

• Answering reviews in a timely manner

• And optimising their websites for Google local services and content.

Definition of the Local Three-Pack for Plumbers, HVAC & Electricans.

The Local Three-Pack is a term used in the world of search engine optimization (SEO) to describe the top three local business listings that appear on a search engine results page (SERP). When a user searches for a local service or product, then Google displays three businesses. They are considered the most relevant to the user's query in a prominent position at the top of the page. Eg: plumbing companies near me.

Being featured in the Local Three-Pack is highly desired by businesses as it significantly helps your company to increase organic visibility and attract new customers. 

Why is the Local Three-Pack important?

The Local Three-Pack is a highly important feature for businesses in this digital age for getting your internet marketing right.  If you're a plumbing company, as outlined above, it showcases a map with your company and two other competitive local businesses. 

Secondly, in this day and age with vehicle running costs and overheads so high, it goes without saying the more local business you have the greater your cash flow. By decreasing your technician's travel times, vehicle running costs, and call-out fees, you increase profitability.

And as we all know 'Cash-flow' is king!

The Benefits of Ranking on the Local Three-Pack for Plumbers. 

Ranking on the local three-pack can bring numerous benefits for you, the owner of a plumbing or HVAC company.  The local three-pack allows a potential searcher to research plumbing companies' names or results for the 'best plumbing company near me'.

With the details prominently displayed at the top of the search results, means a higher click-through rate and increased website traffic. The benefits go without saying, as website SEO is still important. This increased visibility also builds trust and credibility for your business, as users often perceive the businesses that appear in the three-pack as reliable and trustworthy.

Another benefit of ranking on the local three-pack is increased local brand awareness.

By appearing in the top three results, your company can significantly enhance its brand visibility within its local community. This heightened brand exposure can lead to increased brand recognition and recall, making it more likely that users will remember and choose the business when they have a need for your products or services.

Additionally, ranking on the local three-pack can also help you gain a competitive edge over your local competitors. Users tend to trust and choose the businesses that appear in the top results, and by ranking in the three-pack, businesses can attract more customers and potentially outperform your competitors in terms of customer acquisition and revenue generation.

Furthermore, ranking on the local three-pack can also have a positive impact on search engine optimisation (SEO). The factors that contribute to a business's ranking on the three-pack, such as relevance, proximity, and user reviews, are also important SEO ranking factors.

Therefore, by optimising your online presence to rank on the three-pack, your business can also improve its overall search engine visibility and organic rankings. Leading to increased exposure and plumbing leads.

Increase in Local Visibility

An increase in local visibility is a crucial aspect for any business wanting to grow its customer base. And social media marketing can be offset by the information you share on your Google Business Profile (Google My Business). Google loves to know you care about your community and want to help.

This is where you can become omnipresent by sharing the same content on different social channels.

Here are some examples:

• Video Marketing of your team and sharing it on Google and Facebook.

• Sharing your repeat customers online reviews, take them from Google and place them on your website.

• Create HVAC, Electrical, or Plumbing Tips, and send them out as an ebook to your email list. Then share the tips individually on your Google Business Profile as posts. These send Google signals and help you to rank your profile and map listing.

Additionally, businesses should claim and optimise their listings on popular online directories such as Yellow Pages, Apple, and Yelp. These directories have high search engine rankings and can significantly increase your business's visibility. 

Together these strategies, help to increase your organic SEO, especially when you target plumbing as your keyword or plumbing company name.

Improved Trust and Credibility

Building trust and credibility is important for establishing strong relationships. Whether it be in personal or professional settings. Trust is the foundation on which relationships are built, and without it, meaningful connections cannot develop.  

You might be asking yourself... 'How do you build trust in this online world'? And it's a great question.

Trust is often established through consistent and reliable behavior over time. That's why as part of your marketing services, you must be consistent. If you want to stand out as the ' Best Plumbing ' or 'Electrical Service' company you need to act like it online as well as offline.

This can be hard if you don't have a procedure or a strategy. Many marketing campaigns, forget two of the best ways for fast results. Google Maps, (for organic ranking), and email marketing (inbox) as it cuts marketing efforts needed and increases business cash flow. In other words, you get a much better ROI.

This is why building trust and your reputation by generating Google reviews helps like nothing else we've seen. Research confirmed that customers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. Not to mention customers read online reviews before making a major purchase. 

 Optimising Your Electrical or Plumbing Website for Local SEO:

So, let's quickly chat about bringing this all together for your home services companies. And optimisation is key.

1. Incorporate local keywords: Use location-specific keywords throughout your website content, meta tags, and headings.

2.  Create location-specific landing pages: Develop web pages that focus on specific areas you serve, including relevant keywords and content.

3.  Optimise website structure and navigation: Ensure that your website is user-friendly and easy to navigate, making it convenient for local users to find information.

Use local structured data markup: Implement structured data markup on your website to help search engines understand your business and its location.

Setting up a Google Business Profile:

1. Claim and verify your listing: Start by claiming and verifying your Google My Business (GMB) listing to gain control over your business information.
2. Optimise your GBP listing: Ensure that you provide accurate and detailed information about your business, including your address, phone number, hours, and website.
3. Include relevant photos and videos: Upload high-quality photos and videos that showcase your business and its offerings.
4. Encourage customer reviews: Actively engage with your customers and encourage them to leave positive reviews on your GBP listing.

Getting Prepared to Utilising Local Service Ads in Australia.

So, what are Google's local services ads? They are currently being used and tested in the US, UK, and other countries but at the time of writing this article, they are not here in Australia. But are expected soon.  Local Services ads have been a game changer for plumbing company's and marketing agencies. They are different from Google AdWords, and you only pay when you get a new customer. 

So here are a few tips to make sure listing your plumbing or electrical business won't be an issue. 

Make sure your Google Business profile is verified and optimised correctly. Set up a Google ads account, if you haven't already, and complete the background check: Complete the verification and background check process to build trust with potential customers.

Additional Tips:

• Optimise for mobile: Ensure that your website and GMB profile are mobile-friendly.

•  Build local citations: List your business on reputable local directories and websites to establish your online presence.

•  Encourage online customer reviews: Ask satisfied customers to leave reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, and Facebook.

•  Leverage local link building: Build relationships with local businesses and organizations to secure backlinks from credible local sources.

• Maintain consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone number): Ensure that your name, address, and phone number are consistent across all platforms to avoid confusion.

• Manage incoming leads effectively: Stay responsive and promptly handle leads generated through Local Service Ads, as it can significantly impact your ranking.

Remember, it takes time and consistent effort to improve your local search rankings. Monitor your progress, analyse data, and make adjustments accordingly to boost your local online visibility. 

Building a Strong Plumbing, HVAC, and Electrical Contractor Brand

Building a strong brand is essential for any plumbing, HVAC, and electrical contractor. A strong brand not only helps to differentiate a business from its competitors but also leads to increased customer loyalty and trust. To build a strong brand, it is important to focus on several key elements.
Firstly, consistency is crucial. Consistency in branding includes everything from the logo and color scheme to the messaging and overall customer experience. Ensure that these elements are consistent across all platforms, from your website to your social media accounts. This consistency will create a strong and recognizable visual identity for your brand.
Secondly, establish a clear and compelling brand message. Your brand message should clearly communicate what sets your plumbing, HVAC, and electrical contractor business apart from others. Identify your unique selling proposition and convey it through your messaging. For example, you may emphasize your team's expertise, commitment to customer satisfaction, or the use of environmentally friendly practices. Let this brand message permeate everything you do, from your advertising campaigns to your customer interactions.
Additionally, build a reputation for providing high-quality services. Word-of-mouth recommendations can be extremely powerful in the trades industry, so strive to exceed customer expectations with every project. Offer warranties for your work and ensure that all your technicians are highly skilled and regularly trained. When customers see your commitment to quality, they will be more likely to choose your brand over competitors.
Lastly, leverage digital marketing to strengthen your brand presence online. Create a user-friendly website that showcases your services, testimonials, and contact information. Invest in search engine optimization (SEO) to improve your website's visibility in search engines. Engage with customers on social media platforms to establish a connection and showcase your expertise.
By following these strategies, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical contractors can build a strong and reputable brand that will attract and retain customers for years to come. 

Conclusion: Growing Your Plumbing Business with Local SEO and Digital Marketing Strategies

In conclusion, implementing local SEO and digital marketing strategies can greatly benefit your business. By optimizing your online presence for local search results, you can increase your visibility and attract more local customers. Additionally, utilizing various digital marketing tactics such as social media marketing, content marketing, and online advertising can help you reach a wider audience and drive more leads to your business.
It is important to understand that local SEO and digital marketing require consistent effort and ongoing optimization. Results may not be immediate, but with dedication and the right strategies, you can gradually grow your business and stay ahead of your competition.
By incorporating these strategies into your overall marketing plan, you can establish a strong online presence, grow your customer base, and ultimately increase your revenue. Don't underestimate the power of local SEO and digital marketing when it comes to growing your business in today's digital landscape.