Chapter 4: Steps to consider when investing your time in Landscaping company SEO

Step 1: Choose Your Keywords

It’s easy to start. Create a list of keywords that matches your services. For example, you might choose “landscaping,” “landscape design,” or “landscape architecture” once you have compiled a comprehensive list, register for a Google AdWords free account.

It doesn’t matter if you build or finance an ad campaign. Access to the Google Keyword Planner is all you need. This helpful tool allows you to see each keyword’s traffic and suggests keywords you might not have considered. You can now finalize your keyword listing. You can now organize your keywords into two basic categories.

• Buying Intent. Keywords that indicate a prospect’s buying intent mean they are currently interested in your services. If the client says, “Landscape architect in San Diego,” he is likely ready to get started on his yard.

The fastest way to convert is with buying intent keywords. Use them on your homepage. Create a separate page for each one.

• Research Intent. Research intent keywords indicate that the prospect is just looking. He may need landscaping services in the future, but not right now. A person asking for “landscaping ideas for a small yard” might wonder if a landscaper would be the right choice.

These keywords have a lower priority because they don’t drive fast conversions. They should not be lost. They can be used for FAQs and blog posts, introducing you to potential customers who may remember you when looking for a landscaping company.

Step 2: Optimizing your Keywords

Once your keyword list is finalized, you can optimize your Google My Business page and your website. Here are the steps:

Google My Business

Google My Business is a mini-website that you can use to access Google’s “Maps” section. It can increase your online presence and provide a snapshot of all your services. You can also increase your ranking quickly by using it. It is much easier to rank a Google My Business Page than a website.

Fill out all fields accurately and completely to optimize your results.

• Verification Claim your page first and then submit it to Google for verification. This will be confirmed when your business name is marked with a checkmark.
• NAP The NAP (or business name, address, and phone number) must be exact and consistent across the internet. Google will know your business is located by giving you a local number rather than an 800 number.
• Categories: Google categories are service-oriented and not results-oriented. Landscapers can be listed in Google, Irrigation Equipment Supplier, or Lawn Care Service if they apply to your business. If possible, list at least 3 to 5 categories.
• Description This is a brief introduction to your business, ranging from 100 to 200 words. It ends with a call for action. This format is excellent: “Business Name” is a “landscaper” in “Your City.” Give details about your top services and why clients love to work with you. For a free estimate, call the Phone Number now.
• Hours Make sure your operation hours are up-to-date and correctly listed online.
• Images: images increase client engagement and help prospects understand what to expect. Add photos of equipment, team members, or finished projects with homeowner permission. Your pictures should be sharply focused and between 10KB to 5MB in size. They must also have a minimum resolution of 720px by 720px. You might also consider replacing the background image for Google My Business with a custom image.

Website Optimization

Your homepage and your service pages should be your top priority. These pages are known as your “core” pages. It would be best if you optimized them to match your buying intent keywords. You will later optimize your content pages (blog posts, FAQs) for your research keywords. Here’s how:

• Homepage The title tag is the most important element on your page. It is like a chapter title for a book. You can describe your business in 50-65 characters.

Your meta description should contain 100 and 150 characters describing your core services. The end of the report should include a call for action. It can be formatted as follows: “Business Name” offers professional landscaping services in Your City.” For a free estimate, call the Phone number today!

Your primary category is the visible headline (or H1). It should be formatted as Landscaper in City State.

Your 500-1000 word page copy should be written last. Your document must be strong written and well edited. It should also explain your core services and conclude with a call to action. Include your primary keyword wherever it is most relevant, but don’t force it or “keyword stuffing” it.

• Service pages: Every core service should have its service page. It should be optimized in the same manner as the homepage and targeted with the relevant keyword.

Step 3: Create citations and links

Now you can start creating citations. These two actions will increase your Google rankings and boost your online reach.

• Citations A citation is an online listing of your business’s NAP (name and address). There are many options: general directories like yellowpages.com and Facebook, local directories like your Chamber of Commerce website, and directories that cater to the landscaping industry. Your NAP should be consistent across all citations.

While many directories are free, some require a listing fee. Google Analytics is a great tool to check before you make payment. A listing that does not generate traffic or converts is not worth the cost.

• Links Inbound links from authoritative and credible websites are essential to reach the top of Google search results. Establish relationships with people whose services complement yours, such as homeowners’ associations and general contractors, and then request to trade links. With a tool like Moz Link Explorer, you can see which competitors have their links.

Step 4: Request reviews

Local SEO campaigns are crucial for two reasons. They help prospects decide to use your services. They also reassure Google that you are a legitimate business. Although all reviews are valuable, those written on Google My Business will give you the best ranking boost. Ask satisfied customers to send you an email link to Google My Business and ask them for a review. You will quickly have a steady flow of reviews if you do this consistently.

Step 5: Track your Results

Tracking your campaign’s results is the only way to determine which elements are practical and which ones need to be improved. There are many ways to analyze data, but these metrics are the most important.

• Rankings: Google shows customized orders based upon previous browsing activity. To see your actual rankings, you will need a tool. Install the Google Search Console (formerly Google Webmaster Tools) and have your webmaster look at your rankings at least once per month.

A paid tool like RankRanger can help you dig deeper into your rankings. This handy tool tracks your Google My Business page and individual pages. It also updates your ranking data from SEO campaigns.

• Traffic: Google Analytics is one of the best tools to track website visitors and traffic. Google Analytics allows you to view more than your traffic. You can also see the traffic for each webpage and how much traffic was generated by Google search. You should check your report at least once per 30 days and be on the lookout for long-term trends.
• Conversions A conversion refers to a behavior that you want prospects to perform. For example, contacting you for a quote or contacting you. Google Analytics allows you to track both web and phone conversions. You can also learn which pages have the highest or lowest conversion rates and which services drive the most conversions.