Saba Digital Marketing

8 Marketing Strategies for Plumbers to Generate High-Quality Leads

Most people searching for a plumber are looking for two main things—somebody local and somebody they’re pretty sure they can trust. Even if you’re a reputable plumber readily available to serve customers in certain areas, you’re not going to get much attention online without the right marketing strategy. Here are eight tips you can use to flush out a marketing plan that’s right for your plumbing business, brought to you by the experts from Saba SEO, one of the leading marketing companies in San Diego

1. Embrace Local SEO

As mentioned above, most people looking for a plumber want a local company. Therefore, the best way for a plumbing business to get leads and inspire contacts is with a solid local SEO strategy. In a nutshell, this can be done by: 

• Creating locally focused content
• Inserting local keywords wherever possible (e.g., webpage URLs, title tags, and image tags)
• Making sure your business’s name, address, and phone number (NAP) info is correct and consistent wherever it appears
• Making your site as mobile friendly as possible—today, most searches, especially local searches, are performed on mobile devices

2. Create an Email Marketing List

For every dollar spent, email gives you back about $40 on your investment. If you’re running a local plumbing business, an email marketing list can be a very effective way to reach customers. Send out an initial set of emails based on customer info you’ve already collected and give your recipients the option of subscribing. To increase your odds of attracting subscribers, offer something appealing and useful in your emails. Options include: 

• A regular newsletter that offers plumbing tips
• Alerts about special deals and discounts
• Information about local events your plumbing business is involved with

3. Send Direct Mailers to Owners of Older Homes

It’s more likely that older homes are going to have plumbing issues. Tap into this potential pool of customers for your plumbing business by using an online real estate source like Zillow to come up with a list of older homes within your service area. You can then do a direct mail campaign to reach out to those homeowners. Even if they don’t need your services at the moment, they may remember your business when they do.

4. Build a Conversion-Inspiring Website

The most effective plumbing website is one that’s designed to generate leads and inspire conversions. Start by including your location in your site’s URL to make it easier for searchers and search engines to place your site’s link in front of the right potential customers. Next, increase your site’s lead generation potential by: 

• Including a plumbing-related blog on your site with topics relevant to your intended audience, such as simple repair tips for homeowners
• Adding relevant images to your site—just remember to include alt image tags so you can add image descriptions
• Using video content on your site that you can cross-promote on your YouTube channel or social media pages
• Linking to authoritative sites and generating high-quality backlinks from relevant sources
• Having a website that’s easy to navigate
• Including a clear and compelling call to action, especially on your landing pages

5. Gain Trust with Testimonials

Many people looking for a plumber have horror stories in the back of their minds, either from personal experience or what’s happened to friends. Overcome these inherent trust issues by including testimonials from local satisfied customers on your website.

6. Explore Facebook Targeting

As the most-used social media network, Facebook has an extremely wide reach. Use this fact to your advantage with targeted Facebook ads. You can determine who will see your ads based on several different options, including data from your email list. You can also use Facebook user data to determine which users see your ads based on criteria such as location, age range, and income level.

You can get more specific and target people interested in home improvement topics if you want to reach individuals likely to be receptive to plumbing update suggestions. You can even use Facebook to retarget customers who’ve already checked out your website.

7. Claim or Update Your Google My Business Listing

If you haven’t already done so, claiming the Google My Business (GMB) listing for your plumbing business will make it easier for you to show up within Google’s coveted Local 3-Pack—the top three listings for local business searches. If you do have a GMB listing, fully optimize it by using: 

• Appointment URLs to allow customers to schedule appointments directly from your GMB listing
• The direct-messaging feature to allow leads to contact you from your GMB listing—you can also set up auto responses or turn messaging off altogether for times when you’re not available
• The Q&A section to respond to frequently asked questions related to your plumbing business or the services you provide

8. Team Up with Compatible Businesses

One other plumber marketing strategy to consider is partnering with a compatible local business. For a plumbing company, this might include local building contractors or home improvement companies. This tactic allows you to present your business info to customers likely to need plumbing-related services.

Implementing some or all of these marketing strategies can help you generate high-quality leads and boost revenue for your plumbing business. Businesses who need more advice on how to create and maintain effective marketing campaigns should reach out to the marketing professionals at Saba SEO, the experts in Internet marketing San Diego businesses rely on for high-quality service and the most up-to-date knowledge about SEO and online marketing. If you need help with your marketing efforts, give us a call today at 858-277-1717.

7 Tips for Optimizing Content for Your Business Website

Creating great business website content isn’t like creating any other sort of business content. Some of the rules are totally opposite. Online content requires some organization and planning to make your content more appealing and easier to read on a screen. Here are seven tips on how to write great business website content, brought to you by the experienced marketing professionals from Saba SEO, a premier choice when it comes to marketing companies San Diego businesses rely on for expert advice and high-quality service.

1. Divide the Content

Dividing content with bullet points or a numeric list is an effective way to easily display your information. This approach allows for a lot of white space around the content, making it visually appealing.

2. Separate Paragraphs with Headings

Separate paragraphs with short descriptive headings that refer to the information in the paragraph below. Some of the readers visiting your site may have a particular question or interest, and a heading can quickly lead them to the information they need.

3. Use Visuals

Include high-quality photos or infographics to break up text and make the page look more attractive. This is also an opportunity to incorporate branding by using images related to your product or organization.

4. Consider Readability

Your sentences should be short. The language on your site should reflect your product or organization. If you’re offering technological or scientific information, language at a third-grade level would be inappropriate. At the same time, describing your mainstream app in highly technical terms might instantly turn your potential customers away.

5. Include Sources

Always use reliable sources when introducing new or controversial information related to your offering, and link to the original source.

6. Put the Conclusion at the Top

Start out with the conclusion of your blog post or page content and then tell the story of how you got to that conclusion. Most website viewers will start at the top and won’t make it to the end like they might with traditional print publications. Starting with the conclusion may keep more curious viewers on your page.

7. Double-Check the Spelling and Grammar

You’re a professional who provides a good product or service. The best way to demonstrate your organization is an authority is to have perfect spelling and proper grammar on every piece of content on your website. Double-check your new content to make sure it’s error free.

With these tips, you can retain viewers’ interest, boost SEO, and gain new customers for your business. If you’re looking for more detailed advice on how to optimize your website, call on the web design experts at Saba SEO. Whether our clients need assistance with SEO, social media, or Internet marketing, service is our number one priority. For help with your website content, call one of our friendly team members at 858-277-1717.

5 Great Choices Small Business Owners Can Make in 2019

With the new year, there’s a new opportunity to create goals to move your business forward. Are you ready to move your business to the next level? Take the advice of the experts at Saba SEO, one of the industry’s most reliable marketing companies. San Diego companies and small business owners everywhere should make these five decisions in 2019.

1. Create a Social Media Presence

If your business isn’t on social media, you’re missing out on a place to distribute your blog posts and news about your business. First, realize that not all social media is created equal. Instagram is a visual medium that’s about selling products. Facebook is about interaction. YouTube is the home of the ever-growing trend of video. Choose a couple of platforms and consistently post there. Divide your post content into three categories. One third is your content or product, one third is showing your expertise, and the last third is fun. This is where you can let customers know a bit more about your employees and your business. Social media isn’t used only to communicate. It also solidifies your authority in your field.

2. Start a Blog

Creating a blog for your customers demonstrates your expertise, which builds your search engine optimization (SEO) so Google can rank you higher and customers can find you. The key to blogging success is to post regularly. Be patient—there are millions of blogs out there, and it may take a while for people to find you. This is a test of patience, but putting in the work will reward your website ranking.

3. Post Videos

Video is a trend that continues to grow, with more people watching stories instead of reading them. Figure out how you can add videos to your website and do it.

4. Put Together an Email List

Adding people on social media is great, but that’s someone else’s platform. Creating an email list allows you to be more personal with your customers, offer new products, and get feedback on your existing products. To gather emails, offer a free item on your website and on social media, such as an e-book or other valuable information.

5. Work on Building Backlinks

Consider strategies for getting backlinks to your site. You could guest blog, sponsor an event or charity, or send out a press release. When other authoritative sites link to your site, your SEO ranks. Like blogging, this takes patience and time, but the reward is great.

Many small business owners aren’t sure how to take the plunge into the world of online communication and Internet marketing. San Diego businesses and companies across the globe rely on the marketing experts from Saba SEO to help them optimize their online presence and attract new customers. To learn how we can help your business prosper with social media, SEO, PPC, and much more, give us a call at 858-277-1717.

Why Are SSL Certificates Essential for a Website?

Google Chrome marks websites as “secure” or “not secure” to let visitors know if they need to be cautious when entering personal information. Sites marked “not secure” don’t have an SSL, or Secure Sockets Layer, certificate. When visitors see this “not secure” tag, they may not stay on your site or become customers. The staff at Saba SEO, trusted providers of SEO in San Diego, explain what SSL is and how to get the certificate.

What Is SSL?

SSL certificates are files that ensure a secure connection between the browser and the web server. They encrypt the page connections to keep user data secure, which is especially important for websites that host transactions or hold user information. However, all sites can benefit from an SSL certificate.

SSL is made possible with HTTPS, which stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure. HTTPS encrypts all of the data and communication between the browser and the website. Any information the browser provides will be turned into an unidentifiable code so anyone who tries to steal the information won’t be able to make sense of it.

How to Get an SSL Certificate

There are three major types of certificates. Domain Validated certificates are the fastest and cheapest. They don’t require any paperwork, but the certificate doesn’t display any company identity. Organization Validated certificates require you to authenticate your business and prove your right to request the certificate. These are more secure than Domain Validated certificates, but they take a little longer to get. Extended Validation certificates require much more verification and authentication. They’re harder to get, but they’re the most secure type.

To install the certificate, you first have to purchase it from a trustworthy source like GoDaddy or Comodo. Then, you’ll activate your certificate by logging into the site you purchased it from and following their steps to set it up. Finally, you can install the SSL certificate on your hosting server, which is usually an option in the Settings menu.

If you need assistance with getting an SSL certificate or addressing another website-related issue, enlist the help of a reliable web development company. San Diego is home to Saba SEO, and our team of experts can help you with web design, search engine optimization, social media marketing, and much more. To schedule an appointment with our web design experts, give us a call today at 858-277-1717.

What Do You Need to Know About Google’s Page Speed Update?

Page speed has been a desktop ranking factor for nearly a decade now. While it’s long been suspected that Google also looks at page speed on mobile devices for ranking purposes, they’ve only recently declared this is the case. For San Diego SEO companies such as Saba SEO, this doesn’t come as much of a surprise since Google has been pushing all things mobile-related since they announced their mobile-first ranking plans in 2015 and implemented them fully in early 2018. Read on to learn more about the page speed update to determine how well-prepared your mobile site is.

What’s New with Page Speed?

For starters, if you use Google’s PageSpeed Insights tool you’ll notice scores for two main categories: speed and optimization (formerly the technical checklist). With speed, Google has added First Contentful Paint (FCP), a measure of how long it takes mobile users to see the initial visual response from a page. They’ve also added a measure of HTML loading and parsing (DOM Content Loaded, or DCL).

How Does the Page Speed Update Affect SEO?

These new page speed metrics are an issue for SEO because Google is using real-time measurements to asses FCP and DCL, which means your figures for these factors may not match up with what Google is seeing in real time. The good news is Google has recently added several new page speed tools that may be useful for you, including:

  • Lighthouse – Audits and optimizes pages
  • Impact Calculator and Mobile Speed Scorecard – Determines the impact page speed is having on conversions and revenue
  • Chrome User Experience Report (CrUX) – A source of user experience metrics from Chrome users

What Can You Do?

Speed issues may be, in part, due to users with outdated phones or mobile servers. However, this is beyond your control. The only thing you can do about the new focus on mobile page speed for ranking purposes is to make every effort to have webpages designed for speed. Consider taking the following steps to achieve this goal:

  • Have no more than one redirect per page
  • Compress content as much as possible with Gzip, Brotli, or a similar tool
  • Remove redundant or unnecessary data
  • Use cache control to set limits for how long browser cache responses are
  • Optimize images for smaller screens
  • Compress “above the fold” content since this is what usually shows up first

If you’re still not sure if your website is up to speed as per Google’s standards, free mobile speed test tools can provide personalized insights about your site and its various pages. Google’s Search Console also has a Mobile-Friendly Test tool you can use to gauge how well your site is performing for searchers accessing it with smartphones and tablets. Google Analytics also offers mobile stats. Lastly, use a responsive website design so your site adjusts to whatever screen it’s being viewed on. A boost in page speed won’t be all that meaningful if there are other issues affecting the user experience for mobile visitors.

At Saba SEO, we believe it’s important to stay on top of the latest developments in online marketing, which is just one of the many reasons we’re one of the top SEO agencies in San Diego. Web design, social media marketing, and pay-per-click management are just a few of our specialties. To schedule an appointment, give us a call today at 858-277-1717.

How to Create Pillar Content to Boost Your Google Ranking

Pillar content, which is essential for top ranking on Google, is the main theme or perhaps a broad topic, like a hub or the center of a flower. With pillar content, you have created a resource page for readers. The result is authority on the subject and improved Google ranking. Google likes it when links correspond like a cobweb and your content is all interrelated. Here is a beginner’s guide to creating pillar content for Google, brought to you by the experienced marketing experts at Saba SEO, the team to call on for advice about Internet marketing service strategies and how to maximize content for Google ranking.

Determine Your Main Topic

Determining your head term is key. The head term is the main topic that your core topic and cluster content will encompass—the general idea. Searching keywords on Google can help you identify a general topic. General topics will have just under 3,000 Google searches per month. A free browser like Keywords Everywhere can help you identify your broad main topic and the potential cluster topics.

Define Your Core Topic

The core topic is the center of the flower that relates to all of the cluster topics. Think of it as a hub that will have links to the cluster topics.

Come Up with Cluster Topics

The cluster topics are the detailed petals of the flower. All of these topics relate to and link to the core topic. Search for keywords you want to rank with and create this content. This is also the time to redefine your core topic if it isn’t broad enough.

Create the Pillar Page

The pillar page is a sort of table of contents for your main topic. You’ll have an introduction and hyperlinks to all of the cluster content. Most of all, this is an interesting and informative stand-alone page that demonstrates your authority on these keywords, and the content is rich.

Create a Downloadable Resource

A downloadable resource such as an eBook or a guide to your specialized topic is a way to attract new readers to your site and establish authority. Where are you getting this content from? This is the information you created in your pillar content. You’ve created the definitive resource, and now readers have something to download and share. Best of all, Google will reward you with a higher ranking.

When you’re planning your strategy for ranking high in Google searches, content is key. Start with high-quality pillar content, and everything will flow from there. Whether they need fully optimized SEO content or help with customized web design, San Diego businesses call on the experts at Saba SEO. With more than ten years of professional experience in web development and search engine optimization, our team can help you create unique content with high-ranking keywords that will boost your online visibility and conversion rates. To talk to one of our SEO experts, call us today at 858-277-1717.

5 Fantastic Techniques for Link Building

While SEO can be instantly changed with a Google algorithm, link building is a practice that can help you establish yourself as an expert when other high-quality sites link to your site. Google now rewards sites that have rich content with high-quality links that are from established authorities in your business. No amount of SEO chasing can beat out a site with high-quality links. Thoughtful link building can boost your Google ranking even if your competitor has a higher-quality site or product. One of the biggest challenges is to build high-quality links because it requires planning and regular monitoring. The experienced Internet marketing experts at Saba SEO, one of the finest SEO companies San Diego has to offer, suggest these five amazing tactics to effectively build links.

1. Image Link Building

Your informative custom images could be taken and used on other sites, which is another good opportunity to build links and an incentive to create custom images. When another site publishes your image, write to them and request that they include your link. To find who is using your image, simply go to Google Image Search, click on the camera, and paste the image URL. Then you can see who is using your image and contact their site administrator.

2. Link Reclamation

Using a tool like BuzzSumo or Google Alerts, you can keep track of times when another site mentions your business. Contact the other site and simply request that they include a link with that mention. About half the sites you contact will likely be willing to add the link. The key to link reclamation success is to accomplish it within six months from the date of the original mention. Your speed will be rewarded with a better ranking on Google.

3. Link Intersecting

Research your competitors on Ahrefs and determine which sites are sharing their links. Contact those sites and request that they share your link. Since they are willing to share your competitors’ links, they should be agreeable to sharing your link as well.

4. Infographics

As with images, infographics are a good tool to share on your website and social media, and they’re also useful in building links. Research current trends and create an infographic by using Infographs. Next, offer up your infographic to other sites to use. This small effort gives you another way to obtain a high-quality link to your site and give other sites useful content to share.

5. Appealing Hooks

Creating income reports, a specialized calendar, a checklist, or other downloadable deliverables that appeal to a broader audience can also help you naturally obtain high-quality links. As users flock to your site for these items, Google should eventually begin to translate your site as an authority. 

Link building is an extremely effective strategy for establishing your site’s credibility and quality. If you use these five tactics, you’ll find yourself amazed at how quickly you see results. If you’re looking for expertise in any aspect of your Internet marketing, reach out to the professionals at Saba SEO, one of the best marketing companies in San Diego. SEO services, along with Internet marketing, content development, web design, and web development, are what we do best. Our experts can show you ways to increase your site’s traffic that will amaze you. Schedule an appointment with one of our SEO experts today by calling us at 858-277-1717.

How to Brighten Up Content for Dull Niches

No matter how fascinating you may find your particular business niche or industry, the typical online searcher may not feel the same way. If you work within a niche that’s generally labeled as “boring” by people who don’t live and breathe all things related to that industry on a regular basis, it can be a challenge to connect with customers and inspire people to view and share your content. Thankfully, there are some clever ways to remedy this problem and create content that’s more enticing. Follow these tips from the marketing experts at Saba SEO, a premier SEO company in San Diego, to spruce up your content.

Link Your Niche to Trending Topics or Events

Do some “newsjacking” and make a list of buzzworthy upcoming events, such as a big movie premiere everybody is talking about or trending topics. BuzzSumo Trending and Google Alerts are among the tools you can use to keep tabs on what’s generating the most interest online. It’ll probably take some creative brainstorming, but you may be able to form relevant connections to your niche by: 

• Finding a unique angle to discuss 
• Transitioning from a brief discussion of the trending topic to services or products you offer that may be somehow related 
• Using vague or broad connections to relate the story or topic to your niche (this is usually doable with some creative writing)

Use Industry Events You Attend to Your Advantage

If you regularly attend industry events, go beyond simply being an attendee. Actively seek insights from other attendees and speakers. The content you get can then be used for blog or social media posts. If you conduct interviews, you could use them as video content and do some editing to make them relatable to your business.

Use the 6-3-5 Method to Find Crossover Opportunities

The idea behind 6-3-5 is to have six people (e.g., colleagues, coworkers, or employees) write down three ideas related to a specific topic in five minutes. When you’re finished, you should have quite a few topic ideas at your disposal, including some that could successfully cross over into the mainstream media.

Offer Original Views on Topics Already Covered

Browse the Web for content related to your industry that’s getting a lot of attention or generating positive feedback. Then, put your own spin on that content and contact the owners of the website where your inspiration was originally published to see if they’re interested in using it. Do the same thing with content presented by online influencers on social media or popular bloggers. If you come up with a unique take on a popular topic, they’ll likely be inclined to include your content.

One other tactic to consider is checking in with people outside your industry. This way you’ll be able to find out what outsiders might find interesting about your business or niche and what causes their eyes to glaze over. These outsiders could include journalists, popular bloggers, or contacts you’ve made through your regular business dealings who work in different but complementary industries.

If you’d like help with your internet marketing, reach out to Saba SEO, one of the best San Diego marketing companies around. For over ten years, we have helped organizations with SEO, PPC, web development, content marketing, and social media management services, and we’ve designed successful digital marketing strategies for businesses all over the world. If you need a comprehensive internet marketing strategy for your business, call us today at 858-277-1717.

What Google Is Doing to Protect Smaller Businesses from Scams

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMB) that depend on online engagement for their revenue and brand visibility try to keep Google happy. You can image how concerned business owners would be when receiving a notice or phone call supposedly from Google threatening to remove their listing. This is just one example of the types of fraud small businesses are susceptible to. The experts at Saba SEO, the best web design company San Diego has to offer, discuss some of the steps Google is taking to protect SMBs from scams.

What Kind of Scams Is Google Fighting? 

Some fraudsters set up fake accounts that claim to be affiliated with Google. Other companies target SMB owners with robocalls where they claim their listings on Google will be immediately taken down unless they return the calls. Other scammers try to convince business owners to pay for certain SEO services that Google offers for free.

What Are the New Steps Being Taken?

Google has already fought several scammers in court with various lawsuits, and they plan to continue to do so. Individuals or companies pretending to be Google or have an affiliation with the company also have to face repercussions from the Federal Trade Commission. Google will now take additional steps to make it easier to identify scammers and report fraud. Such efforts include:

  • Identifying scammers’ accounts more efficiently
  • Offering a tool for SMB owners to report scams and fraud attempts
  • Providing a directory of trusted partners (Google My Business Partners program)
  • Making more resources available to local small business owners

What Recommendations Does Google Have for SMB Owners?

First of all, Google suggests making any callers prove they’re actually from Google. Fraudulent callers tend to be evasive if challenged on a call. When it comes to potentially fraudulent contact attempts, Google also suggests:

  • Claiming Google My Business listings
  • Realizing claims that ranking will be affected when contacted by someone professing to be Google are usually false
  • Not responding to robocalls
  • Making use of Do Not Call Registries

Google does sometimes call to offer services to listed businesses. However, they will never ask for payment information over the phone, nor do they use automated call systems. Also, Google always gives callers an opportunity to opt out when contacted by phone. Any contact attempts not in line with these procedures should be viewed as suspicious.

One of the best ways to stay away from scams is to let a reliable SEO agency monitor your digital marketing campaigns. When it comes to high-quality internet marketing, San Diego businesses and organizations all over the world trust Saba SEO. Our experts work diligently to create, execute, and continually monitor search engine optimization and social media marketing campaigns. For over ten years, we have helped many businesses boost their online visibility and acquire more leads and sales. To learn about our premier SEO services, give us a call at 858-951-1717 today.

Can Responding to Reviews Increase Your Conversion Rates?

The digital marketing company Location3 recently released a study that found better star ratings correlate with increased paid search conversion rates. The company collected 16 months worth of data from over 7,000 business locations and 72,000 reviews. They defined “conversions” as post-click consumer actions such as email inquiries, form fills, and quote requests. Experts at Saba SEO, a leading SEO company in San Diego, discuss the salient features of the research.

After collecting the data, the team at Location3 grouped the businesses based on their average star rating. The highest grouping, which had an average of 4.96 stars, had a 12.83 percent conversion rate on average. The lowest grouping, with an average of 3.31 stars, had an average conversion rate of 10.42 percent. If the businesses in the lowest group had similar conversion rates as the highest group, they could have generated 13,000 more leads.

The fact that better reviews lead to better conversion rates seems obvious, but Location3 also found that review-response rates are linked to conversion rates. Businesses that respond more frequently to reviews tend to have better paid-search conversion rates than those that ignore their reviews. The study compared businesses with higher response rates, which averaged out to 8.13 percent, and businesses with lower response rates, which averaged out to 5.73 percent. The 8.13 response rate group had an average conversion rate of 13.86 percent, and the 5.73 percent response rate group only had an average conversion rate of 10.42 percent.

Reviews are an extremely important factor in search rankings and conversion rates. You should respond to both positive and negative feedback. If someone leaves a critical review, sincerely apologize for the issue, provide any important information or context, and explain what you can do to prevent the problem from happening again. Responding to reviews shows your audience you care about your customers, and it can make a big impact on consumer behavior.

If you need help increasing your overall conversion rates, turn to Saba SEO. We offer high-quality PPC services, social media management, content development, web design, and SEO in San Diego. Our internet marketing experts rely on a variety of white hat tactics to boost your online ranking and conversion rates, and we have over ten years of experience in search engine optimization. To create a customized digital marketing plan for your business, give us a call at 858-951-1717 today.

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