7 Website Designer Red Flags To Look Out For
December 1, 2024Imagine this: someone in your city needs exactly what your business offers. They Google “[your service] near me,” or “[your service] in [city name]” hoping to find a local solution. But guess what? Your competitor pops up first, and bam – they just snagged a customer that could have been yours. Frustrating, right? Here’s the thing: even the best website in the world won’t guarantee local customers find you. You need a secret weapon: service area pages. These pages act like virtual storefronts, showing up in local searches and connecting you with customers in every area you serve.
What Exactly Are Service Area Pages?
Think of it this way: let’s say you’re a plumber serving multiple towns. Instead of just a generic “Contact Us” page, you create separate pages for each town: “Plumbing Services in [Town A],” “Plumbing Services in [Town B],” and so on. These are your service area pages!
They’re especially helpful for businesses that don’t have a physical shop in every location – contractors, mobile dog groomers, delivery services, you name it.
Why Service Area Pages Are a Local SEO Goldmine
These pages aren’t just about organization; they’re a powerful tool to boost your local SEO. Here’s the deal:
- First and foremost, your Google My Business (GMB) profile is like your online business card, and service area pages give Google the details it needs to show you in local search results and on Google Maps. More visibility = more customers finding you!
- Furthermore, service area pages let you naturally use location-based keywords (e.g., “best electrician in Columbus”). This tells Google (and potential customers!) that you’re the local expert they should call.
- In addition, each page can be tailored to that specific area. Mention local landmarks, community events, or special offers to build trust with local customers.
- Finally, when someone searches for “[service] near me,” Google uses your service area pages to pinpoint your business as a relevant result, sending those customers your way.
Creating Service Area Pages That Really Work
Ready to build some awesome service area pages? Here’s how:
- To begin, clearly state the city or region you’re targeting in the page title, headings, and throughout the content.
- Next, don’t just copy-paste the same info on every page! Talk about what makes each area special. Do you have a team dedicated to that town? Any notable local projects?
- Moreover, get links from other websites in your service areas (local businesses, community groups, etc.). This shows Google you’re a trusted local business.
- Of course, SEO basics still apply: Optimize each page with relevant keywords, easy-to-read content, and clear calls to action. What do you want visitors to do? Call? Fill out a form? Make it obvious!
Level Up Your Service Area Pages
Take your pages to the next level with these extra touches:
- For instance, embed a Google Map on each page to visually show your service area.
- Similarly, feature testimonials from happy customers in that specific location.
- Also, use images and videos relevant to the area (e.g., your team working on a local project).
Don’t Fall Into These Traps
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Above all, Google hates it when you copy-paste the same content across pages.
- Likewise, don’t cram in keywords just for the sake of it. Write naturally and use keywords strategically.
- And don’t forget, make sure your pages look great on all devices (phones, tablets, desktops).
Do You Need Service Area Pages?
Still not sure if service area pages are right for your business? Ask yourself these questions:
- Do you serve customers in multiple cities or regions?
- Do you offer services that are location-specific (e.g., “plumbing in [city]”)?
- Do you want to improve your local search rankings?
- Do you want to make it easier for local customers to find you online?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then service area pages are a must-have for your website!
The Bottom Line: Invest in Local SEO
In conclusion, service area pages are a must-have for local businesses. They help you get found online, connect with your community, and grow your customer base.
Ready to harness the power of service area pages but feeling overwhelmed? Janszen Media can help. We specialize in crafting high-performing service area pages that attract local customers and boost your search rankings. Contact us today for a free consultation!
Want to Learn More?
MOZ- Local SEO Content Strategy: Content Planning for Local Business