Blue collar service businesses, such as pressure washing, laundry services, window washing, car mechanic services, landscaping, and painting, are essential to our communities. However, these businesses often face challenges in reaching new customers and growing their market share because they do not have internet marketing techniques implemented. Implementing effective online marketing methods can help these businesses thrive in a competitive environment.

Recommended Online Marketing Methods

1. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

SEO is one of the most powerful Internet marketing techniques for blue collar businesses. It involves optimizing your website to rank higher on search engine results pages (SERPs), making it easier for potential customers to find your services. Here’s how you can implement SEO:

• Keyword Research: Identify relevant keywords that potential customers might use to find your services. For example, a car mechanic service could target keywords like “affordable car repair” or “best car mechanic near me.”
• On-Page SEO: Optimize your website’s content, meta descriptions, and title tags with the chosen keywords. Ensure your website is mobile-friendly and loads quickly.
• Content Creation: Regularly update your website with valuable content such as blog posts, how-to guides, and videos. This can help attract more visitors and establish your business as an authority in your field.

2. Local SEO

For blue collar businesses that serve specific geographic areas, local SEO is crucial. It helps your business appear in local search results, attracting nearby customers. Here’s how to get started:

• Google My Business: Create and optimize a Google My Business profile. Ensure your business information is accurate and complete, and encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews.
• Local Keywords: Incorporate local keywords into your website content. For instance, a pressure washing service could use keywords like “pressure washing in [city]” or “best pressure washing service in [neighborhood].”
• Local Listings: Ensure your business is listed in local online directories and review sites. Consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone number) information across all platforms is essential.

3. Social Media Marketing

Social media platforms offer excellent opportunities to engage with potential customers and promote your services. Here’s how to leverage social media as a digital marketing tactic:

• Choose the Right Platforms: Focus on social media platforms where your target audience is most active. For example, Facebook and Instagram are great for visual content, while LinkedIn can be useful for B2B services.
• Consistent Posting: Regularly post content that showcases your work, shares customer testimonials, and provides useful tips related to your industry.
• Engagement: Respond to comments and messages promptly. Engaging with your audience builds trust and fosters a loyal customer base.

4. Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Advertising

PPC advertising can drive immediate traffic to your website. It involves paying for ads that appear on search engines or social media platforms. Here’s how to implement PPC:

• Set a Budget: Determine how much you are willing to spend on PPC campaigns.
• Choose Keywords: Select relevant keywords with a good balance of search volume and competition.
• Create Compelling Ads: Write attention-grabbing ad copy and use high-quality images. Ensure your ads lead to a well-designed landing page that encourages conversions.

5. Email Marketing

Email marketing is an effective way to stay in touch with your customers and keep them informed about your latest offers and updates. Here’s how to use this Internet marketing technique:

• Build an Email List: Encourage website visitors to subscribe to your newsletter by offering incentives such as discounts or exclusive content.
• Segment Your Audience: Divide your email list into segments based on customer behavior and preferences. This allows you to send personalized emails that resonate with each segment.
• Craft Compelling Emails: Write engaging subject lines and provide valuable content in your emails. Include clear calls to action (CTAs) to guide recipients toward your desired action.

Internet Marketing Technique Example: Marketing a Landscaping Business

Let’s take a closer look at how to market a landscaping business using these online marketing methods.

Step 1: SEO and Local SEO

• Keyword Research: Identify keywords such as “landscaping services,” “garden design,” and “landscaping in [city].”
• On-Page SEO: Optimize your website’s content with these keywords, ensuring your site is mobile-friendly and loads quickly.
• Google My Business: Create a Google My Business profile, add photos of your work, and encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews.
• Local Listings: List your business in local directories like Yelp and Angie’s List.

Step 2: Social Media Marketing

• Platforms: Focus on Facebook and Instagram to showcase your landscaping projects with before-and-after photos.
• Content: Post regular updates, including project highlights, gardening tips, and seasonal landscaping advice.
• Engagement: Respond to comments and messages to build relationships with potential customers.

Step 3: PPC Advertising

• Budget: Allocate a budget for Google Ads targeting keywords like “professional landscapers” and “landscaping design.”
• Ad Creation: Develop compelling ads with strong visuals and clear CTAs. Direct users to a landing page showcasing your best projects and customer testimonials.

Step 4: Email Marketing

• Email List: Offer a free guide on “Seasonal Landscaping Tips” to encourage email sign-ups.
• Segmentation: Segment your audience based on their interests, such as lawn care, garden design, or maintenance services.
• Emails: Send monthly newsletters with seasonal tips, special offers, and updates on your latest projects.

Conclusion

Implementing effective online marketing methods can significantly boost the growth of blue collar service businesses. By leveraging SEO, local SEO, social media marketing, PPC advertising, and email marketing, business owners can attract more customers and build a strong online presence. Even those with zero marketing knowledge can start with these tactics and see measurable results. Investing in digital marketing tactics is a strategic move that can lead to sustained success and a thriving business. Need more help getting your SMB internet marketing right? Get in touch with us today.