Are you a home services business owner looking to grow your online presence and get more qualified leads from your website? If so, you’ve likely heard that search engine optimization (SEO) is a crucial strategy for success. But should you tackle SEO yourself or hire an agency to handle it for you?
Let’s explore the pros and cons of done for you SEO services vs. the DIY approach. Our goal is to help you make an informed decision about which path is right for your business.
Why SEO Matters for Home Services Businesses
Before we compare the two approaches, let’s briefly recap why SEO is so important:
- 97% of people search online for local businesses
- The top 3 Google search results get 75% of all clicks
- Leads from SEO tend to have a higher close rate compared to outbound or paid leads
In short, ranking well in search engines like Google is essential for driving qualified traffic, calls, and revenue. Effective SEO puts your business in front of potential customers right when they’re searching for your services online.
The DIY Approach to SEO
Some business owners opt to handle their own SEO in-house rather than outsourcing to an SEO agency. Here are some potential benefits and drawbacks running the DIY method on your own website:
Pros of DIY SEO:
- Avoid additional costs of hiring an agency
- Maintain full control over strategy and your SEO campaign
- Develop valuable SEO skills and knowledge for your team
- In-depth knowledge of your services and target audience
Cons of DIY SEO:
- The steep learning curve to master complex SEO concepts
- Significant time investment to properly implement
- Lack of specialized tools and resources available to agencies
- Risk of inadvertently using outdated or harmful tactics
- May take longer to achieve search engine rankings
While the DIY route may seem appealing from a cost perspective, it’s important to weigh that against the considerable time and effort required to execute SEO effectively. There are hundreds of ever-changing ranking factors to navigate.
The Benefits of Done-For-You SEO Services
Now let’s explore the advantages of partnering with an SEO agency for done-for-you services:
SEO Expertise and Experience
A reputable, done for you SEO company will have a team of specialists with deep knowledge of the latest strategies and algorithm changes. They know what works TODAY and can apply that expertise to drive results for your business. Look for an agency with proven experience in getting results for home services clients specifically.
Comprehensive Strategy
An effective done for you SEO strategy requires a multi-pronged approach incorporating on page SEO, off page SEO, technical SEO, content marketing, and link building. An agency will take a holistic view of your website and marketing via an SEO audit to maximize results across channels.
Saves You Time
SEO is not a one-time project but an ongoing process that requires consistent attention. By outsourcing to an agency, you free up internal resources to focus on other business objectives while the experts handle the heavy lifting.
Access to Premium Tools
SEO companies invest in premium software for tracking search rankings, keyword research, competitor analysis, and link building. These tools are often cost-prohibitive for individual businesses but are crucial in implementing a thorough SEO strategy.
Measurable ROI
A quality SEO company will track key performance indicators and provide regular reports showcasing your progress. Tying SEO performance to web traffic and conversions allows you to quantify your return on investment.
Choosing the Right SEO Partner
If you decide the done for you SEO approach is right for your business, here are some tips for selecting an SEO agency:
- Look for a company specializing in local SEO for home services
- Check for case studies and testimonials from businesses like yours
- Make sure they follow white-hat tactics aligned with Google Webmaster Guidelines
- Ask about their process for keyword research, on page SEO optimization, link building etc.
- Inquire about contracts, pricing, and reporting
Ultimately the goal isn’t just to rank high in Google, but to get more phone calls, booked jobs, and revenue. Choose an agency focused on your bottom line results, not just vanity metrics.
FAQs About SEO for Home Service Businesses
Still have questions? Here are answers to some common queries:
How long does SEO take to show results?
SEO is a long-term strategy and results don’t happen overnight. Most SEO campaigns take 3-6 months to start showing measurable progress. But the good news is the results compound over time. Within 6-12 months many businesses are ranking on the first page for target keywords and seeing significant organic traffic growth.
How much does SEO cost?
SEO services for home service businesses typically range from $1K-$3K/month depending on the scope. Avoid cheap packages as these often rely on shady tactics. Quality SEO requires consistent expert attention, so consider it a business investment rather than an expense.
What’s included in done-for-you SEO?
Most SEO consulting services include:
- In-depth keyword research
- Competitor analysis
- On page SEO optimization (titles, meta data, content, etc.)
- Citations and link building
- Custom dashboards to track progress
- Support and strategic guidance
Look for a comprehensive solution that goes beyond the basics to drive meaningful results.
Why hire a specialized agency vs. a generalist?
An agency that specializes in SEO for home services will have a deeper understanding of your target market and competitive landscape. They can craft custom strategies around the nuances of your vertical, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.
Will I get locked into a long-term contract?
Not necessarily. While some SEO companies push 12-month contracts, others offer month-to-month services. Ask about terms upfront to avoid surprises. Keep in mind that SEO takes an average of 6-12 months to reach full potential. But a long engagement shouldn’t mean getting locked in if you’re unhappy for any reason.
Done-For-You SEO Drives Real Results
In a world where online visibility is a requirement, home services businesses can’t afford to ignore search engine optimization. Ranking well in Google is essential for getting found by potential customers and growing your business.
While the DIY approach to SEO may be tempting, it requires significant time, expertise, and resources to be successful. Partnering with a reputable agency for done-for-you SEO services can be a game-changer for busy business owners.
The right SEO company will have the knowledge and experience to craft a winning SEO strategy, ensure your website follows best practices, and ultimately drive more qualified leads. Instead of spending countless hours learning the ins and outs of SEO yourself, you can focus on what you do best – serving your customers.
If you’re ready to take your online presence to the next level, consider outsourcing your SEO to a trusted partner. With the right SEO agency in your corner, you can dominate your local market and achieve your business goals faster.
To learn how our done-for-you SEO services can help grow your home services business, book a free consultation today. We’d love to learn about your goals and see if we’re the right fit!
DIY SEO is Better Than No SEO At All
While we strongly believe that partnering with a specialized SEO agency is the most effective path to SEO success, we also recognize that not every business is in a position to outsource just yet.
If done for you SEO services aren’t in the budget right now, don’t let that stop you from investing in SEO altogether. Taking a DIY approach to optimizing your website is still far better than ignoring SEO completely.
Here are some simple steps you can take to improve your site’s SEO on your own:
- Conduct basic keyword research to identify what your customers are searching for
- Optimize your page titles and meta descriptions to include target keywords
- Ensure your website is mobile-friendly and loads quickly
- Create quality content that answers your customers’ questions and follows on page optimization best practices
- Get citations by claiming your business listings on sites like Google My Business and Yelp, building your off page SEO strategy
While these tactics alone won’t rocket you to the top of Google overnight, they WILL help you establish a solid foundation for SEO success. As your business grows, you can expand your efforts and consider partnering with an agency down the road.
The key is to start somewhere. Every improvement you make to your website’s SEO brings you one step closer to increased visibility, traffic, and leads. So don’t let limited time or resources hold you back – take action today to start optimizing your site and reaping the benefits of SEO.
