Intro: Not All Digital Marketing Works — Especially for Local Pros

If you're running a home service business in Maine — plumber, HVAC tech, roofer, electrician — you’ve probably been told to ‘get online’ and ‘run some ads.’

But here's the truth: Most digital marketing advice isn't made for small, local service pros. It’s made for big-box brands with big budgets.

This post cuts through the fluff and shows you what actually works — and what to skip — if you want to get found and get booked locally.

1. Google Business Profile = Your Digital Storefront

This is your most important tool. A fully optimized Google Business Profile (GBP) helps you show up when locals search for:
- “plumber near me”
- “Bangor electrician”
- “AC repair in Hampden”

✅ Add services
✅ Upload real job photos
✅ Get 5-star reviews
✅ Post weekly updates

If you do nothing else, start here.

2. Reviews Are the New Word-of-Mouth

People trust people — not ads.

Your Google reviews are often the first thing someone sees about your business. If you don’t have at least 10–20 great reviews, you’re losing leads.

Start asking every happy customer to leave one. Automate it with a simple text or email follow-up system.

3. Website That Works (Not Just Looks)

A ‘pretty’ website that doesn’t load fast, isn’t mobile-friendly, or doesn’t have a clear call-to-action is costing you business.

Your homepage should:
- Say what you do, who you serve, and where you work (fast)
- Have a big button to call or book
- Load in under 3 seconds

Bonus: Add trust-builders like reviews, before/afters, and local badges.

4. Ads Aren’t Magic — Fix the Funnel First

Running Google or Facebook ads without fixing your Google listing, website, or reviews is like turning on a faucet with a leaky bucket underneath.

We always recommend getting your foundation right before spending on ads. Then ads can work well — because they’re sending people to a strong, trust-filled destination.

5. Automation = More Time + Better Follow-Up

If you miss a call, do you text them back?
If someone messages your site at 8PM, do they get a reply?

You can set up smart automations to:
- Reply to leads 24/7
- Ask for reviews
- Send appointment reminders
- Track missed opportunities

This is how local pros compete without hiring more staff.

Final Thought: The Right Digital Marketing Strategy Makes You Local #1

You don’t need everything. You need the right things — in the right order.

Start with your Google Business Profile, reviews, and website. Add automation. THEN consider ads.

And if you want help building your local digital engine — we’re here.

👉 Book a Free Digital Strategy Session:
https://smithdigitalsolutions.com/contact