Reduce your website bounce rate, improve loading speed and get more leads with a responsive plumbing website design.
What are the significant differences between adaptive and responsive plumbing website design? And how can you improve the user experience by selecting the right design style? This post will try to answer these two questions and more.
With the diversity and pervasiveness of mobile devices, plumbing website designers are forced to build sites that can perform optimally on all screen sizes. Users can access information in various ways, from large desktop monitors to tiny smartphones.
This can be a daunting task. How do you ensure that your plumbing website scales on any screen size? Both responsive and adaptive design can solve this problem, but while they might look the same, each has its pros and cons.
Which one is an excellent choice for your plumbing business? Which one can make your clients have a better experience?
Let us explore the two design styles separately.
Responsive Design Explained
In simple terms, responsive design uses one layout for a page and adjusts it to fit the user’s screen size, whether it is on a laptop, desktop, or smartphone.
From a technical perspective, responsive plumbing websites use CSS media queries to aim at breakpoints that wrap texts, scale images and change the layout so that the plumbing website can fit any screen size. This can be done with CSS or HTML.
With a responsive plumbing website, everything should seamlessly adapt and respond to any user’s browser or device- the user interface, content, and design.
Adaptive Design Explained
Simply put, adaptive design builds fixed layouts that adapt to specific screen sizes. This means that when your plumbing website detects the space available, it chooses the layout most appropriate for your screen. Therefore, when you open a browser on a desktop, the plumbing website selects the best layout for the desktop screen; resizing the browser does not affect the design.
5 Similarities between Responsive and Adaptive Design
For plumbers without prior website design experience, the difference between adaptive and responsive design is very slim. To help you understand, let us explore their similarities:
Layout
With a responsive plumbing website design, the layout is determined by the size of the user’s screen. In comparison, the adaptive design layout is decided on the back-end, not by the user’s screen or browser. Adaptive design generates templates that are special to every design class. The server scans factors like operating system and device type to send the right layout.
Loading Time
No prospect will like a slow plumbing website. Adaptive designs generally load faster than responsive ones, and this is because the later only transfers crucial assets to every device.
Difficulty
This can be a heated discussion for some plumbing website designers. Some argue that adaptive designs are tough to create because you require several templates for various layouts. Whereas responsive plumbing website design only needs one layout that some designers argue is simple to implement. But, while responsive sites only require one layout across multiple devices, they need time and effort upfront.
Flexibility
Adaptive designs are considered to be less flexible because a device with a large screen size than what you anticipated could end up breaking your layout. Responsive websites are more adaptable to work with a tool of any size without breaking their layout.
SEO-Friendliness
Google rewards and recommends plumbing websites that use responsive design. A mobile-friendly plumbing website will rank high on Google search results.
Pros of a Responsive Design
Seamless User Experience: Regardless of the type of device-mobile or desktop, prospects will receive the same seamless experience. This instills a sense of trust and familiarity as visitors transit from one device to another.
Little or Maintenance: Since the plumbing website utilizes the same content across multiple devices, it won’t need much maintenance or engineering time. A responsive website will minimize the effort and time required to keep updating your site. You will have more time for essential activities like booking plumbing jobs, marketing, testing, and customer service.
Cost Savings: Responsive design is faster to implement since you don’t need a new mobile site. You can save money on support, development, and maintenance-related expenses associated with building stand-alone plumbing websites. Furthermore, it allows you to organize and regulate your content from a centralized position.
More Search Engine Friendly: Google rewards mobile-friendly plumbing websites, something that responsive sites are great at. The two major drawbacks of responsive websites are that they have slow loading speed and are hard to integrate adverts.
Pros and Cons of Adaptive Design
Pros
They have faster loading times
They are optimized for advertisements
Reuses existing websites meaning that you don’t have to start from scratch when creating them.
Cons
They are labor-intensive to build because of the high number of technical aspects that designers have to consider.
They are tough to maintain
They are very expensive compared to responsive sites.
Get a Stunning Plumbing Website with Our Responsive Design Services
Responsive web design is your safest bet if you are searching for a convenient, cost-effective method to create a functional and seamless customer experience. This is because responsive sites are more search-friendly, can fit on every screen size, and above all, are budget-friendly.
Whether you want to transfer your current site to a responsive design or want to create a new responsive plumbing website design, Blackstorm Plumbing Marketing offers the resources and experience needed.
With our experienced web development and design team, we are your preferred choice when you want to launch a responsive plumbing website.
Use our responsive design services to make your plumbing website accessible across all devices, regardless of screen sizes. From laptops to smartphones, a responsive site allows your plumbing business to reach every property owner in your target market.
Blackstorm Plumbing marketing is a full-service internet marketing company that has helped many plumbers like you to outrank their competitors online. We do much more than create responsive plumbing websites and can offer you anything in digital marketing from PPC ads to SEO.
If you are ready to launch your responsive plumbing website, kindly schedule a free strategy session with our designers to see how our team can help your plumbing business grow online. We can’t wait to hear from you today!
How about other voice assistants like Google Assistant, Alexa, or Cortana?
Whether you have answered or not, the sad reality is that;
Most of your potential clients have spoken a question or command to any of these online assistants.
They have asked questions like:
“Siri, where can I find the best plumber in Tennessee?”
“Alexa, is it going to rain tonight?”
Research shows that among customers who use voice search, almost 50% use voice assistants to find a local business.
So what does that mean for your plumbing business?
Your plumbing business cannot ignore voice search and expect to win more jobs online.
Every plumber who operates a plumbing website understands the value of search engine optimization. For years, plumbing marketers, hoping to popularize their blogs, would research keywords and use them sparingly throughout the content to rank #1 on Google search results when prospects look for them online.
What is Voice Search Optimization and How Does it Work
Voice search optimization refers to the process of optimizing your plumbing web pages to appear in voice searches. Voice search is any search a prospect performs on the web using a voice command instead of text or typing.
But how does voice search work? Here is a breakdown of how things work in voice search in four simple steps:
A prospect/client initiates a voice search by addressing the device voice assistant using pre-programmed voice command (“Hey, Alexa,” “Hey Siri,” or “Hey Cortana”)
The prospect/client gives authority or asks a question: “where do I find the best plumbing contractor over here?” Or “SEO movie release date.”
Based on the kind of technology that the voice search uses, it will collect the packets of sounds as syllables, phrases, or sentences.
Finally, the voice search system will translate the sounds’ units to text and initiate the search process.
Whew! Fortunately, we don’t have to worry about that too much. But isn’t it refreshing to understand what goes behind the scenes?
What is the Role of Voice Search in SEO?
SEO is one of the most crucial marketing tools used by plumbing contractors all over the world. Since its inception, SEO has undergone various changes, most of which come from the search engines’ limitations. Voice search and artificial intelligence will affect your plumbing business progression with SEO. Plumbers will now have to align their keywords to take advantage of this new technology to drive more demand and income.
Voice search will affect how plumbing website content is written and narrow down to the target market more precisely within a short time. It will also assist offer relevant feedback after sieving through a massive amount of information. This will give your plumbing business a competitive edge as it will concentrate more on the target audience. Furthermore, artificial intelligence can be used to analyze layouts, marketing content, and UI graphics.
Experts believe that voice search will eliminate the possibilities of black hat SEO, as it will help them detect false keyword stuffing in the coming days. Be it a personal computer, laptop, or mobile, voice search makes it easy for people of all ages to find local plumbers by speaking to their gadgets. This ease of use in daily life will help voice search to grow in the coming days.
Why Do Plumbing Contractors Need to Invest in a Voice Search Optimization Strategy?
A voice search strategy is essential for your plumbing business. With more clients/prospects using voice assistants like Google Assistant, Alexa, or Siri, you need to invest in this strategy to reach them, mainly if you operate locally. More than half of voice searches are used to identify a local business.
Here are some of your plumbing business benefits of implementing a comprehensive voice search optimization strategy:
Increased plumbing website traffic
Raise your brand visibility and awareness
Enhances client engagement
High scope of plumbing sales and conversions.
Drives more prospects to your plumbing business.
How to Win More Plumbing Clients with Voice Search Optimization
Now that you have understood the ins and outs of voice search technology, it’s time to know how to use the information gained to generate more plumbing conversions and draw potential clients with voice search.
Create an Easy-to-Read Site Map
Your sitemap is how Google recognizes your search terms and their relevance to the prospect’s or client’s search. When creating a new plumbing website, consider the keywords you choose and how they will rhyme with what your clients are searching for online.
If your map is organized and clean, Google will instantly recommend your plumbing website if a web user performs a voice search for a proper phrase or keyword. It is also highly recommended that you revise your old content to see if there are revisions that you can make in your URL link. This small tweak will help your business reach more clients searching for information related to your niche online.
Re-evaluate your Keywords
It is estimated that by 2022, more than half of American households will have a smart speaker. Combine that with the fact that every adult owns a smartphone with voice search capabilities, and it is easy to see why plumbing contractors need to rethink their keyword research strategy. We need to think about how an average homeowner would initiate a search and concentrate on those keywords.
How to Prepare Your Plumbing Business for Voice search Revolution
Speech recognition and voice search software are on the upward trend like never before. If you have not been affected by the voice search yet, then know that it is around the corner, and over time everyone will be swept by the marvels of voice assistants like Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant.
It is estimated that by 2020, almost half of the total online searches will be voice-activated (source). Voice search is the new wave of a technology revolution that plumbing contractors must adapt to. But the question is, how can you prepare your plumbing company for this bleeding-edge tool? This post will discuss how voice search can be utilized and how it will change your business and the plumbing industry in general.
Here are some of the things you can do to get your plumbing business ready for voice search:
Improve Page Speed
Prospects/clients expect fast results for their voice searches. Most voice searches are performed over mobile and devices like Amazon Echo. And plumbing website loading speed is an essential aspect of cellular search ranking signals. It was found out that the average time for a voice search results was 54 seconds. If you want to increase your chances of showing up in voice searches, make sure your plumbing website loads faster.
HTTPS and SSL Certificates
HTTPS prefix and an SSL certificate validate your plumbing website security. Google had announced that in 2014, HTTPS would be considered a priority ranking factor, and this would apply to voice search as well. This shows that securing your plumbing website with an HTTPS certificate will help your site to appear in voice searches.
Informative, easy-to-read, and long-form quality content
Contents that are easy to read and have a 2000-3000 word count stand a high chance of ranking high in voice search results. However, stuffing your posts with meaningless words to appear in voice searches is not the ideal method. Google selects content quality over quantity, and if your post meets quality content guidelines, then Google will consider it the best pick.
Content engagement also plays a vital role in voice search rankings. Though Google does not consider social media signals when ranking plumbing websites, it has been observed that highly engaging content tends to rank high in voice searches.
High SERP and Featured Snippets
Domain rating is more preferable than your page authority. Hence, a plumbing website with more quality backlinks will be superior to one with an excellent backlink ratio. A plumbing website with a higher domain rating ranks better in the search results.
Another factor you need to consider is the featured snippet section. Snippets are regarded as the ideal results of voice searches. More than 40% of voice search queries are answered in these featured snippets, and they contain precise answers to users’ questions in a concise format. But you need first to make sure that your plumbing website gets on top of the search engine results. Only pages that feature in the first page results of Google will appear in the featured snippet section.
Mobile Optimization
Do you know that 1 out of 5 adults in America uses voice search at least once every month? A better mobile experience has become an essential factor in voice search optimization. Furthermore, Google has already announced that it will reward mobile-friendly plumbing websites with a higher ranking.
Strengthen Your Plumbing Marketing with these Voice Search Optimization Tips
Use Natural Language to Appear in Voice Search Results
Prospects use more conversational queries when performing a voice search. For instance, they are more likely to inquire, “At what time does plumber x open today?” or “Plumber x office hours.” So make sure that you try to include as many conversational keywords as possible. Such kinds of queries are also known as long-tail keywords, and they are usually longer and tend to take the form of questions and phrases. Voice search results are generally delivered on the 9th-grade English level, so make sure that your content is presented well and easy to understand.
Device
Check the kind of devices your prospects are using and optimize your plumbing website for such devices. While voice assistants are found on smart speakers, research shows that most of these searches are performed on handheld devices such as smartphones and smartwatches.
Locale
Prospects searching for something local (such as a local business) are three times more likely to perform a voice search (particularly on a mobile phone) than a text-based query. What does that mean for your plumbing business? It means that you need to be on top of your internet marketing game (like your online reputation and local SEO) if you want your plumbing company to get found on voice searches.
5 Voice Search Strategies that you can apply today
Strategy #1: Focus on giving answers directly
If you want to get the most out of your voice search strategy, begin by answering questions directly.
Did you know that over 50% of voice searches rely on featured snippets?
Such featured snippets answer questions from prospects directly.
Prospects normally perform voice searches in the form of questions.
(“Siri, how do you find an experienced plumber here?”)
(“Alexa, is it raining today?”)
As a plumber, you need to start posting your content on the FAQ page for the most common questions prospects ask, making it easier for your plumbing website to get found in the voice search results.
To boost your visibility, keep your answers brief.
Strategy#2: Make your Content Easy to Read
When Google gets results for voice searchers, it attempts to locate content that an average customer can read and understand.
Don’t try to show off your plumbing website using all the technical jargon you know.
Keep your website content simple so that it can be understood by ordinary people so that your sites get found on voice search results. Also, make sure that your site can be followed by all visitors who interact with it.
Strategy#3: Follow SEO Best Practices
Did you know plumbing websites that rank high in desktop searches have the same chance of getting found on voice searches?
The reverse is also true.
If you have not optimized your plumbing website for SEO, you will not get found on voice searches. But there are several things you can do to make sure that your plumbing website gets found on top of search engine results, including the following:
Speeding up your plumbing website
Integrating keywords on your plumbing pages
Make your plumbing website mobile-friendly.
So, you must re-evaluate your SEO strategy to appear prominently on voice searches.
Strategy #4: Make Business Details Accessible
Consider the kind of information that prospects might want to know about your plumbing business when thinking of using your products or services.
They might want to know your:
Business hours
Address
Phone number
Customer reviews and ratings.
And virtual assistants such as Siri are the convenient and fastest way of getting such details. Therefore make sure that these details are readily available on your blog, plumbing website, and online business listings (like Google My Business and Yelp).
Strategy #5: Invest in Local Service Ads from Google
Besides the regular pay-per-click ads, Google currently offers local service ads on top of its search engine results.
Local service ads help potential clients learn about local, Google-verified plumbing businesses and even book jobs directly from the ad.
If you have invested in these ads currently, the good news is that you will experience improved voice search visibility. If you do not use local service ads, you need to invest in them, giving you more leads in text-based and voice searches.
Boost Your Plumbing Sales with Voice Search Optimization Now
Voice search optimization will assist you in generating more leads for your plumbing business and earn more sales. Implementing the voice search optimization tips discussed in this post will drive more voice searchers to your plumbing company.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by implementing these voice search optimization strategies in your business? Don’t fret, as the Blackstorm Plumbing Marketing team is ready to help optimize your plumbing website for voice search. We have a team of experienced SEO specialists who will ensure that your business appears on top of voice search results.
Don’t miss out on potential plumbing jobs because you don’t have a voice search strategy.
Ensure that your plumbing business is visible regardless of the device your prospects are using-whether it is Alexa, Siri, or desktop using text searches.
10 Simple Ways to Get More Google Reviews for Your Plumbing Company
Testimonials, referrals, and online reviews (particularly Google reviews) are crucial to growing the plumbing business. In fact, Google reviews are the foundation upon which a plumbing company can establish a good working relationship with their community. Google reviews are incredibly crucial-more 80% of customers trust online reviews just like they do with personal recommendations, and 90% of consumers read online reviews before visiting a plumbing business.
More positive reviews = more qualified leads, higher search rankings, and increased revenue.
If you are struggling to enhance your online presence, read on, in this post, we will give you 10 ways to obtain more Google reviews and practical strategies on how to pull off negative reviews.
Without further ado, let us dive into our post!
Why Do Google Reviews Matter in Your Plumbing Business?
While the possibility of opening up your plumbing company to Google reviews can generally be daunting, it’s something that should not be overlooked. It’s true that you never understand how clients feel about the plumbing services you provide. However, it’s crucial to remember that people will review your plumbing company online regardless.
If you are hesitant to take the plunge and begin engaging with clients on review websites such as Yelp, consider this. Oftentimes, Google reviews found online can sway opinions, and they can lead to new clients that you may not have otherwise had-or they can turn people away and give your plumbing business a poor reputation. As a plumbing company that probably depends heavily on word of mouth, Google reviews are an important aspect of your online presence.
Here are three reasons why you should enhance plumbing company online reviews:
Google Reviews Impact Your Client’s First Impression
Prospects or clients tend to perceive online reviews as a good indicator of how well your plumbing company has performed in the past. If your plumbing company has mostly great reviews, the one who reads your review sees that you have satisfied clients and is probably more likely to contact your plumbing business. Plus, if you have a higher star rating than other plumbers on a review website like Yelp, the user may instantly assume you offer better service.
Let’s face it: if you had to select between two similar plumbing businesses and one had a 3-star rating and the other had an average of a 5-star rating, which would you select? Probably the one with a higher star rating.
Google Reviews Impact Your Paid & Organic Rankings in Search
Do you know your online reviews actually affect how visible your plumbing business is at the top of the Google search results page? First, let’s examine the local map results. When you Google a plumbing service in a particular city, you will come across a map on the SERP with the top three locations. These listings typically the number of Google reviews and a high star rating based on your user experiences.
The better reviews your plumbing business has, the more likely it can be featured on the top of coveted three listings-as online reviews are a crucial ranking factor for your local SEO.
Google Reviews Help Attract New Clients
Once clients have clicked through your page, you are almost near the main goal. Prospects or clients who come to your plumbing website should be enticed to book jobs with your company. While a user-friendly website experience is crucial, Google reviews can be powerful alone to increase your conversion rates alone. For this reason, any plumbing company with a strong rating should be showcasing that review all over their website. This review will increase client trust even if they have never come across your reviews online.
Proven Ways to Get More Google Reviews and Rank your Plumbing Business Higher in Local Search
Any local plumber will tell you that launching and growing a plumbing company is hard work. Creating a unique plumbing service is challenging enough, but then comes the job of spreading the word about your plumbing company and building a client base. Word of mouth recommendations remains one of the best methods of plumbing marketing today.
The major difference today is that word about your plumbing business spreads faster through client reviews, and the most famous review website in the world is Google-particularly for local home service businesses like roofing or plumbing. The more positive Google reviews your plumbing business has, the higher you will rank in local searches. That said, getting online reviews is not easy, so read for the effective ways to get Google reviews that actually work.
Without further ado, let’s look at the proven tips for boosting your number of positive reviews on Google.
1. First, Understand the Process
It takes a few seconds for a client to write a Google review. Simple enough, right? Well, there is a process to get here. The client has to:
Open up Google Maps
Look for your plumbing business
Click on it to showcase your Google Business Profile
Scroll down to the reviews section on your profile
Click to leave their review
Homeowner: You have been amazing. How can I review your plumbing company online?
Would you rather say: A Google review would be awesome! Just head to our plumbing website, and there’s a link right there to help you leave a review.
2. Ask and You Shall Receive
It is easy for clients to forget, especially in this modern and hectic world, so even a superior service doesn’t warrant a positive review on Google. They may leave smiling after service, but once they are out of your door, they have mentally moved on to other things. Find those clients who simply forgot how wonderful you are by reminding them.
A good plan starts by asking previous clients to review your plumbing business. This is normally achieved through an email in which you offer a direct link to your Google My Business listing. Keep the process as simple as possible, and the client will be likely to follow through.
To get more Google reviews going forward, figure out setting up an automated thank-you email to be sent to your clients three to five days after completing your plumbing project.
3. Add Your Google Review Link to a Business Card
One of the best ways to ensure your clients know they can review your plumbing business is through a business card. You can post the direct link, but it is highly recommended that you create a separate page for online reviews on your plumbing website, and it will be easier for clients to type in the address.
4. Claim, Verify and Optimize Your Google Business Profile
Google Business profile helps obtain more reviews but also makes those reviews public. GBP is one of the most visited review platforms on the internet just by the virtue of being a Google service. Because Google owns a major share of the search engine market, more prospects or clients see Google Business Profile and normally read Google reviews more than other review platforms.
If you have not claimed your plumbing company on Google Business Profile, you should register for it ASAP. To help your business get more reviews on Google, ensure that you retrieve your Google review short link and add it to your email correspondence. Include it on your plumbing website and social media ads or posts as well. Visible links will make it easier, and more probably that people will leave a Google review.
5. Add a Review Button to Your Plumbing Website
Most clients expect your plumbing business to have a professional website. So, one of the good places for a Google review is your plumbing website. Simply login into your Google My Business and click on the button to display your review link. Copy that link, and then include a button on your plumber’s website.
6. Respond to Reviews
Homeowners will be more responsive to plumbing companies that value their input. To obtain more plumbing reviews, make sure you reply to the reviews you already have. Replies will help gain the trust of more new clients, generate qualified leads, and earn new clients who can, in turn, offer your company more reviews.
Don’t just respond to the positive reviews, either, and replying to negative reviews is as, if not more essential.
7. Ask for Google Review By Email
Another way is that you can wait until you finish the job and ask for the Google review through email at the end of the day. Ensure your email request consists of links directly to the Google Business Profile and or your Facebook page reviews section.
The email is probably going to be less effective since you don’t have that interpersonal exchange with the client, and you didn’t obtain a commitment to write a review. Besides, emails are easy to park or ignore.
8. Post Your Review Link to Social Media Pages
Social media is a great way to interact with your clients. Whether you are using organic social media (aka free) or using paid social ads (such as Facebook ads), utilizing social media posts to request feedback is an efficient way to obtain more reviews on Google.
9. Make it Easy for Customers to leave a review on Google
No matter how wonderful your customer experience is, making the Google review process easier will generally improve your chances of success.
Make the process of writing Google reviews as easy as possible.
10. Obtain Google Reviews from Partners and Vendors
Partners and vendors may not be clients, but they can attest to what it feels like to work with you consistently. They also may be more willing to leave a Google Business review if you leave one review for their business first.
Frequently Asked Questions About Google Reviews for Plumbers
What is the best way to obtain Google reviews for my plumbing company?
Let your Google reviews bring in new clients while you operate your plumbing business. Blackstorm Design + Marketing will instantly generate new Google reviews from those new customers. Do this before your competition.
How do you get clients to leave Google reviews?
There are a few ways to get clients to write a review on Google but the simplest one is to:
Utilize an email campaign: send out emails to clients after you have completed a project, requesting them to leave a review on your Google Business profile.
How do I get negative Google reviews removed?
If you have a negative, defamatory or fake review on your Google Business profile, you can also attempt to have it eliminated:
Request the reviewer to remove it themselves
Requesting Google to eliminate it
Reporting it as spam
How do I get more Google reviews?
There are multiple ways you can encourage clients to leave reviews, such as:
Ask them outright in person
Send out regular follow-up emails
Include review links on your plumbing website or in email signatures
Running Google Ad campaigns
Create social media posts
Increase Google Reviews with Blackstorm Design + Marketing
Your plumbing business can benefit greatly from Google reviews. Such reviews not only inspire new and repeat business but also improve your search engine results and SEO. More positive reviews on Google will drive your plumbing company to the top. However, the process of creating a steady flow of Google reviews in your plumbing company isn’t easy. That’s why we highly recommend that you partner with a reputable online reputation management agency like Blackstorm Design + Marketing.
The more proactive you become towards collecting more Google reviews, responding to reviews, and also deal with negative reviews, the more confident your team will be in handling this crucial aspect of internet marketing.
If you would like to leave your Google review generation to experts, our team at Blackstorm Design + Marketing is here to help. Schedule a free discovery session with Blackstorm Design + Marketing to learn more about our wide range of internet marketing services designed to help plumbing companies like yours obtain as many qualified leads and sales as possible.
