Top 5 Ways to Dominate Google Local Service Ads (LSAs) in 2025

If you’ve ever wondered why your competitors are basking in the glory of top rankings while your LSA is sipping lukewarm coffee at the bottom, this guide is for you. Here are the top 5 ways to make Google love your Local Service Ads in 2025 and boost your chances of reaching the top.

 

1. Get and Maintain Positive Reviews

Google’s affection for businesses with glowing reviews is no secret. To climb the LSA rankings, you need to collect and nurture positive reviews like they’re rare Pokémon. Happy customers are your best advocates, so make it easy for them to share their experiences.

Actionable Steps: Send follow-up emails or text messages to satisfied customers with a direct link to leave a review. Offer gentle nudges—no bribes—to encourage them to share their feedback.

Respond to Reviews: Engage with every review you receive, whether it’s a glowing 5-star or a grumpy 1-star. A thoughtful response shows potential customers (and Google) that you care about your service.

Pro Tip: Focus on quality, not just quantity. A handful of detailed, heartfelt reviews beats a pile of one-liners like “Good job.”

2. Maximize Your Business Profile

Your LSA profile is like an online dating profile for your business. The more complete and appealing it is, the more likely you are to “match” with potential customers. Google ranks businesses higher when their profiles are thorough, accurate, and visually engaging.

Fill Out Every Detail: Ensure all sections of your profile—business hours, service areas, and service types—are complete. If you skip details, you’re leaving money on the table.

Add High-Quality Images: Upload clear, professional photos that showcase your best work. Think “Instagram-worthy” shots of a freshly painted house or a happy customer standing in front of their newly remodeled kitchen.

Keep Info Consistent: Double-check that your phone number, address, and website match across all platforms. Google’s trust in your data consistency directly impacts your ranking.

Pro Tip: Refresh your profile every few months. Add seasonal photos or promotions to show customers (and Google) that you’re active and up-to-date.

3. Optimize Responsiveness

Speed matters. When a potential customer contacts you through your LSA, responding quickly can be the difference between securing the lead and losing it to a competitor. Google notices your responsiveness and rewards businesses that are quick to act.

Actionable Steps: Set up real-time notifications for LSA inquiries and respond immediately. If you’re juggling tasks, use automated responses to let customers know you’ll get back to them ASAP.

Track Your Metrics: Monitor your response time using Google’s reporting tools. Aim to beat the industry average—the faster, the better.

Pro Tip: If you miss a call, follow up within minutes. Customers often contact multiple businesses, and a speedy follow-up can put you back in the running.

4. Build Trust with Google Screening

Think of the “Google Guaranteed” badge as a golden ticket. It signals to potential customers that you’ve passed Google’s rigorous background checks, licensing verifications, and insurance requirements. This trust factor is crucial for ranking higher in LSAs.

Keep Credentials Updated: Regularly verify your licenses and certifications to maintain your eligibility. Google will demote or even suspend profiles with expired information.

Highlight Your Badge: Promote your “Google Guaranteed” status on your website, social media, and other marketing materials. The more customers recognize your reliability, the more leads you’ll attract.

Pro Tip: Don’t just pass the checks—exceed expectations by showcasing additional trust signals like BBB accreditation or industry awards.

5. Strategically Set Your Budget

LSAs operate on a pay-per-lead model, so your budget plays a big role in your visibility. But it’s not just about throwing money at Google—you need to spend wisely.

Focus on ROI: Analyze which locations, services, and lead types bring the highest return on investment. Shift your budget toward high-performing areas and adjust for seasonal trends.

Bid Competitively: While higher budgets can improve visibility, bidding strategically ensures you’re not overpaying for low-value leads.

Track Your Spend: Use Google’s dashboard to monitor your performance and adjust your budget as needed. Keep an eye on cost-per-lead and ensure it aligns with your business goals.

Pro Tip: Set a slightly higher budget during peak seasons or for in-demand services to outshine competitors.

Bonus Tip: Stay Active and Engaged

Google loves active profiles. Regularly update your business description, add fresh photos, and keep your availability current. Show Google that your business is thriving, not just coasting.

By following these enhanced strategies, you’ll be climbing the LSA ranks in no time. Whether you’re painting homes, fixing roofs, or baking the best cupcakes in town, these tips will help your business shine where it matters most: right at the top of Google’s search results.

Still confused or not sure how to set up yourcompany’s LSA? Give us a call at 423-541-2323 or email us at onlineleads@paintersacademy.com