Fence Company SEO: Top Strategies to Outrank Your Local Competitors

Unlocking Local Search: Keyword Research for Fencing Companies

The fencing industry is highly competitive, and standing out in your local market requires more than just quality workmanship. In today’s digital landscape, potential customers are turning to online search engines to find the best fencing solutions. This means that a strong online presence, driven by effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO), is no longer optional – it’s essential for survival and growth.

Keyword research is the crucial first step for any local SEO strategy. It’s about understanding how potential customers in your area are searching for fencing services online. Customers looking for fencing services are most likely using location-specific terms (e.g., “fence installation [city name]”). By identifying the specific words and phrases they use, you can tailor your website and online content to match their search intent, making it far more likely that they’ll find you instead of your competitors. These strategies can all help improve online presence¹.

Start by identifying your core keywords. These are the fundamental terms that describe your services, such as “vinyl fencing,” “security fence,” “privacy fence,” and “fence repair”². These terms will form the foundation of your keyword strategy.

However, don’t stop at the basics. Expand your keyword reach by considering long-tail keywords. These are longer, more specific phrases that customers might use when they have a particular need in mind. For example, instead of just “wood fence,” a customer might search for “best wood fence for dogs [city name]” or “cedar privacy fence installation cost [city name].” Capturing these long-tail searches can connect you with highly motivated buyers who are further along in the decision-making process.

Several tools can help you with keyword research, including Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, SEMrush, and Moz Keyword Explorer. These tools provide data on search volume (how often people search for a particular term), keyword difficulty (how competitive it is to rank for that term), and related keywords you might not have considered.

It is important to know that keyword research isn’t a one-and-done task. Regularly updating your keyword research is essential to remain relevant to user search terms³. Customer preferences, industry trends, and even seasonal changes can influence the way people search. Make it a habit to revisit your keyword list every few months, using the tools mentioned above to identify new opportunities and ensure you’re not missing out on valuable traffic.

Maximizing Visibility with Google My Business

Think of Google My Business (GMB) as your digital storefront on Google. It’s often the first impression potential customers have of your business, and it plays a critical role in local SEO. GMB profiles appear prominently in Google Maps and local search results, making them vital for attracting nearby customers who are actively searching for fencing services⁴.

The first step is to claim and verify your GMB listing. This confirms to Google that you are the legitimate owner of the business. Once claimed, it’s absolutely essential to complete every section of your GMB profile. This includes:

• Business Name, Address, and Phone Number (NAP): Ensure this information is accurate and consistent with what’s listed on your website and other online directories.
• Website: Link directly to your website’s homepage or a relevant landing page.
• Hours of Operation: Keep these up-to-date, especially during holidays or special events.
• Business Description: Write a compelling description that highlights your key services, specialties, and what makes your company unique. Use relevant keywords naturally within the description.
• Categories: Choose the most relevant categories for your business (e.g., Fence Contractor, Fence Supply Store).
• Attributes: Select attributes about your business offerings.

Beyond the basic information, utilize GMB’s features to engage with potential customers:

• Posts: Share updates, special offers, new project photos, or blog posts directly on your GMB profile.
• Q&A: Answer questions that potential customers might have about your services. This is a great way to showcase your expertise and address common concerns.
• Services: List your specific fencing services (e.g., wood fence installation, vinyl fence repair, gate installation) with detailed descriptions.
• Photos/Videos: Add photos of your business, team, and completed fence projects. Below is an example of a well optimized photo.

Managing reviews is another crucial aspect of GMB optimization. Actively solicit reviews from satisfied customers. Positive reviews not only build trust and credibility but also improve your ranking in local search results⁴. Respond to all reviews, both positive and negative, in a timely and professional manner.

Finally, monitor your GMB insights. Google provides valuable data on how customers are finding your business, what actions they’re taking (e.g., visiting your website, requesting directions, calling you), and where they’re located. Use these insights to optimize your profile and refine your local SEO strategy³.

Boosting Local SEO with Consistent Citations

Local citations are online mentions of your business’s name, address, and phone number (NAP) on other websites¹. They are a key factor in local SEO because they signal to Google that your business is legitimate, relevant to a specific location, and trusted by other online sources.

The more consistent and accurate your citations are across the web, the stronger the signal you send to search engines. This, in turn, can improve your local search rankings and make it easier for potential customers to find you.

There are various types of citation sources you should consider:

• Local Business Directories: Yelp, Yellow Pages, Angie’s List, MerchantCircle, and other directories specific to your city or region.
• Industry-Specific Directories: Directories focused on fencing contractors, home improvement services, or construction businesses.
• Local News Sites and Blogs: Mentions of your business on local news websites, community blogs, or online publications.
• Social Media Platforms: While not always considered a traditional citation, consistent NAP information on your social media profiles (Facebook, Instagram, etc.) can reinforce your local presence.

The most critical aspect of citation building is NAP consistency. Ensure that your business name, address, and phone number are exactly the same across all online platforms³. Even minor variations (e.g., “St.” vs. “Street”) can confuse search engines and dilute the positive impact of your citations.

To find and claim existing citations, you can use tools like BrightLocal, Yext, or Whitespark. These tools scan the web for mentions of your business and help you identify any inconsistencies or missing citations. You can also manually search for your business name on popular directories and claim your listings directly.

Make citation management an ongoing process. Regularly monitor your existing citations for accuracy and look for new opportunities to build citations on relevant websites.

Content Marketing: Attracting and Retaining Fencing Customers

Content marketing plays a vital role in local SEO for fencing companies. Creating valuable, informative, and engaging content can attract organic traffic to your website, improve your search rankings, and ultimately drive conversions. The key is to understand your audience’s needs and create content that addresses their questions, concerns, and pain points related to fencing³.

Here are some content ideas specifically tailored for fencing companies:

• Blog Posts Comparing Different Fencing Materials: Create in-depth articles that compare the pros and cons of wood, vinyl, aluminum, chain link, and other fencing materials. Discuss factors like cost, durability, maintenance, aesthetics, and suitability for different purposes. Below is a useful table format for comparing different fencing materials.

Fencing Material	Pros	Cons	Cost
Wood	Natural look, versatile, customizable	Requires regular maintenance, susceptible to rot and pests	Moderate
Vinyl	Low maintenance, durable, variety of styles	Can be more expensive than wood, limited color options	Moderate to High
Aluminum	Durable, rust-resistant, low maintenance	Less privacy than wood or vinyl, can be dented	High
Chain Link	Affordable, durable, good for security	Less aesthetically pleasing, offers minimal privacy	Low

• Guides on Choosing the Right Fence: Help customers navigate the decision-making process by providing guides on selecting the best fence for their specific needs. Consider topics like:
  • Choosing a fence for privacy.
  • Selecting a fence for security.
  • Choosing a fence for pet containment.
  • Choosing a fence to enhance curb appeal.
• Case Studies Showcasing Local Projects: Feature successful fencing projects you’ve completed in your local area. Include high-quality photos and testimonials from satisfied customers. This demonstrates your expertise and builds trust with potential clients.
• Articles on Fence Maintenance and Repair: Provide helpful tips and advice on how to maintain different types of fences, prevent damage, and perform common repairs. This positions you as a knowledgeable resource and can attract customers who need repair services. For further reading on fence maintanence see this Lowes article.
• Videos Demonstrating Fence Installation or Repair: Create short videos showcasing your team’s expertise in fence installation or repair techniques. Visual content is highly engaging and can be shared on social media and your website.
• Infographics: Create easy-to-understand images to highlight the benefits and importance of fence maintenance.

When creating content, always optimize it for local search. Use relevant keywords and location-specific terms naturally within the text, headings, and image alt tags. For example, instead of just “fence installation,” use “fence installation in [city name].”

Promote your content through various channels, such as social media, email marketing, and your GMB profile. Share links to your blog posts, videos, and case studies to reach a wider audience.

Finally, analyze your content performance. Track metrics like website traffic, time spent on page, bounce rate, and social shares to understand what content resonates with your audience and what needs improvement³. Use this data to refine your content strategy and create even more effective content in the future.

Conclusion

In the competitive fencing industry, a strong online presence is no longer a luxury – it’s a necessity. By implementing the SEO strategies outlined in this post – thorough keyword research, a fully optimized Google My Business profile, consistent local citations, and a compelling content strategy – fencing companies can significantly improve their local search rankings, attract more qualified leads, and ultimately grow their businesses.

Remember that SEO is an ongoing process. Regularly monitoring your performance, adapting to changes in search algorithms, and consistently providing valuable content are key to maintaining a top position in your local market. By committing to these strategies, you can ensure that your fencing company is the first choice for customers searching online. Contact us for more help or to get started! Need help with your web design? We offer that service as well! You can also check out more articles on our blog.

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References:

1. WordStream. (2023, April 12). Local Citations: The Ultimate Guide for 2023. Retrieved from https://www.wordstream.com/blog/ws/2023/04/12/local-citations
2. Sem Standard. (n.d.). Top 10 SEO Tips for Fence Companies & Installers. Retrieved from https://semstandard.com/blog/top-10-seo-tips-fence-companies-installers/
3. Pulse Marketing Agency. (n.d.). The Value of Fencing Techniques in Content Marketing. Retrieved from https://pulsemarketingagency.com/the-value-of-fencing-techniques-in-content-marketing/
4. The Fencing Marketers. (n.d.). Google My Business Tips. Retrieved from https://www.thefencingmarketers.com/learn/google-my-business-tips