1. Focus On Local SEO for Your Water Damage Website

There are over 100K searches for 'water restoration near me' in Google. This shows your potential clients are looking for help online. Since 76% of them don’t have a company in mind, you have a huge opportunity to turn them into leads - if they find you online. You need a website to showcase your services, build trust, and establish yourself as an expert. But even if you have the best website, people won't find it if it doesn't rank on Google. This is where local SEO (search engine optimization) comes in. 

As a water damage specialist, you likely don’t have the time or the knowledge to build a website and manage local SEO. No worries. Today, many website builders and AI tools make it easy for you. If you're unsure, use Snapps.ai as it's a website builder that boosts local SEO and turns visitors into leads. Here are a few features to expect:

• SEO-optimized website. Snapps.ai supports fast, mobile-friendly sites that rank well on Google and impress visitors.
• AI-driven content and automation. It helps create SEO-friendly website copy, blog posts, and other text-based content. It also has tools for automatic booking that send confirmations, reminders, and follow-ups.
• Keyword research tool. This lets you find high-performing local search terms for water damage services. Instead of "water damage repair", it suggests phrases like "emergency water damage cleanup near me" or "flood restoration in [your city]". Using these keywords makes it easier for local customers to find your business on Google.
• Online reviews and reputation management. Snapps.ai collects and displays client reviews, boosting local rankings and trust. 
• Local Schema Markup. Snapps.ai adds structured data to let Google know your location and services better. 
• Google Business Profile integration. It makes it easy to manage and optimize your Google Business Profile (GBP), which is crucial for local SEO.

2. Set Up a Google Business Profile for Your Water Damage Service

People searching for 'emergency water removal' need a water damage service right away. They prefer to check Google Maps listings instead of browsing individual websites. These listings instantly show nearby services, along with reviews and contact details.

To show up in these listings and attract leads, you need an optimized Google Business Profile (GBP). The higher you rank here, the more calls you receive. Appearing in the top 3 Google Maps results brings a service business an average of 48 calls per month. To improve your business profile on Google: 

• Verify your business with Google. To prove you're the rightful owner, Google sends a verification code to your address. The postcard usually takes 2-3 weeks to arrive. You then enter that code into your Google Business Profile to go live. 
• Complete your profile. Provide all your details, including name, address, phone number, website, and business hours. Always choose the correct business category, such as ‘water damage restoration service.’
• List services and service areas. Add detailed service offerings, like 'Emergency Water Extraction,’ ‘Mold Remediation’, etc... Include all locations you serve to appear in relevant searches.
• Enable messaging and call tracking. Turn on Google Messaging so potential clients can contact you immediately. Call tracking is great to monitor leads coming from your GBP listing.
• Write a compelling business description. Use relevant keywords like 'emergency water removal' or 'flood damage repair'. This way, Google knows when to show your business, making it easier for potential clients to find you.
• Upload high-quality photos and videos. The images can be of your team, equipment, completed jobs, and logo. Share short videos about your cleanup process or customer testimonials. 
• Get more reviews and respond promptly. Ask previous clients to leave reviews. It's a good idea to come up with a referral program for them. You should also reply to all the reviews, positive or negative. 
• Use Google Posts to share updates. Google prioritizes fresh content. So post special offers, blog links, and seasonal service reminders. Share before-and-after images of completed water damage restoration jobs.
• Keep your information updated. Regularly update business hours, holiday closures, and any service changes.

3. Join Local Facebook Groups to Connect With Water Damage Leads

Water damage issues affect the whole neighborhood. Many turn to local Facebook groups to warn about it or ask for help. As the community's water damage expert, share your advice, tips, and services. If you're helpful there, people will trust you and may hire you. If you're already known in the group, others will naturally recommend you. According to Small Business Rainmaker, 88% trust Facebook community members' opinions on businesses. If you're referred, there's a high chance of getting hired. No wonder people call Facebook the "digital word-of-mouth." Here are some tips to consider:

• Don't be overly promotional. This only makes you annoying. Plus, some groups don't allow direct promotions and could ban you. Instead, share your water damage insights, lessons, and experiences. Engage with commenters who show interest. Start conversations about neighborhood flooding, molding, home water issues, etc. 
• Create a professional profile. If someone clicks on your page before hiring, they should see a real, trustworthy business. So use a cover photo that shows what you do. Share customer reviews, success stories, and client interviews. Post personal and relatable content to build even more trust.
• Build genuine relationships with group members. Engage in conversations beyond water damage topics. Discuss local events, home improvement, or community concerns. Offer helpful advice without expecting immediate hires. 
• Stay active. If people see your name often, they’ll remember you when they need help. Also, keep your Facebook page updated with recent projects and industry news. This way, members can recommend you to non-members and they can go to your page and see you're the real deal. 

4. Work With Pay Per Call Websites for Water Damage Leads

Pay-per-call websites handle lead generation for you. They connect you with potential clients through phone calls. They typically use online ads, directories, or other marketing methods to drive calls. All you need to do is sign up, add your services and phone number, pay them, and wait for calls. These websites usually charge between $400 to $1,200 per call for water damage restoration. Some charge a monthly fee or require a minimum ad spend. However, lead quality and effectiveness depend on the platform and strategy. For best results, consider these popular pay-per-call websites:

• 33 Mile Radius. They specialize in exclusive leads for water damage restoration and mold remediation. They claim that 90% of their generated leads result in hired jobs. What's more, there’s no long-term contract, so you can stop anytime.
• Service Direct. This platform focuses on hyper-local and hyper-targeted marketing. You're sure to get calls from quality leads ready to hire. They also offer more specific water damage services, like drywall and waterproofing. However, they charge a bit more with mold removal at $75-$650 per call and water damage restoration at $500-$2,250 per call. 
• CT SEO Pro. This isn't just a pay-per-call lead generation service. You can also hire them to do your website SEO, pay-per-click advertising, Google Maps optimization, website design, etc... And they're very cheap. For water damage restoration, they only charge $150 per qualified call. 
• Lead Smart. This website offers its services to all 50 states plus the District of Columbia. So no matter where you're located, you can hire them to get you leads in your area. It's also a trusted platform, with over 9,000 listings for water damage restoration.

5. Apply for Local Service Ads (LSA) to Get Water Damage Leads

Local Services Ads (LSAs) are ads that Google displays at the top of search results. These appear even before the Google Maps listings and websites. HubSpot reports that LSA boosts leads by 75% as it appears first and already has a phone number ready to call. The best part is that you only pay when you get a real lead - a phone call or message - not just when someone clicks on your ad. Here is how to apply for Local Services Ads:

• Sign up and enter your business details. Provide your business name, location, and types of water damage services you offer. 
• Verify your business. Google requires proof of insurance and licensing to approve your listing. 
• Complete a background check. Google may ask for a background check to ensure trustworthiness.
• Set your budget and service areas. Choose where you want leads from and how much you want to spend per lead. Keep in mind that water damage leads usually cost around $200 to $1,000 each. 
• Launch your ad. Once approved, your ad will appear at the top of Google. Clients who search for water damage services in your area can call or message you directly from it. 
• Apply for Google Guaranteed. To boost trust with potential clients, you need a Google Guaranteed badge. This adds credibility and boosts your rankings from other LSA ads. For this, you must pay a $50 monthly fee and pass Google's screening and verification process.
• Have a strong phone script ready. You must answer quickly and know what to say to turn calls into booked jobs. 

One Reddit user says they manage Local Service Ads accounts for 25 clients. Some of their clients get 50 leads a month, while others get well over 100. However, they also mention uncertainties with LSA. Two of their most reputable clients have seen a drop in leads. This shows that LSA is effective, but Google can change things anytime.

6. Run Water Damage Ad Campaigns

Targeted ads show up to people actively searching for water damage services in your area. Ads also reach those interested in related topics. When these people see your ads and click on them, it will either lead to a phone call, a message, or a visit to your website. This then encourages them to hire you, ask about your services, or learn more about your business. However, you need to set up Google or Facebook ads correctly to reach the right audience. Here are some important tips for Google Ads:

• Target high-intent keywords only. Avoid broad searches like 'water damage' as these may attract researchers, not clients. Instead, use urgent keywords like 'emergency water damage repair near me' or 'flood damage cleanup 24/7'. 
• Use location targeting. Make sure your ads only show in areas you serve. To make it even more focused, set a radius around your service area instead of targeting an entire city. 
• Write urgent and clear ad copy. Your ad must make people act fast. For this, use phrases like "Don't Let Water Damage Get Worse - Get a  Fee Quote!" or "24/7 Fast Water Removal - Call Now!" Include a phone number in the ad headline for instant calls. 
• Send traffic to a fast, mobile-friendly landing page. Don't send people to your website homepage - send them to a dedicated landing page. This should load quickly, have a visible call button, and show reviews and licenses.
• Track and optimize your ads. Set up conversion tracking to see which ads generate calls. Also, check the Search Terms Report to see what people searched before clicking your ad. Stop any ads or keywords that are getting clicks but no leads. 

If you want to focus on Facebook Ads, consider these tips:

• Target homeowners who might need you. Use Facebook's detailed targeting to focus on homeowners (not renters), people interested in home improvement, and people in flood-prone areas (if applicable). 
• Use eye-catching images or videos. People scroll fast, so you must grab attention right away. You can show before and after water damage photos. Or, upload a video of you in action. Don't forget to add a simple but urgent message. 
• Run click-to-call and lead form ads. Make it as easy as possible for people to reach you. Click-to-call ads are perfect for emergencies. Lead forms allow people to send their info to you without leaving Facebook. Just remember to keep your form short (name, phone, zip code, and a dropdown for type of water damage service). 
• Use retargeting to follow up with visitors. Many people won't call on the first visit. Retargeting ads reminds them about you and that they need that water damage service. These ads should focus more on messages like "“Still Need Water Damage Help? We’re Available 24/7 – Call Now!”
• Test multiple ads and keep the best ones. Run at least 3 versions of your ad with different headlines, images/videos, and action buttons. See which one performs the best and turn off the other ones. 

A Redditor claims to have generated $3M/month for home service clients with Facebook Ads. Their strategy is to use a sales letter mode. This follows a simple formula - identify the problem, explain why it's frustrating, and offer a proven solution. With this, you attract serious people who are urgently looking for a solution.

How to Convert Water Damage Leads by Phone?

• Answer promptly and professionally. For best results, answer the phone within the first few rings. Remember, speed matters in emergency services like water damage. Always use a friendly, professional tone that reassures the caller they’re in good hands.
• Establish rapport right away. Start with a warm greeting. Be empathetic to their situation - water damage is stressful. Show you understand their urgency.
• Ask questions to gather details. "Can you tell me a bit more about the damage?", "How long ago did the water damage happen?", "Where is the damage located?" The answers will help you assess the severity and urgency, and give you info to prepare for the next steps. 
• Provide value and reassurance. Calm the person and reassure them that you will help. Explain your process quickly and let them know you'll guide them through every step. 
• Offer a free assessment or consultation. This makes the caller feel like they're getting something valuable. Plus, it builds trust and reduces the perceived cost barrier. 
• Create urgency. Emphasize the importance of acting fast by explaining how water damage worsens. But always end it by letting them know you're available immediately. "I can check it out within the next 30 minutes if necessary."
• Schedule an appointment. Focus on getting them on your calendar. To make it convenient for them, be flexible with appointment times. 
• Reconfirm the details. Before wrapping up, recap the appointment time and the important details.
• Close confidently. End the call on a positive, confident note. Something like "I'll be there shortly to take care of the damage" will make them feel at ease. 
• Follow up. Send a follow-up message confirming the appointment and offering additional reassurance. After the job is done, follow up again to see if they’re satisfied and to ask for reviews or referrals.

What Are the Best Website Builders for Water Damage Business?

The best website builders for water damage businesses are:

• Snapps.ai. This isn't just a website builder - it's designed for local lead generation. Its AI-powered tools automate local SEO, lead capture, and follow-up. It also optimizes your site for conversions, ensuring leads are nurtured and converted.
• Wix. This offers water damage-specific templates with an easy drag-and-drop interface. You'll be able to customize your website in no time. If you don't want to put effort, its AI tool, Wix ADI, creates a professional site for you based on industry needs. Built-in SEO features help you rank locally. 
• Squarespace. This builder is ideal if you value visual appeal and extra features. Its modern templates create a sleek, professional look. It has built-in e-commerce features if you sell products like mold removal kits or dehumidifiers. It also has built-in analytics to track performance. 
• WordPress (with Elementor). This offers unmatched customization. Here, you can create personalized websites with booking systems and contact forms. You can even add complex functionalities like online payment processing. However, it does have a bit of a learning curve.

Conclusion: What’s the First Step to Getting More Water Damage Leads Online?

Pay-per-call websites are the first step to getting more water damage leads online. This brings you immediate business while you focus on the other strategies. Then, create a website and set up your Google Business Profile. Both boost your trustworthiness, especially if you have photos and reviews. You don't need to worry too much as website builders like Snapps.ai make it super easy for you. After that, you can decide to do Facebook groups, Local Service Ads, or run your own ads.