Skip to content

Local SEO services

Local SEO services that make the phone ring.

More calls and quote requests from Google search and the Map Pack, with AI search optimization built in and monthly reporting tied to leads and revenue.

Get my free action plan See the SEO results
  • $1,300–$3,000 a month
  • AI search optimization included
  • Six-month starting term

Robinson Restoration

Organic visits a month, before and after SEO

26X79
2,200+
BeforeWith Lithium

Organic traffic grew 26X with SEO alone.

120top-3 Google rankings for Robinson RestorationRead the case study
Google Partner badge Google PartnerView our Partners listing 5.0on Google · read our reviews
2010Lithium Marketing, established in 2010
$10M+Over $10 million in Google ad spend managed

Businesses we’ve worked with

  • Willard Power Vac
  • Sarkinen Plumbing
  • Robinson Restoration
  • Town & Country Glass
  • Dixie Glass
  • Byers Septic Service
  • F&W Fence Co.
  • Drake’s 7 Dees
  • Rickabaugh Construction
  • Hillsview Building
  • Dozer Dave
  • Mt. Hood Pro Painting
  • On-Target Landscape
  • Atiyeh Bros Carpet
  • Lovett
  • Westmore Construction
  • Northwest New Homes
  • Porter Sealcoating & Paving
  • RescueHero Restoration
  • Panda Plumbing
  • Biermann Plumbing & Heating
  • Ballistic Junk Removal
  • Smart Doors LLC
  • Peak Performance Roofing
  • Deluxe Heating & Cooling
  • Lifetime Exteriors
  • Bruce Johnson Construction
  • Madrone Painting
  • Smart Tree Service
  • Premier Gutter Cover
  • NW Pacific Electric
  • Universal HVAC
  • Lenny Martin Painting
  • Next Level Decks & Exteriors
  • Prodan Construction
  • Smooth Rollin’ Sealcoating and Paving
  • Lovett Restoration
  • Greenlight Titles
  • G.W. Hartley IV
  • Advanced Coatings
  • Thomson Equipment
  • MyADU

Why service businesses lose local search

Most SEO campaigns chase rankings and never produce leads.

Buyers type “emergency plumber near me” or “fence company near me”, scan the first few results and call whoever feels safest. SEO for a small business has to win that moment, not a spot in a rank tracker.

1

Rankings for searches that never call

A page can climb for broad informational searches and still bring in no work, because that visitor is not ready to call or request a quote. Lithium builds keyword maps around service value, urgency and the real sales path behind each search.

2

Technical problems quietly cap growth

Slow mobile pages, broken indexation, thin schema, duplicate service pages and weak internal links show up as fewer calls from the pages that should carry the business. Technical SEO comes first, so every content and link dollar works harder.

3

Service pages that could belong to anyone

A generic page gives Google, AI answers and buyers no reason to trust it. Strong local pages explain the specific service, the buyer’s problem, the proof behind the business and the next step.

4

Reports that stop at traffic

Traffic charts do not book jobs. Without call tracking, form tracking and lead quality in the report, no one can say which work moved the business, so the budget keeps going to the wrong pages.

What the retainer includes

Eight parts of every local SEO program.

This is not a menu of upsells. It is what ships inside every SEO retainer we run, because each part makes the others work harder.

Technical SEO foundation

Mobile Core Web Vitals targets (LCP under 2.5 seconds, INP under 200 ms, CLS under 0.1), clean indexation, fixed redirect chains and less crawl waste.

Keywords tied to revenue per lead

Every keyword maps to a buyer stage, an estimated revenue per lead and a realistic difficulty, so the work goes where one ranking can move the phone.

On-page SEO on every page

Title tags, meta descriptions, headings, internal links and content depth that match what the buyer searched, page by page.

Content that answers buyers

Human-written service, location and FAQ pages first, then supporting content that feeds authority back into the pages that bring in calls.

Google Business Profile and citations

Profile optimization, citation cleanup across the directories buyers trust and review-funnel support that gets every customer asked for a Google review.

Multi-tiered semantic link building

Authority links built every month across three topically relevant tiers, led by publications, trade sources and associations that match your trade.

Schema and AI search readiness

Validated LocalBusiness, Service and FAQ schema, answer-first copy and llms.txt, so Google, AI Overviews, ChatGPT and Perplexity read you clearly.

Tracking and monthly reporting

GA4 events on every form and click-to-call, call tracking on every number, a Looker Studio dashboard and a monthly report tied to leads and revenue.

Google Business Profile and the Map Pack

Your Google Business Profile is a sales page, not a listing.

On a local search, the Map Pack often shows up before the organic results, and a buyer can call, get directions or open your website straight from your profile. Lithium treats it as a conversion surface and keeps improving it month by month.

Google Business Profile work is part of every local SEO retainer. Your profile, website, citations and schema carry the same name, phone, services and service area, so Google and AI answers see one consistent business.

  • Categories and services that match what you sell
  • Service areas set to where you work
  • Fresh photos and products
  • Review requests sent to every customer
  • Citation cleanup on Yelp, Apple Maps and Bing Places
  • One name, address and phone everywhere

Read the Lithium blog

How local SEO works with Lithium

The first 90 days, then every month after.

SEO is a compounding system, not a one-time project. Lithium ships fixes and content on a weekly cadence and reports monthly, so you always know what moved and what comes next.

  1. 1Week 1

    Discovery and full SEO audit

    We pull your Search Console, GA4, Google Business Profile and backlink data, crawl the site, and map your services, buyers, revenue per lead and the three to five competitors already winning your searches.

  2. 2Week 2

    Keyword and content roadmap

    You get a keyword map tied to revenue per lead, a topical plan, an internal-linking blueprint and a publishing calendar that leads with the searches closest to a booked job.

  3. 3Weeks 2 to 3

    Technical fixes and on-page work

    Core Web Vitals, schema, indexation cleanup, internal links and title and meta rewrites ship before content or links are asked to carry more weight.

  4. 4Weeks 3 to 6

    Core content, answer-first

    Service pages, location pages where they make sense, FAQs and conversion pages, written so Google, AI Overviews and ChatGPT can lift each answer cleanly.

  5. 5Weeks 6 to 7

    Google Business Profile and links

    Profile optimization, citation cleanup, review-funnel support and monthly link building add the off-site authority a website cannot earn on its own.

  6. 6Every month

    Report, adjust, compound

    Monthly reports tie organic search to leads, cost per lead and revenue, including AI-search referrals, and the plan adjusts every 30 days around what creates pipeline.

Technical fixes usually move within the first month
30 days
Technical fixes usually move within the first month
Local and long-tail rankings typically follow
60–90 days
Local and long-tail rankings typically follow
Revenue impact compounds from here
Month 4
Revenue impact compounds from here

Local SEO results

What local SEO did for a plumber and a glass company.

Both results are printed on the clients’ case studies, measured with the same tracking every SEO program we run reports each month.

Plumbing

Sarkinen Plumbing went from just over 4% to 15% search visibility in one month.

In the first month of SEO, Sarkinen’s share of visibility in tracked plumbing searches grew 3.75X, while most of its local competitors lost ground. Out of 220 tracked keywords, more than 50 reached the top three positions on Google: one in four. Together with conversion-focused Google Ads, the program doubled Sarkinen’s leads on the same budget.

search visibility in the first month
3.75X
search visibility in the first month
of 220 tracked keywords in the top three
50+
of 220 tracked keywords in the top three

Read the Sarkinen case study

Search visibility vs local competitors

The first month of SEO

Share of visibility in tracked plumbing searches, with the change for the month in points.

+11.21

points for Sarkinen

  • sarkinenplumbing.com+11.21 pts
    15.35%
  • mrrooter.com−0.57 pts
    7.96%
  • pacificplumbinganddrain.com−0.34 pts
    6.82%
  • 3mountainsplumbing.com+4.40 pts
    5.62%
  • einsteinpros.com−0.33 pts
    5.53%
  • hencoplumbing.com−0.13 pts
    4.68%
  • dandfplumbing.com−1.23 pts
    4.68%

Commercial glass

Town & Country Glass grew from 1 top-3 ranking to 109.

When Town & Country Glass came to Lithium, exactly one keyword ranked in Google’s top three. Technical fixes, service-page content and steady link building took that to 109, and organic traffic grew 13X, from 145 to 1,849 visits a month.

organic traffic
13X
organic traffic
top-3 rankings, up from 1
109
top-3 rankings, up from 1

Town & Country case study

Town & Country Glass

Organic visits a month, before and after SEO

13X145
1,849
BeforeWith Lithium

Top-3 rankings grew from 1 to 109 over the same program.

SEO, AEO and GEO

SEO, AEO and GEO, explained in plain words.

Three names for three places buyers find you, and one body of work behind them.

Search engine optimization (SEO)

Targets classic Google and Bing results: the blue links and the Map Pack that show up when someone searches.

Shows up in

  • Google results
  • Map Pack
  • Bing

Answer engine optimization (AEO)

Targets the direct answers on the results page, such as Google AI Overviews, featured snippets and People Also Ask.

Shows up in

  • Google AI Overviews
  • Featured snippets
  • People Also Ask

Generative engine optimization (GEO)

Targets generative engines like ChatGPT, Perplexity and Claude that write their own answers from the open web.

Shows up in

  • ChatGPT
  • Perplexity
  • Claude

Lithium vs DIY vs a typical local SEO agency

What a service business owner gets, by SEO approach.

Core Web Vitals passed on mobile

DIY SEO tools
Rarely
Typical local SEO agency
Sometimes
Lithium Marketing
Validated every release

Keyword strategy tied to revenue per lead

DIY SEO tools
No
Typical local SEO agency
Rare
Lithium Marketing
Built into every roadmap

Human-written service content

DIY SEO tools
No
Typical local SEO agency
Sometimes
Lithium Marketing
Always, fact-checked

Google Business Profile optimization

DIY SEO tools
Basic only
Typical local SEO agency
Sometimes
Lithium Marketing
Fully optimized for Map Pack signals

Multi-tiered semantic link building

DIY SEO tools
Single-tier at best
Typical local SEO agency
Often single-tier
Lithium Marketing
Three tiers with semantic filters

Schema (LocalBusiness, Service, FAQ, Article)

DIY SEO tools
No
Typical local SEO agency
Sometimes
Lithium Marketing
Yes, Rich Results Test verified

AI search optimization (AI Overviews, ChatGPT, Perplexity)

DIY SEO tools
No
Typical local SEO agency
Rare
Lithium Marketing
Included, structured for generative answers

GA4 and call tracking wired to organic

DIY SEO tools
No
Typical local SEO agency
Sometimes
Lithium Marketing
Always, conversion paths labeled

Reports tie traffic to leads and revenue

DIY SEO tools
No
Typical local SEO agency
Rare
Lithium Marketing
Monthly, with attributed revenue

Strategy across SEO, Google Ads and CRO

DIY SEO tools
No
Typical local SEO agency
No
Lithium Marketing
Yes, one team

Pricing

Published local SEO pricing, scoped to your revenue per lead.

A typical Lithium local SEO retainer runs $1,300 to $3,000 a month. Competition, service-area breadth, content and link velocity move the number, and you see it, with the reasoning, before anything is signed.

$1,300–$3,000

per month

Typical local SEO retainer, with Google Business Profile work and AI search optimization included. Service agreements typically start with six months, then renew monthly with 30 days’ cancellation notice. What we guarantee is the work.

Get my free action planSee the SEO results
“Lithium Marketing has been amazing for our business. They have greatly increased our web traffic and helped us land hundreds of jobs. Before we started using Lithium we were sitting on page 8 in google. We are now sitting in the top spots in all the areas we do work.”
Daniel BusbyDaniel BusbyPresident, Willard Power Vac
“A lot of options out there for websites and SEO. I’ve worked with this team for years now and would highly recommend them. They know their stuff and deliver results. More importantly to me- they care about service and follow through on what they say they will do. Easy to work with and communicate with. Thank you!”
Nathan BoosNathan BoosHillsview Building

More SEO results

Organic growth in three more trades.

A septic company, a fence company and a garden center. Every number is printed on that client’s case study.

Swipe to see all three

Byers Septic Tank Service website homepageSeptic

Byers Septic Service

9Xorganic traffic

91 to 799 visits a month

more ranking keywords (36 to 395)
11X
more ranking keywords (36 to 395)
conversion rate
23.1%
conversion rate
Read the case study
F&W Fence Co. website homepage for fence installation, supply and repairFence

F&W Fence Co.

4Xmore ranking keywords

190 to 745 keywords

top-3 rankings (3 to 28)
9X
top-3 rankings (3 to 28)
core search conversion rate
27.78%
core search conversion rate
Read the case study
Drake’s 7 Dees garden center and landscaping website homepageGarden center

Drake’s 7 Dees

380%more organic traffic

in one year

Google Ads conversion rate
26.4%
Google Ads conversion rate
leads in 60 days
744
leads in 60 days
Read the case study

this could be you!

Your business could be next.

Start with a free action plan. A co-founder reviews your goals, your website and your current marketing.

Get my free action plan See all case studies

FAQ

Local SEO, straight answers.

DJ Van Zanten

Still curious?

Call (503) 766-5964 or email [email protected].

How much do local SEO services cost?

Local SEO retainers for service businesses typically run $1,300 to $3,000 a month. Competition, service-area breadth, the content needed and link velocity set where a program lands, and we scope every program against your revenue per lead so the math closes.

How long does local SEO take to work?

Most service businesses see ranking and traffic gains on local and long-tail searches within 60 to 90 days. Technical fixes usually move within 30 days, revenue impact compounds from month four, and competitive money terms take longer because links, reviews and authority need time to build.

Do you guarantee #1 rankings?

No, because Google controls rankings and no reputable local SEO company can promise a specific position. What we guarantee is the work: technical fixes shipped on time, helpful content, a fully optimized Google Business Profile, links built with semantic filters and reporting that shows what changed.

Do I need SEO, AEO and GEO, or only SEO?

You need all three, and every SEO program Lithium runs covers them. SEO keeps you in the blue links and the Map Pack. AEO puts your answers in front of buyers who read Google’s AI Overviews and featured snippets. GEO shapes how ChatGPT, Perplexity and Claude describe you when a buyer asks for a recommendation. Our AI SEO page explains the AEO and GEO work in detail.

How is SEO different from Google Ads?

Google Ads buys the top of the results for as long as you keep paying, while SEO earns visibility in the organic results and the Map Pack over time and builds the signals Google’s AI Overviews draw on. They work best together: Google Ads typically shows initial results within the first week, and SEO lowers your blended cost per lead over the long term. Management starts at $500 a month, separate from ad spend.

How do you measure SEO success?

By leads and revenue, with rankings and traffic as the early signals. The monthly report tracks three layers: impressions, tracked rankings and Map Pack visibility; clicks, conversion rate by landing page and call quality; and leads, cost per lead and revenue attributed to organic search.

What does the monthly SEO retainer include?

Strategy, execution, QA and reporting from one team, every month. It covers technical SEO, on-page optimization, ongoing content, Google Business Profile management, citation cleanup, review-funnel support, multi-tiered semantic link building, AI search optimization, schema, conversion tracking and reporting tied to leads and revenue, with the mix tuned to your market.

Do I have to sign a long-term contract?

Our usual SEO agreement starts with six months, then continues month to month with 30 days’ cancellation notice. SEO compounds, so we plan the first 90 days with you up front and adjust the plan every 30 days. Your written agreement confirms the final terms.

Who owns my website and content if we part ways?

You do. You own your domain, hosting account, website and the content on it, and if you ever leave Lithium, you take the site with you.

Do you work with businesses in my trade?

Yes, if you run a service business that wins work from calls, quote requests and booked appointments. Lithium’s published SEO results cover plumbing, restoration, commercial glass, septic, fence and garden center companies, and its clients include contractors, builders and painters. Your first call is with DJ Van Zanten, a co-founder, and ends with a written priority list whether or not you work with us.

Free action plan

Ready for SEO you can measure in booked jobs?

Let’s have a real conversation about your business. No fluff, no high-pressure sales pitch. In a 1:1 strategy call, we’ll review your goals, your website, and your current marketing efforts. You’ll leave with a prioritized plan outlining quick wins and a clear path toward long-term, sustainable growth.

What we’ll cover

  • What’s working (and what isn’t) in your current marketing
  • Site and funnel gaps that are costing you leads
  • Local SEO and paid traffic opportunities
  • Simple tracking and KPIs to measure success
(503) 766-5964 [email protected]

2000 NE 42nd Ave Ste D Unit 2370, Portland, OR 97213

Prefer to pick a time? Book a 30-minute call with DJ

Get my free action plan

Tell us a little about your business. Response within 24 hours.

  • 100% free, no obligation
  • Custom plan for your business
  • Response within 24 hours
Call now Free action plan