Local business marketing FAQ — extended answers

Plain-English answers for small and mid-size local businesses — contractors, trades, retail, and professional services. ← Back to top questions on our home page

How much does done-for-you local marketing cost?
Published agency pricing for local businesses often falls between about $400 and $2,000+ per month, depending on whether the package includes only Google Business Profile work or adds website, reviews, social, and outreach. My Simple AI Help offers Get Found ($497/mo), Look Pro ($799/mo), and Grow ($1,999/mo), month-to-month.
Do I need a website if I have a Google Business Profile?
Many homeowners call straight from Google Maps. Still, a clean website backs up trust — services, service area, photos, and a contact path. Weak or outdated sites lose jobs after someone clicks through. Best combo: strong GBP + simple accurate site.
Is it legal to ask customers for Google reviews?
Yes — ask for honest feedback. Never offer incentives for reviews, never buy fake reviews, never post reviews you didn't earn. Respond professionally to negatives; draft-and-approve is standard agency practice.
How is this different from other “done for you” agencies?
Many agencies say done-for-you, then expect you to log into their app, client portal, or marketing dashboard. We handle it. Listings, review responses, posts, and updates are done by us. You get one weekly email in plain English — not another login to babysit.
What is done-for-you marketing?
We handle listings, review replies, Google posts, citations, and web updates. You get a weekly plain-English email — not a software login or portal you’re expected to run. Sensitive review responses and outreach emails go through you before they go live.
How long does local SEO take?
You should see visible progress — profile cleanup, reviews, numbers in your weekly email — within the first month. More booked work and profit often follows in 60–90 days. Anyone promising guaranteed #1 map placement or overnight revenue is overpromising — algorithms and competition vary by city.
What is AEO and does it matter for local businesses?
Answer Engine Optimization means writing clear Q&A content (like this page) so search engines and AI tools can surface direct answers. Blog posts, FAQ schema, and service-page FAQs help — especially for "how do I get more Google reviews" style questions.
What are Google Business Profile citations?
Citations are listings of your business name, address, and phone on directories (Yelp, industry sites, local chambers, etc.). Consistent NAP across Google, your site, and directories supports local trust signals.
Should contractors post on LinkedIn?
For B2B or commercial work (property managers, GCs), LinkedIn helps credibility. For residential emergency calls, Google and reviews matter more. Many shops benefit from both — Google for homeowners, LinkedIn for commercial relationships.
Do you run paid Google Ads?
Phase 1 packages focus on organic visibility, reviews, and web presence — not paid ad management. Ask us directly if you want referrals or a future ads add-on.
Do you answer phones for contractors?
Not in Phase 1. We cover visibility, reputation, web, and social — done for you, with one weekly email so you stay in the loop without living in software.
Who do you work with?
Small and mid-size local businesses — contractors and trades, retail with a local footprint, and professional services like real estate — that depend on phone calls, reviews, and online reputation. Nationwide remote delivery. Medical and legal practices aren't in our scope; those professions have compliance requirements that need a specialized approach.
Is there a long-term contract?
Month-to-month. Founding clients: 15% off months 1–3 (first five clients). Setup fees are one-time and not discounted.
How do I contact My Simple AI Help?