Running successful Local Services Ads (LSAs) isn’t just about setting up a profile or getting leads. It’s about how you handle those leads once they pick up the phone. Speed, availability, and professionalism matter more than you think.

Why Phone Responsiveness Should Be Your Top Priority 

Phone responsiveness is a critical metric for Google LSAs. While most businesses focus on generating leads, few think about how answering the phone quickly and effectively impacts their ad rank and conversions. Here’s why this matters:

  • Speed Leads to Trust: Google tracks how quickly you respond when leads call your business. Answering quickly not only increases your chances of converting the customer but signals to Google that your firm is reliable. 
  • 24/7 Availability Matters: Potential clients often call at odd hours, especially in law. Being available round-the-clock ensures you capture leads that others might miss. This can significantly improve your rankings. 
  • Professionalism Boosts Reviews: Every call is an opportunity to create a positive impression. Answering with courtesy and professionalism directly influences your reviews, which are a driving factor in LSA rankings. 

Key Features of Google LSAs That Highlight Responsiveness 

Here’s how Google factors phone responsiveness into your LSA performance:

  1. Call Routing and Reporting: Google provides businesses with a unique number for tracking leads. While useful, this setup requires businesses to stay prepared for all incoming calls. If you fail to answer or take too long, it could harm your ad visibility. 
  2. Recorded Leads: Google records each phone call coming through LSAs. This allows for better lead management but also creates a clear record of how responsive (or unresponsive) you are. 
  3. Messaging Response Times: LSAs also display your average response time to messages. A slow or delayed response signals to users and Google that your availability might be unreliable. 

Simple Ways to Improve Phone Responsiveness in LSAs 

Here’s how to maximize your phone responsiveness and improve your LSA ranking:

  • Answer Fast: Speed is critical. Ensure someone answers within the first ring or two. If necessary, use a legal answering service to avoid missed opportunities. 
  • Stay Available 24/7: Clients might call after hours or during peak times. A 24/7 call answering solution ensures you’re never out of reach. 
  • Deliver a Great First Impression: Train your staff (or virtual receptionists) to handle every call with professionalism. A clear, friendly greeting can go a long way in converting calls into paying customers. 
  • Track and Review Call Quality: Regularly review call recordings provided by Google to identify areas for improvement. Better call handling means better customer experience, which leads to more positive reviews. 

Why Reviews and Responsiveness Work Hand-in-Hand 

  • Businesses with consistently great reviews (4.8 stars or higher) dominate top LSA spots. 
  • Google provides tools to request reviews directly from your account. Use these to encourage satisfied clients to share their experiences. 
  • Strong phone responsiveness directly increases client satisfaction, leading to glowing testimonials. 

The Bottom Line 

Phone responsiveness can make or break your success with Google Local Services Ads. Quick, professional, and reliable answers show customers (and Google) that your firm is trustworthy, leading to better rankings and more conversions.