Common questions
Real answers.No spin.
If your question isn't here, call or text (619) 800-6557. Available 24/7 — same-day response guaranteed.
SEO & Rankings
- How long does it take for SEO to work for a contractor?
- Typically 3–6 months before you see meaningful movement in rankings and inbound calls. Month 1 is technical fixes and content. Months 2–3 are building authority. Months 4–6 are when rankings start shifting. Competitive markets — roofing or HVAC in major cities — take longer. We'll give you a market-specific estimate before you sign anything.
- Can you get me into the Google Map Pack?
- Yes. The Map Pack (the 3 local listings at the top of Google with a map) is a core part of our Framework and Buildout packages. It requires an optimized Google Business Profile, consistent citations across directories, and on-site signals that confirm your service area. In most markets, we see Map Pack movement in months 2–4.
- What's the difference between organic SEO and the Map Pack?
- The Map Pack is driven by your Google Business Profile — it shows your business name, phone number, reviews, and a map pin. Organic results are the blue links below, driven by your website's content and authority. Both matter for contractors. Our local SEO work targets both simultaneously.
- My competitor is always at the top of Google. What are they doing that I'm not?
- Usually one of three things: a more complete and active Google Business Profile, more reviews with a higher average rating, or more location-specific pages on their website. Sometimes all three. The free audit will show you exactly where the gap is.
- Do I need to blog to rank on Google?
- Not necessarily for the Map Pack or basic local rankings. But for competitive organic keywords — 'roofing company San Diego' or 'HVAC contractor [city]' — content is one of the primary ranking factors. The Buildout tier includes monthly blog posts specifically targeting the questions your customers search before hiring.
Google Ads & Paid Media
- What's the minimum budget for Google Ads management?
- $1,500/month in ad spend. Below that, the management fee becomes a disproportionate share of the budget and campaigns don't have enough data to optimize effectively. We'll tell you this on the first call if your budget doesn't fit — no point in taking your money for something that won't produce results.
- What are Local Services Ads and do I need them?
- Local Services Ads (LSAs) are Google's pay-per-lead product for service businesses. They show at the very top of search results with a 'Google Guaranteed' badge. You pay per lead — not per click. For most contractors, LSAs produce lower cost-per-lead than standard Google Ads. Setup requires license and insurance verification, which we handle.
- How do I know if my Google Ads are actually working?
- Call tracking. We set up tracking numbers that tell you exactly which ad or keyword generated each call. Without call tracking, you're guessing. With it, you know your cost-per-lead and can tie ad spend directly to booked jobs.
- Can you run Meta (Facebook/Instagram) ads for contractors?
- Yes, included in the Foreman tier. Meta ads work differently from Google — they're interruption-based rather than intent-based, so they work best for brand awareness, retargeting, and seasonal offers. We don't recommend Meta as the primary lead source for most contractors, but it's a strong complement to Google.
Websites
- Do I own the website when it's built?
- Yes. You own the domain, the code, and all the content. If you cancel, you take everything with you. No hostage situations.
- How long does it take to build a contractor website?
- 7 days for Foundation and Framework. 10 days for Buildout. 14 days for Foreman. These aren't estimates — they're our standard timelines. We run the kickoff call, gather your assets, build, send you a preview link, and go live.
- My current website is slow. Does that hurt my Google ranking?
- Yes. Google's Core Web Vitals are a ranking factor — sites that load slowly on mobile rank lower. We test your load time in the free audit. Most contractor sites we review fail Core Web Vitals because they're on cheap shared hosting with unoptimized images and bloated themes.
- Can you redesign my existing website instead of building from scratch?
- We can work from your existing domain and branding. Whether we rebuild from scratch or redesign depends on the current state of the site. We'll assess it in the audit and recommend the right approach.
Working With Us
- Do you require long-term contracts?
- No. Everything is month-to-month after the build. We'd rather earn your business every month by producing results than lock you into a contract and coast. If something isn't working, we want to know and fix it — not hide behind a 12-month term.
- What does the free audit include?
- Four things: your Google rankings for the keywords that matter in your market, your Google Business Profile completeness and setup, your website speed and Core Web Vitals score, and (if you're running ads) a review of your current spend and targeting. You'll get a clear summary of what's broken and what's working before we discuss any paid engagement.
- Do you work with all types of contractors?
- We work with general contractors, roofers, plumbers, HVAC companies, electricians, painters, landscapers, concrete and hardscape specialists, framers, remodelers, foundation contractors, and fence contractors. Construction and trades only — we don't work with restaurants, law firms, or e-commerce brands.
- How do I reach you if something's wrong?
- Call or text (858) 444-7903. We're available 24/7. You're not going through a support ticket system — you call or text the same number you've always had.
- Can I start with a smaller package and upgrade later?
- Yes. Every tier builds on the previous one. Your existing site, GBP setup, and SEO work carry forward when you upgrade. You only pay the build difference, not a full restart.
- What makes Die Hard Digital different from a generic marketing agency?
- We only work with contractors. That means we already know your keywords, your seasonal patterns, your competitors' tactics, and what a qualified lead looks like in your trade. A generic agency treats a roofer the same as a restaurant. We don't.
Still have questions?
Call or text (619) 800-6557 — available 24/7.