For a towing company, success hinges on being readily available when motorists, truckers and other customers find themselves in need of assistance. As a tow company owner or manager, you know that getting that cash call, is the holy grail of calls, and therefore you’ll find robust competition in most markets, with multiple companies vying for that next direct call.

The formula for success should begin with your total online presence and local rank, and here’s why: 

The Power of Local Directories:

Imagine a stranded motorist on the side of the road, phone in hand, searching for a reliable towing company. This is where online directories come into play. Platforms like Google Business Profile, Yelp, Bing Places, Apple Maps, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) are often the first touchpoints for potential customers because they appear on page one for many mobile users. By ensuring your company is listed on these platforms and maintaining accurate information, you increase your chances of being discovered during these micro-moments.

Distance, Relevance, and Prominence: The Keys to Visibility

Search engines and directory algorithms prioritize listings based on several factors, including:

• Distance: When a user searches for “towing near me,” local listings take precedence. Ensure your address and service area are accurately listed on all available directories.
• Relevance: Optimize your listings with relevant keywords like “24/7 towing,” “roadside assistance,” or “flat tire repair.” This improves your chances of appearing in searches related to the services you offer.
• Prominence: Positive reviews, ratings, and consistent engagement with your listings (responding to reviews, updating information) enhance your prominence in search results.

Beyond the Big Names: Exploring Additional Directories

While Google, Yelp, and Bing are major players, don’t neglect other relevant directories. Remember, you can’t control how that next customer is going to be seeking out help. Their device type, their location, and the search terms they enter to find help, all determine which companies will appear. A comprehensive buildout across all available sites will greatly increase you exposure amongst those searches.

• Amazon Alexa & Apple’s Siri: With voice assistants becoming increasingly popular, ensure your company is listed on the voice directories allowing users to find you with simple voice commands, many times directly from their vehicles own systems.
• BBB, Merchant Circle & Tier II Directories Remember, you don’t know what your customer is going to search for. Many times, there are variations of searches such as: Tow Truck in Arlington, Tow Company near me, Towing Service available now, and hundreds of other combinations which may pull up your listing on one of these sites, or the hundred others that exist in the U.S. Make sure you are everywhere, with your best foot forward!

The Bottom Line: Increased Visibility, More Customers

By claiming and optimizing your listings across various online directories, you create a wider online presence, making it easier for stranded motorists and truckers to find your services. Remember, the faster you’re found, the quicker you can assist those in need, translating into increased customer satisfaction and more direct inbound calls. 

Bonus Tip: Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews on your directory listings, especially Google. Positive reviews not only build trust but also boost your prominence in search results, so implement a strategy for capturing them.

By following these steps and maintaining a strong online presence, you can ensure that your towing company is in the best possible position to connect with a new customer who needs your help!

At OMG Tow Marketing, our Google Business-Pro product is our number one seller. It provides our towing clients with a robust program that will consistently improve their Local SEO. Our approach to Local SEO includes a variety of tactics which will affect local rank. Some of the features include comprehensive online review management, claiming, building out, and then managing ALL online listings on the more than 70 different online directories in our network. This enables us to syndicate content such as pictures, promotions, changes in services and more. A Tow Marketing Specialist is at the helm, making sure you are free to do what you do best, leaving the program management to us.

Test your Local Google Rank now with a free OMG Tow Rank Grid . Checkout where your business ranks from the street level across your entire service area and see where you are standing out and where you need to improve.