Marketing for Locksmiths: 10 Best Strategies & Ideas to Get Leads

How do you ensure your locksmith service is the first one customers think of when they need their locks changed? The answer is simple: locksmith marketing. While you may be an expert in your field, the truth is that people may not be aware of your expertise until you actively market your skills.

The good news is that you can market your locksmith business today using traditional and digital methods. In this article, we’ll show you tried-and-tested locksmith marketing ideas you can adopt for your business that will:

• Get you more high-intent leads
• Increase your business revenue
• Help you scale your locksmith business

Even if you have a solid client roster now, you’ll need a steady stream of active leads to scale and sustain your locksmith business.

Jump Ahead To Each Locksmith Marketing Section

How Digital Marketing Can Help Locksmiths Grow

Digital marketing for locksmiths can help you achieve your business goals, starting with increasing awareness of your services in your area. A whopping 77% of consumers use Google Search to look for local business information, so your locksmith business can gain more exposure through digital channels such as Google, Bing, social media, and local ad campaigns.

Since most of your leads are active on at least one of these online channels, claiming ownership of online profiles can help you promote your business and connect with a larger pool of customers who need fast, reliable services. Over time, you’ll be able to build a solid digital presence that can and will generate steady leads, helping you grow your business and increase your revenue.

How to Develop an Effective Locksmith Marketing Plan

A successful locksmith marketing plan combines two key factors. The first includes understanding your target audience. For example, if your locksmith business is in a suburban area, your target audience will most likely be homeowners and real estate brokers. However, if you operate in a fast-paced urban center, your customer base will include apartment renters, local businesses, and supers (property managers) in apartment buildings.

You will also need to identify your audience’s specific needs, whether they are emergency lockout services or security upgrades. Then, you can tailor and package your marketing services accordingly.

The second factor is zeroing in on the channels that will most impact your marketing efforts. Your locksmith business will benefit from targeting digital marketing channels like Google or social media alongside traditional channels such as word-of-mouth marketing or distributing flyers in local neighborhoods.

Best Internet & Digital Marketing Strategies for Locksmiths

Let’s take a look at some of the most effective locksmith marketing strategies to generate these leads.

1. Create a Website for Your Locksmith Company

If you want more people to use your locksmith services, you need to make it easy for them to find you. A website is the easiest way to ensure that people don’t just find you but also learn about the services you’re offering, get a virtual quote, access contact details, and see what past customers have to say about you.

Your website is a potential lead magnet, especially if it includes call-to-actions like “Get a Quote” or sign-up forms. It encourages prospects to reach out to you and inquire about your services. Even if all of these prospects do not convert, they’re likely to bookmark your services for future use—which is a big win.

With a list of prospects and fresh leads filtered through your website, you can personally market your services to them at intervals, either via email or cold calling. Remember, your website is your virtual storefront, and it’s worth investing in to improve visibility and trustworthiness. While designing your website, ensure it:

• It is easy to navigate and functions well across devices.
• It lists all essential information, including service offerings, the areas you service, and your contact details.
• It has a customer reviews section for social proof.
• It includes call-to-action buttons such as “Inquire Now” or “Ask Us a Question.”
• It has an online booking/request form.
• It features trust signals such as certifications or licenses, if any.

Websites by Housecall Pro Helping Locksmiths Capture Bookings 24/7

Websites from Housecall Pro bring everything together to help locksmiths attract new clients, manage jobs smoothly, and build lasting customer relationships. It’s a complete system designed to meet your everyday business needs. Housecall Pro’s website experts will create a polished, professional website that is mobile-friendly and integrated with Google Analytics 4 to measure and track performance. Easily showcase your locksmith services, display customer reviews, and boost local SEO for “locksmith near me” searches, driving more traffic and credibility.

With an integrated website and online booking experience, locksmiths can view and manage all appointments from one place, syncing with your Calendar, Gmail, and devices for seamless workflows. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Convenient Booking System
   Enable customers to book your services directly through Google Search, Maps, and Assistant. This makes it easy for new clients to discover and schedule with you instantly
2. Customer & Review Management
   Manage and streamline all customer interactions like asking for reviews, service history, and follow-ups with Housecall Pro’s locksmith CRM.
3. Streamlined Operations
   Optimize your time with real-time scheduling, route optimization, and quick response to emergency locksmith calls.
4. Simplified Payments
   Accept payments on the spot and send quick invoices through the app, improving cash flow and customer convenience—ideal for urgent locksmith jobs.

With Housecall Pro, locksmiths can create a stronger online presence, improve customer service, and reduce costs through improving operational efficiency. Ready to learn more?

Sign up for a free 2-week trial of Housecall Pro and see it for yourself.

2. Claim Your Free Google Business Profile

When searching for a local locksmith service, people regularly suffix their search with “near me,” a trend that has increased by 200% in recent years. One of the best ways to show up in this search is by claiming your Google Business Profile (GBP). However, just claiming it isn’t enough.

You need to ensure that it is updated and includes accurate information. This way, your locksmith business profile on Google will also find a position on the map pack, that little info nugget you see next to Google Maps when you search for nearby businesses. This instantly puts you in the purview of potential customers, making them more likely to choose you over someone who isn’t on the list.

Here’s the best way to optimize your GBP and earn a spot on the map pack. Be sure to include the following:

• Basic details like your business name, address, and contact details
• Operating hours
• High-resolution photos of your shop or crew at work
• Positive customer reviews (gather these by asking past customers to submit Google reviews for your business)

If you have many service locations, create individual pages for each so customers can find you in their local searches.

3. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) for Locksmiths

Employing an SEO strategy for your locksmith business can do wonders for its visibility. A successful SEO campaign can push your website to the top of first-page results and keep you there, resulting in fresh, high-quality leads. 

Once you have an up-and-running website, you can start identifying the most relevant keywords for your business using a keyword search tool such as Semrush or Google Keyword Planner. For example, if your unique service proposition is that you offer 24/7 services in Brookline, MA, it’s a good idea to target keywords like “24-hour locksmith Brookline, MA” or “after-hours locksmith Brookline MA.” Ensure you incorporate these keywords throughout your website, including page titles, headers, and meta descriptions. 

We already focused on Local SEO above by claiming and optimizing a free Google Business Profile, but you shouldn’t stop there. To truly understand Search Engine Optimization for locksmiths, you’ll need to focus on the different types of SEO. Here are more factors to consider to have a well rounded, comprehensive and ROI-achieving SEO campaign:

On-Page SEO

This involves improving your website’s content and structure:

• Using keywords like “emergency locksmith” in your page titles and content
• Creating separate pages for different services (e.g., car lockouts, home rekeying)
• Adding your location to page titles and headings

Off-Page SEO

This is about building your reputation outside your website:

• Getting other local businesses to link to your site
• Being active on social media
• Creating partnerships with related businesses like real estate agents

Technical SEO

This deals with the behind-the-scenes aspects of your website:

• Making sure your site loads quickly
• Creating a mobile-friendly design
• Using HTTPS for security
• Setting up proper site structure with clear navigation

Creating an SEO strategy can be a challenging task to carry out on your own, so consider enlisting the services of an SEO specialist. It may take a few months before you see results, but rest assured—it’s worth the investment.

4. Place Google Ads & Local Service Ads

Google local service ads (GLSA) differ from your typical pay-per-click (PPC) campaigns. While both are paid ads, GLSA highlights your business for more local-intent queries such as “locksmith service near me.” Just like PPC advertising, you only pay for the ad when a prospect calls or messages you through the ad.

However, there’s one more advantage to running GSLA for your locksmith services. GSLA prioritizes your services by pushing them to the top of the page when someone searches on Google with a transactional intent, i.e., when the customer is clearly (and frantically) looking for a locksmith service.

For example, searches such as “urgent locksmith services in Louisville, KY” or “emergency locksmith services in NYC” may denote transactional intent. As such, Google will promote your locksmith business if it’s in the search area over others. However, it’s worth noting that you can only participate in GSLAs after your business undergoes screening and verification. At the end of this process, you’ll get a Google Guaranteed badge and a green check, assuring potential clients that your business is trustworthy.

Appear for Locksmith Searches With Google Local Service Ads Integration from Housecall Pro

Housecall Pro’s integration with Google Local Services Ads helps locksmiths grow their business by getting booked directly from the top of Google search results. Here’s how it works:

1. Top Search Placement
   Your ads appear at the top of Google, allowing customers to instantly book your services from search results.
2. Targeted Advertising
   Control where your ads show by targeting specific zip codes, helping you book more local jobs.
3. Pay-Per-Lead
   Only pay when a customer contacts you directly from the ad, making it cost-effective.
4. 24/7 Bookings
   Show your real-time availability, allowing customers to book your services anytime, even while you sleep.

This system ensures you’re always visible to potential customers and keeps your calendar full.

5. Offer Promotions Through Paid Facebook Ads

Facebook ad promotions are an effective locksmith social media marketing strategy. They help you reach the right customers while being cost-effective. One of the best ways to target your potential customers on Facebook is through their location and the competing locksmith pages they like or follow. Alternatively, you can segment your audience into renters, homeowners, real estate agents, or property managers and create specific ads for each segment.

Once your target audience is locked in, you can start displaying relevant, promotional ads that offer a discount, a free consultation, or a time-sensitive ad like “20% off until the end of the week.” This may prompt them to take quick action; if not, they’ll save your contact for future reference.

Promotional ads work best when you support them with eye-catching visuals and compelling CTAs such as “Call Us for Urgent Locksmith Services.” You must also have a clear company logo and contact details that will help prospects keep you front of mind. Be sure to test multiple ads with different segments. Over time, you can analyze which promotions best resonate with each target audience and tweak your approach accordingly.

6. Get Involved In Relevant Facebook Groups

One of the best ways to market your locksmith company is by joining local Facebook groups. This can bring organic leads and will cost you nothing.

With consistent contributions and advice, you can build a valuable community that relies on your expertise. This increases the chances of community members calling you when they need a locksmith service, having had a good preview of your expertise and brand.

However, is there a strategy you should follow while participating in Facebook groups? Here’s what we recommend:

• Join a mix of private and visible Facebook groups. This lets you access a broader pool of prospects.
• Connect with real estate page groups, neighborhood watch groups, or community forums for service providers in your area.
• Keep promotional material to a minimum. Instead, focus on adding value and offering helpful advice, such as sharing tips for home security or answering relevant queries.
• Occasionally, you can share promotional discounts on your locksmith services that apply to group members. For example, you can offer a free consultation to group members or an exclusive 50% discount on the first service.

7. Post Helpful DIY Locksmith Blog Content

While having a website for your business is great, it’s not enough. In addition to general information like your contact details and service offerings, you must offer your site visitors something extra, such as blogs and DIY content.

You can create a blog calendar that focuses on the kind of content your prospects are seeking, whether it is DIY locksmith advice, information on various types of smart locks, or general tips about home security. You can cover these topics in detail and create internal links using keyword research and SEO techniques.

Starting a blog will:

• Position you as an expert in your industry, helping you build trust with prospects
• Bring fresh leads as people are likely to find your website organically while searching for locksmith-related content. On average, companies that blog regularly generate 67% more leads than those that don’t.
• Indicate to Google that you’re an authority on the subject, pushing your website higher in the search results and making it easier for customers to find you

Ensure your blog content is always informative, valuable, and engaging. At the end of each blog, you can pivot to your locksmith services by including a promotional line or offering your readers a free consultation.

8. Post Short Form Video Social Media Content

Contrary to the current trend, short-form video content on social media isn’t just about song-and-dance routines. People across platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook still rely on educational content. You can attract engagement and fresh leads by creating informative short-form video content.

For example, the next time you’re on a job site, have an assistant record you unlocking a tricky door or rekeying a lock. Upload this video on your social media profile to show your expertise. Alternatively, you can create a weekly series where you share tips on fixing minor lock issues or explain why security upgrades are essential.

This type of content keeps people hooked while building a personal brand for your locksmith business. Ensure you link your website and Google profile to your social media page so your leads can reach out.

9. Finding Local Business Directories

Instead of relying on Google alone, you can list your business on local directories where people frequently search for locksmith services. These include online repositories such as Angi, Thumbtack, or Yelp.

Ensure you claim your business profile on these local directories to make your locksmith business more discoverable to local audiences. People are more likely to visit your page and solicit your services if you have an active profile with updated business hours, contact details, and, most importantly, customer reviews.

Here are some more local directories where you can list your locksmith business:

• Nextdoor
• HomeAdvisor
• Yell
• Houzz

10. Offline Marketing

While digital techniques seem to have taken over the marketing world, traditional offline marketing tactics shouldn’t be disregarded. Many of these old-school techniques still work because they’re tangible reminders of your service.

• Distributing Flyers: A simple tactic like distributing a flyer in your neighborhood, replete with punchy lines and clear service offerings, can get you high-intent leads.
• Posting Yard Signs: You can also create buzz around your services by installing yard signs at job sites or handing out business cards to happy customers, encouraging them to recommend you to their neighbors or friends.
• Business Cards: If you want to get creative, keep a few custom-made keychains to distribute to local partners or first-time customers. You can easily create flyers, business cards, and signages using free design templates provided by websites like Canva or BrandCrowd.
• Sending Direct Mail Offers: If you prefer a simpler approach, use direct mail campaigns from Housecall Pro to send postcards with promotional offers to homeowners or small businesses. Though simple, these low-cost offline strategies can considerably boost your local presence, bringing you new and steady leads over the years.

Additional Locksmith Marketing Ideas You Should Try for Even More Leads

Partnering With Local Businesses

Real estate agents, property managers, and even car dealerships are constantly on the lookout for reliable locksmith services to recommend to their vast client base. You can forge a long-term partnership with them by offering exclusive discounts on certain services or prioritizing response times for referrals.

Another clever way to forge effective partnerships is to reach out to hardware or big-box stores in your neighborhood, whether Home Depot or a local trusted business. You can offer to make them your go-to shop for all your locksmith supplies and tools. In exchange, they can recommend your locksmith services to all their customers and advertise your services in their store.

Investing in Vehicle Wraps and Signage

Due to their mobile nature, vehicle signages and wraps are a fantastic way to brand your business and gain exposure in various neighborhoods.

You can brand your company vehicles with a logo and a catchy call-to-action headline such as “Locked Out? We’re Just a Call Away”, followed by your contact number. This can grab the necessary eyeballs and create top-of-mind associations that convert into leads over time.

Locksmith Software That Helps Your Business Dominate Your Local Market

Your locksmith business deserves all the help it needs to excel in your local market. Housecall Pro makes it easy to manage your operations with our user-friendly business management software so you can focus on growth.

Housecall Pro’s highly-rated locksmith software equips you with automated marketing solutions that will wow your clients, from virtual chat features and job checklists to online booking systems. As you grow, you can trust our software and tools to adapt to your changing business needs.

Ready to be your area’s go-to locksmith? Sign up for our free 14-day trial today and learn how to make your business stand out among competitors.

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