How We Helped Wescott Home Renovations Dominate Local Search

January is "Dead Season" for Contractors - Or Is It?

Ask any home renovation contractor in Cincinnati about January, and they'll tell you the same thing: it's the slowest month of the year. Between the holidays, cold weather, and homeowners putting off projects until spring, most companies see 0-2 leads. Some see zero.

But Wescott Home Renovations just had a different kind of January.

10 qualified leads. 3-4 leads per week. A pipeline full of basement remodels and renovation projects.

Here's how we turned the "slowest month of the year" into their strongest lead generation month yet.

The Challenge: Invisibility in a Competitive Market

When Wescott Home Renovations came to May Marketing SEO, they faced a common problem among Cincinnati contractors:

• Invisible in Google search results for key services
• Google Business Profile underperforming
• Inconsistent lead flow (feast or famine)
• Missing out on renovation projects in their prime service areas
• Seasonal slowdowns killing revenue in winter months

They needed more than just "SEO services." They needed a strategy that would generate quality leads consistently - even in January.

Our Strategy: Multi-Channel Local SEO

We didn't just optimize a few keywords and call it a day. We implemented a comprehensive local SEO strategy based on our proven framework:

1. Full-Funnel Content Strategy

We created content that targets homeowners at every stage of their renovation journey:

• Problem-awareness content: "Signs your basement needs waterproofing"
• Solution research: "Basement remodeling vs. finishing: what's the difference?"
• Provider comparison: "How to choose a Cincinnati renovation contractor"
• Bottom-of-funnel: "Kitchen remodeling cost guide Cincinnati"

This approach captures leads early - before they even know they need Wescott's services.

2. Google Business Profile Optimization

We optimized their Google Business Profile to dominate the local map pack:

• Complete, accurate business information
• Regular photo updates showcasing projects
• Review acquisition strategy
• Google Posts highlighting recent work
• Service area optimization for Cincinnati suburbs

3. Technical SEO Foundation

We fixed critical website issues that were holding back rankings:

• Page speed improvements (Core Web Vitals)
• Mobile optimization for on-the-go homeowners
• Proper canonical URLs and meta tags
• Schema markup for local business
• XML sitemaps for search engines

4. Service Area Pages

We created targeted pages for key Cincinnati suburbs, helping Wescott rank for location-specific searches like "basement remodeling West Chester" and "kitchen renovation Mason."

Implementation Timeline: 6 Months to Dominance

Month 1: Complete website audit, Google Business Profile optimization, technical fixes

Month 2: Content creation kickoff, service area page development, on-page SEO

Month 3-6: Consistent content publishing, link building, review acquisition, ongoing optimization

Ongoing: Monthly blog content, GBP updates, performance monitoring

The Results: Dead Season? What Dead Season?

Here's what happened when we executed this strategy:

January 2026 Lead Generation

• 10 qualified leads in January alone
• 3-4 leads per week consistently
• 400-500% increase over typical January performance
• Basement remodels dominating the pipeline (even in January!)

For context: most Cincinnati contractors see 0-2 leads in January. Wescott generated 10. That's not a minor improvement - that's completely redefining what's possible in "slow season."

Actual January Leads (Sample)

• Tricia Miller - Basement renovation inquiry
• Gwen Cavano - Full home remodel consultation
• Fred Wise - Kitchen remodeling project
• Dan & Ruth Zinser - Basement finishing quote
• Christopher Chavez - Addition and renovation

And five more quality leads where those came from.

Additional Wins

• Dramatically improved visibility in Google Maps pack for target keywords
• Increased organic traffic from homeowners actively searching for renovation services
• Stronger brand presence in Cincinnati suburbs
• Consistent lead flow (no more feast or famine)
• Reduced dependence on paid advertising

What We Did Differently

Most SEO agencies focus on ranking for a few bottom-of-funnel keywords like "kitchen remodeling Cincinnati." That's fine, but it's incomplete.

We took a different approach:

• Full-funnel content: Capturing homeowners at every stage, not just when they're ready to buy
• Multi-channel strategy: Organic search + Google Maps + content working together
• Consistency over tactics: Steady optimization instead of one-time fixes
• Local expertise: Deep understanding of Cincinnati market and suburbs
• Seasonal strategy: Content targeting off-season opportunities (like indoor winter projects)

Key Takeaways for Home Renovation Companies

Wescott's success isn't magic - it's strategy. Here's what other contractors can learn:

1. Local SEO is Non-Negotiable

Homeowners search for renovation services locally. If you're not visible in search results and Google Maps, you don't exist. Period.

2. Timeline Matters (But It's Faster Than You Think)

Significant results typically take 6-12 months. But Wescott saw meaningful improvement within the first 90 days. The key is consistency - SEO compounds over time.

3. Google Business Profile is Gold

A well-optimized Google Business Profile is often the difference between getting the call and losing to a competitor. It's your digital storefront.

4. Content Beyond "Service + City"

"Kitchen remodeling Cincinnati" is important. But so are guides, checklists, cost breakdowns, before/after showcases, and educational content that builds trust before the first contact.

5. Seasonal Slowdowns Are Optional

With the right strategy, you can generate quality leads year-round. Wescott's January proves that "dead season" is a myth - if you're positioned correctly.

Need Similar Results for Your Home Renovation Business?

You don't have to accept feast-or-famine lead flow. You don't have to dread January.

Let's talk about a local SEO strategy that positions your business where homeowners are looking - when they're looking.

Schedule a free strategy session and let's discuss how we can help you dominate your local market.

Serving Cincinnati home renovation contractors and beyond. Real strategies. Real results. No gimmicks.