Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to the questions contractors ask before working with us.
Getting Started
Before we work together.
What types of businesses do you work with?
We specialize in home service businesses — HVAC, electricians, pest control, plumbers, painters and similar trades. If your customers are searching Google or AI to find someone like you in their area, we know how to make sure they find you easily.
Do I have to sign a long-term contract?
No. We work on a month-to-month basis. We believe if we’re doing our job well, you won’t want to leave — and our retention rate proves it. Many of our clients have been with us for over a decade. That said, digital marketing takes time to build momentum, so we always recommend giving it at least 6 months before evaluating results.
How much does it cost?
It depends on what you need. Our services typically range from a few hundred dollars a month for focused work like Google Business Profile management to a few thousand for a multi-location marketing program. We’ll talk through your goals and budget on a strategy call and put together a plan that makes sense for where you are right now. No cookie-cutter packages.
What do you need from me to get started?
We’ll need access to your Google Business Profile, your website, and your Google Analytics and Search Console accounts. We’ll also want to have an in-depth conversation about your business — who your best customers are, what services you want to grow, and where you’re struggling. The more we understand your business, the better we can market it.
I'm not tech savvy. Is that a problem?
Not at all. Most of our clients aren’t — and that’s perfectly fine. You know how to run your business, and we know how to market it. We handle the technical side and explain everything in plain English. If you can get on a phone call and check your email, we’re good.
I already have a marketing company. Can you help me figure out if they're doing a good job?
Absolutely. We offer marketing audits where we take an honest look at what’s working and what isn’t. We’ll review your Google Business Profile, your website, your search rankings, and how you’re showing up compared to your competitors. Sometimes the answer is that your current team is doing fine. Other times, we find things that are being missed or done incorrectly. Either way, you’ll walk away with a clear picture.
Working With Us
What to expect once we start.
Who will I actually be working with?
Me, Jacob, and our team. We’re a small, boutique agency of six people — not a big shop where you get handed off to a junior account manager after you sign. When you call, you’re talking to someone who actually knows your business. That’s by design.
What does the first month look like?
The first month is all about getting the foundation right. We dig into your current online presence, audit your Google Business Profile, review your website, look at your competitors, and develop a strategy tailored to your market. There’s a lot happening behind the scenes. You won’t see a flood of leads in week one, but you’ll know exactly what we’re doing and why.
How often will we talk?
We schedule monthly strategy calls with you. That’s where we review performance, talk about what’s working, adjust strategy, and plan ahead. Between calls, we’re always available by email, phone, or text if something comes up. We don’t disappear between check-ins.
Do I own my website, ad accounts, and data?
Yes. 100%. Your website, your domain, your ad accounts, your data — all of it belongs to you. If we ever part ways, you walk away with everything. We don’t hold anything hostage, and we never will. That’s non-negotiable for us.
What's included in your marketing services?
It varies by client because we don’t do one-size-fits-all. That said, our core services include local SEO, Google Business Profile optimization, website design and content strategy, Google Ads management, and ongoing monthly consulting. We build a plan around what your business actually needs — not a package we’re trying to sell.
Do you handle Google Business Profile management?
It’s one of our specialties. We optimize and actively manage your profile — categories, services, posts, photos, review strategy, Q&A — all of it. Your Google Business Profile is often the first thing a potential customer sees, and most contractors aren’t using it to its full potential. We make sure you are.
Do you build websites?
Yes. We design and build conversion-focused WordPress websites specifically for home service businesses. These aren’t template sites with your logo slapped on. Every page is written and designed to turn visitors into leads, with content built around how people actually search for your services in your area.
Do you manage Google Ads?
We do. We set up and manage Google Ads campaigns focused on generating quality leads in your service area. That includes keyword research, ad copywriting, bid management, and ongoing optimization. We also track where every lead comes from so you know exactly what your ad spend is producing.
Results
What you should expect — and what we can't guarantee.
How long does it take to see results?
It depends on where you’re starting from. If your online presence is in rough shape, it takes longer to build up. Generally, most clients start seeing noticeable improvements in visibility and lead flow within 3 to 6 months. Google Ads can produce results faster — sometimes within weeks. SEO is a longer game, but the leads it generates tend to be more consistent and cost less over time.
How will I know if my marketing is working?
You’ll know because we’ll show you. We track your rankings, your website traffic, your Google Business Profile performance, and your lead sources. On every monthly call, we walk through the data together in plain language. No jargon, no smoke and mirrors. If something’s working, you’ll see it. If it’s not, we’ll talk about what to change.
Can you guarantee more leads?
No — and you should be cautious of anyone who does. What we can guarantee is that we’ll do everything within our control to put you in the best possible position to attract leads. That means getting your website right, optimizing your Google presence, creating content that ranks, and making data-driven decisions every month. We’ve been doing this for nearly 30 years, and our results speak for themselves — but we won’t promise something we can’t control.
What happens if leads slow down?
It happens. Markets shift, seasons change, and sometimes Google changes the rules on everyone. When leads slow down, we dig into the data to find out why. Is it a ranking drop? A seasonal dip? A broader industry trend? We figure out the cause and adjust the strategy. You’ll never be left wondering what’s going on.
My last marketing company burned me. How are you different?
I hear this more than I’d like to. Here’s the short version: We’re a small team that actually cares about your business, not a sales machine churning through clients. You own everything we build for you. We explain what we’re doing in language that makes sense. We show you real data, not vanity metrics. And we don’t lock you into contracts because we don’t need to. Our clients stay because the work speaks for itself.
The Industry
Things worth knowing about contractor marketing today.
Do I really need SEO, or is Google Ads enough?
You need both, ideally. Google Ads gets you in front of people right now — but you’re paying for every click, and the moment you stop, the leads stop. SEO takes longer to build, but once you’re ranking, those leads come in without a per-click cost. The smartest strategy uses ads to generate leads while SEO builds long-term visibility. Relying on just one is leaving money on the table.
How is AI changing how homeowners find contractors?
It’s changing fast. AI-powered search features are already showing up in Google results, giving homeowners quick summaries instead of making them click through to websites. This means your online presence — your Google Business Profile, your reviews, your website content — has to be even stronger, because AI pulls from those sources to generate its answers. Contractors who have solid, well-optimized content will be the ones AI recommends. Contractors who don’t? They’ll get skipped.
Should I be worried about lead generation getting harder?
Yes, you should be paying attention. For instance, residential painting search volumes have been declining for several years now, and that trend is affecting contractors across the board. Competition is up, costs are up, and homeowners have more options than ever. That doesn’t mean leads aren’t out there — it means you have to be smarter about how you go after them. The contractors who invest in doing this right are the ones who’ll come out ahead.
I keep getting calls from marketing companies promising first-page rankings. Is that legit?
Nine times out of ten, no. Anyone who promises you first-page rankings without even knowing your business, your market, or your competition is selling you a line. SEO is real work that takes time and expertise. There are no guarantees in search rankings because Google controls the algorithm, not us. If someone guarantees results before they’ve done any homework, that’s a red flag, not a selling point.
How important are Google reviews, really?
Extremely. Reviews are one of the biggest factors in how you show up in local search and whether a homeowner actually picks up the phone. It’s not just about having a high rating — it’s about volume, recency, and how you respond to them. A steady flow of recent, quality reviews tells Google and potential customers that you’re active, trusted, and doing good work. If you’re not actively asking for reviews, you’re falling behind.
Do I need to be on social media?
It depends on your goals. Social media isn’t going to drive leads the way Google does for most contractors. But it can help with brand awareness, recruiting, and showing potential customers the quality of your work. If you’re going to do it, focus on one or two platforms and be consistent. If you don’t have time for it, don’t stress — your energy is better spent on Google, your website, and your reviews.