Marketing & Customer Acquisition
Any contractor who needs more customers than word-of-mouth alone provides, or who wants to build a predictable pipeline of leads.
Do this first
Complete your Google Business Profile, ask your first 3 customers for reviews, and tell 20 people in your network that you are open for business. These three actions are free and generate more early leads than any paid channel.
- 1.Complete and optimize your Google Business Profile (see the GBP resource hub)
- 2.Ask every completed job for a Google review — text the direct link
- 3.Tell 20 people in your personal network that your business is open — friends, family, former coworkers
- 4.Join your local Nextdoor app and answer questions related to your trade
- 5.Join 2–3 local Facebook groups (neighborhood groups, local business groups)
- 6.Post your first 3 completed jobs on social media with before/after photos
- 7.Create a simple referral offer: "$25 off for you and anyone you refer" or similar
- 8.Get listed on Yelp, Angi, and Thumbtack (free profiles available)
- 9.Register with your local chamber of commerce
- 10.Put your business name, phone, and website on your vehicle (magnetic signs start at $30)
- 11.Once you have 10+ reviews and consistent lead flow, consider paid advertising (Google Local Services Ads)
Cheapest path
Google Business Profile (free), Nextdoor (free), Facebook groups (free), and personal network referrals. These four free channels generate most early-stage leads for new contractors. Do not spend money on advertising until you have reviews and a complete GBP.
Tools to compare
Not endorsements or paid placements. Compare these and other providers.
Email campaigns, basic automation. Free for up to 500 contacts.
When to use: You want to send occasional email updates or seasonal reminders to past customers.
Visit site ↗All-in-one: CRM, email, SMS, review requests, booking, and automation in one platform.
When to use: You want one platform for all marketing automation without stitching together multiple tools.
Visit site ↗Enterprise CRM and marketing automation with detailed analytics and pipeline management.
When to use: You have a marketing budget, a growing team, and need sophisticated pipeline tracking.
Visit site ↗Educational guidance only. Costs shown are approximate examples — verify current pricing with each provider. Platform and tool mentions are for reference, not endorsements. Compare options and verify fit for your business.