Introduction
“We’ve tried Google Ads — didn’t get any leads.”
We hear this from frustrated contractors all the time.
And the truth is — the ads aren’t the problem. It’s what happens after the click that kills your ROI.
In this blog, we’re going to expose the one critical fix most contractors miss when running ads — and how to fix it to start generating quality leads that actually convert.
The Real Problem with Contractor Ads
You don’t have a traffic problem.
You have a conversion problem.
Most contractors jump into ads with the same mindset they bring to tools — “just flip the switch.” But online advertising isn’t just about turning on traffic. It’s about guiding a user journey. Without a system that converts that traffic into calls or quote requests, you’re just buying digital window shoppers.
Imagine you’re handing out flyers on the street, but your shop has no sign, no door, and no one inside to help. That’s what running ads without a funnel feels like.
Before spending another dollar on ads, ask yourself: “Where is the traffic going? What is it supposed to do once it gets there?”
What Happens When You Send Ads to Your Homepage
Most contractors still send ad traffic to their homepage, assuming it gives users a full picture of the business. But in reality, this backfires for a few key reasons:
- Too many distractions: About Us, Services, Gallery, Reviews, Contact — it’s a buffet of clicks.
- No clear CTA: Visitors don’t know where to start or what action to take.
- Mixed messaging: You’re targeting roofing leads, but your homepage promotes remodeling, decks, and fencing.
- Slow mobile performance: Cluttered homepages often lag, especially on phones.
A homepage is like your shop floor — it serves many purposes. Ad traffic needs a private showroom, or better yet, a one-on-one consultation room: a dedicated landing page that aligns with the ad.
Each ad should point to a focused page built around a single action, single message, and single offer. That’s how you convert.
The Funnel That Converts Clicks into Clients
Let’s look at what a simple, effective contractor funnel looks like:
Ad → Landing Page → Strong CTA → Follow-Up
This isn’t just digital theory. It’s how real businesses consistently get leads.
Landing Page Essentials:
- Clear, benefit-driven headline that matches the ad (“Get Your Roof Fixed in 48 Hours – Guaranteed”)
- One core offer (e.g., “Free Roof Inspection” or “$500 Off Deck Installation”)
- Trust elements: customer reviews, badges, years in business
- Mobile-first design that loads in under 3 seconds
Bonus:
Add email capture, an optional form for quote requests, or even SMS callback features.
The landing page isn’t trying to educate or entertain — it’s designed to convert. And if a user doesn’t convert right away? That’s where automation comes in: follow-up emails, retargeting, and re-engagement.
A properly set up funnel makes every dollar spent on ads work harder — and your leads cost less.
Anchoring: The Pricing Trick That Works on Autopilot
Let’s talk pricing — and why it’s not just about offering the lowest bid.
In Priceless by William Poundstone, he introduces anchoring — a pricing tactic where a higher initial price sets the stage for everything that follows.
In advertising, here’s how you apply it:
- List your premium package before your regular offer
“Our luxury kitchen remodels start at $70,000 — but right now, our custom kitchen package starts at just $38,500.” - Use before-after language in testimonials:
“We were quoted $45K elsewhere. These guys did it for $32K and better quality.” - Offer limited-time discounts:
“Get $1,000 off if you book before the 15th.”
The key isn’t to be the cheapest — it’s to control perception of value.
Most homeowners aren’t pricing experts. They’re looking for confidence, credibility, and comparative value. Anchoring helps you win the job — without racing to the bottom.
4 Common Contractor Ad Mistakes
Here are the four most common (and costly) advertising errors contractors make — and how to avoid them:
Mistake 1: No Conversion Tracking
If you can’t track where leads are coming from, you’re flying blind. Use tools like Google Tag Manager, Meta Pixel, and UTM links to know which ads work.
Mistake 2: Sending Traffic to a Slow or Ugly Page
A page that takes more than 4 seconds to load is abandoned by nearly 60% of mobile users. Design matters — so does speed.
Mistake 3: No Follow-Up System
80% of leads don’t convert on Day 1. Use automated emails, text messages, or a simple CRM like GoHighLevel to stay top-of-mind.
Mistake 4: Not Retargeting Visitors
If someone clicks your ad but doesn’t convert, retarget them. Show them a second ad with a testimonial, discount, or urgency message. Retargeting is cheap and insanely effective.
These mistakes aren’t just “nice to fix” — they’re the difference between losing $1,000/month and getting a 4x return.
Our Ad Strategy: Built for Blue-Collar ROI
We’re not here to run ads for vanity metrics. We build systems that deliver return on investment.
Our 3-step process:
- Funnel First
We don’t run a single ad until your funnel is built to capture and convert leads. - Laser-Targeted Ads
Using interest targeting, location filters, and behavioral data, we reach homeowners actively looking for your services. - Data-Driven Optimization
Weekly tracking, A/B testing, and call analytics ensure your ad dollars go where they produce results.
Whether you’re a roofer, remodeler, or general contractor — our system adapts to your trade, your offer, and your goals. And we back it with conversion psychology and years of testing.
Case Study: From Zero to 40+ Leads/Month
Let’s make it real.
A Denver-based bathroom remodeler came to us frustrated. They had run Google Ads for 3 months with another agency — and barely got any calls.
We rebuilt their funnel:
- Designed a mobile-first landing page with one core offer
- Anchored the offer with “Before & After” pricing
- Set up Google Search Ads with localized keywords
- Automated follow-up via SMS + Email
Results?
40+ qualified leads/month
Under $22 per lead
2x booked jobs within 60 days
When the system is built right, it doesn’t just drip — it pours.
Conclusion: Plug the Funnel, Multiply Your Leads
Contractors don’t need more clicks. You need more conversions.
You wouldn’t pour concrete without a form. So don’t run ads without a funnel.
Get your FREE Ad Funnel Review today
We’ll walk you through what’s working, what’s leaking, and how to double your results — without spending more.
FAQs
Q1: What’s the best platform for contractor ads?
A: Depends on the service. Use Google Ads for emergency or “urgent need” services (e.g., roofing, HVAC), and Facebook/Instagram for big-ticket remodels and visual services (kitchens, additions, landscaping).
Q2: How much should I spend monthly?
A: A starting budget of $500 to $2,000/month is solid. You can begin with as little as $10/day — and scale once ROI is proven.
Q3: How long until I see results?
A: Typically within 7 to 14 days, but full optimization (and scaling) happens within 30–60 days as we gather data.
Q4: Do I need a new site for this to work?
A: Not necessarily. We can build standalone landing pages or enhance your current site depending on your goals and budget.
About Author
Nicholas Cormier is a digital marketing strategist at Jummp Marketing, where he helps small business owners build automated systems that convert leads and scale revenue. With a background in performance marketing and a passion for creative growth strategies, Nicholas is dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs through efficient, data-driven solutions.
Jummp Marketings:
Website: https://jummpmarketing.com/
Address: Brandon, Manitoba
Phone: +1 (888) 778-9917
Email: Nicholas@jummpmarketing.com
Support: 24/7