Why Most Contractors Waste Money on Ads (And How to Get Real Leads Instead)

Jul 31

Published by Niche PPC

If you’ve ever tried running Google or Facebook ads for your contracting business and ended up thinking, “That was a waste of money,” you’re not alone. We hear it all the time from landscapers, roofers, remodelers, and other service pros.

And here’s the truth:
It’s not that ads don’t work—it’s that most campaigns aren’t set up to win.

In this post, we’ll break down why most contractors lose money on ads… and what to do instead to start getting qualified leads that actually turn into jobs.

Mistake #1: Broad, Generic Targeting

Google and Facebook give you the ability to target specific zip codes, neighborhoods, income ranges, and interests.
But most contractors either:

Use super broad targeting (“anyone in the state”)
Rely on default settings and hope for the best

That’s how you end up paying for clicks from people who will never hire you.

Fix it: Use tight geo-targeting, income filters, and search intent to laser-focus your ads on the customers most likely to call and book.

Mistake #2: No Tracking in Place

If you don’t know which leads came from your ads… how do you know what’s working?

We’ve seen contractors spend $1,000/month and have no idea how many calls, texts, or form submissions came from their ads.

Fix it:
Use call tracking numbers, form tracking, and Google Tag Manager so you know exactly what each dollar is bringing in. At Niche PPC, we set this up from day one.

Mistake #3: Boosting Facebook Posts and Hoping for the Best

Boosting posts isn’t advertising. It’s like putting up a billboard in a random town and hoping someone calls.

Fix it:
Run real Facebook ad campaigns using the Ads Manager with custom targeting, lead forms, and retargeting. That’s how you generate consistent quote requests—not just likes.

Mistake #4: No Landing Page or Clear Call-to-Action

Sending people to your homepage doesn’t work. If someone’s interested, they should see:

What you offer
Why you’re better than competitors
How to contact you right now

Fix it:
Use a simple landing page with your service area, a few key trust builders (photos, testimonials, etc.), and a “Call Now” or “Get a Free Quote” button.

What Actually Works for Contractors

We’ve managed campaigns for dozens of home service pros and here’s what consistently drives results:

Geo-targeted Google Ads with high-intent keywords (like “landscaper near me” or “tree removal Chester County”)
Facebook Ads with strong visuals and click-to-call buttons
Call tracking + reporting, so you see exactly what’s working
Ongoing optimization, not just set-it-and-forget-it campaigns

When done right, paid ads can generate predictable, scalable leads every month. And the best part? You’re no longer at the mercy of referrals or slow seasons.