Getting steady, high-value projects no longer comes down to a Yellow Pages listing and a nice truck wrap. Homeowners now swipe, scroll, and search before they ever pick up the phone. The good news? When you know where to show up—and what to say—advertising turns into a predictable system that fills your pipeline month after month. Below you’ll find the best ads for contractors today, plus exact tactics you can plug into your business right away.
Why Advertising Has Changed for Contractors
A decade ago, most ad dollars went to newspaper inserts and local radio. Now, 80 % of homeowners start online, bounce between three to five platforms, and expect near-instant answers. That shift means the winner isn’t the biggest company; it’s the contractor who matches each stage of the homeowner journey with the right ad format—from intent-driven Google searches to thumb-stopping Facebook videos.
Google Local Services Ads: Pay Per Lead, Not Click
Google’s Local Services Ads (LSAs) sit above traditional pay-per-click ads and organic results. You only pay when a prospect calls or messages from the ad, making LSAs one of the highest-ROI channels for contractors.
How to Get Verified
- Apply inside your Google Business Profile.
- Upload license, insurance, and background-check info.
- Collect at least five Google reviews.
Once approved, you’ll earn the green “Google Guaranteed” badge—digital social proof that boosts call-through rates up to 30 %.
Best Practices for Headlines and Reviews
- Use service-plus-location: “Roof Repair | Cherry Hill”
- Encourage every happy customer to leave a star rating. The algorithm favors review volume, so set up an automated text request the moment a job is signed off.
Search and Display PPC: Own High-Intent Keywords
Traditional Google Ads still deliver because they capture buyers who already know what they want.
Keyword Themes That Close Jobs
- “kitchen remodeler near me”
- “emergency plumber 24/7”
- “basement waterproofing cost”
Group similar phrases, write a specific ad for each group, and send traffic to a page that answers the exact question posed in the search.
Ad Extensions That Boost Trust
Add callout extensions like “Licensed & Insured” and structured snippets that list core services. Sitelinks to financing options or project galleries nudge prospects who need a final push.
Social Media Advertising: Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok
Scrolling homeowners aren’t looking for a contractor—until your ad sparks a daydream.
Target Homeowners in Your Zip Codes
Layer location with demographic filters such as homeownership status and household income. Then exclude renters to protect your budget.
Creative That Stops the Scroll
- Before-and-after carousel: Frame 1 shows an outdated bathroom, Frame 2 reveals the remodel.
- Short-form video: 9-second TikTok clip of a roof tear-off in time-lapse.
- Faces sell: Feature the crew smiling on-site; people trust people.
Pro tip: Add captions. Most users watch with the sound off.
Video Ads on YouTube: Show the Process, Sell the Experience
YouTube reaches viewers exactly when they’re researching “how to” fixes. Position yourself as the pro who can do it better and faster.
15-Second Bumper vs. Skippable In-Stream
- Bumper (6 seconds): Brand splash and call-to-action, perfect for retargeting.
- Skippable (up to 30 seconds): Hook in the first 5 seconds with a pain point—“Leaky basement ruining your weekend plans?”—then demo your solution.
Send viewers to a landing page with a project gallery and a quick-quote form.
Retargeting: Stay Top of Mind Until the Estimate Is Signed
Only 3 % of visitors convert on the first visit. Retarget display ads follow them across news sites, reminding them why they clicked in the first place. Show project photos, customer testimonials, or a limited-time offer like “Book by June 30, Save 10 %.”
Offline Staples That Still Work
Digital may dominate, but old-school tactics still pull weight when combined with online follow-up.
- Yard signs: Place one at every job site with a QR code that links to your portfolio.
- Truck wraps: A rolling billboard that delivers thousands of impressions daily.
- Every-Door Direct Mail: Hyper-targeted postcards timed to arrive the week your Facebook campaign launches, creating a one-two punch.
Tracking and Optimization: Measure What Matters
Set up call tracking numbers for each channel and tag form fills inside Google Analytics. Review cost per lead weekly, and pause any ad set sitting above your target. Reinvest that spend into the top performer.
Putting It All Together: A Simple Ad Funnel That Works
- Capture intent with LSAs and Google Ads.
- Create desire with social media video highlighting transformations.
- Close through retargeting and reputation-rich landing pages.
- Delight by following up after the job to request reviews that feed the top of the funnel again.
Final Thoughts
The best ads for contractors aren’t about choosing one shiny platform. They’re about stitching multiple channels into a seamless journey that feels natural to the homeowner. Nail your message, match it to the right medium, and let data tell you where to double-down.
Ready to turn those extra clicks into booked projects? Get a free, no-strings homepage review and see if your site is ready to convert the traffic your ads will drive. Claim yours here.
