Stuck on whether to learn Google Ads myself, hire a freelancer, or use an agency, what would you actually do?
I run a small home services business in LA. Mostly exterior stuff, turf and pavers. We're growing but not huge yet, and I'm at the point where I need to figure out Google Ads. I've been going back and forth for weeks and I'd love some honest takes from people who have actually been through this.
The way I see it I've got four options and I can't decide.
I could try to learn it myself. I actually did this with Facebook ads a while back and it ended up being one of the best things I did for the business, but I'll be honest, it took me a few months and a lot of wasted money before I really figured it out and started running them the right way. Part of me thinks Google would be the same, worth it in the long run but painful in the short term. Other part of me thinks my time is better spent elsewhere right now.
I could hire someone in house full time. Feels way too early for that, and honestly I don't know enough about the work to even know if I'm hiring the right person.
I could find a freelancer on a monthly retainer. This is probably where I'm leaning but I don't know how to find someone who actually knows home services instead of just running ads for everyone under the sun. Feels like a coin flip without good references.
Or I could go with one of the bigger agencies. I had a call with one recently and they pitched me hard, but every time I dig around I hear the same story, you sign with the senior person and get handed off to some junior who doesn't know your business.
If you were in my spot and it was your money on the line, what would you actually do? Especially curious if anyone here has worked with a freelancer who genuinely knew the contractor or home services world, or if you've been burned by an agency and there was an early warning sign you wish you'd caught.
Appreciate anyone who takes the time to weigh in.