Google LSA is morbidly expensive and takes advantage of small businesses - $210/wk with zero ROI, switching to Thumbtack + Nextdoor
I'm a residential plumber in Westminster, MD (21157) and I tried Google Local Services Ads. Had my first and only lead come through at $109.21. Customer thought she had a leak but didn't, so it was a free estimate that cost me $109 for nothing. Turned LSA off immediately. Switched to Thumbtack at $100/week instead. Here are my real numbers after 8 leads:
- Total spent: $134.83
- Average cost per lead: $44.94
- Total profit: $675.00
- Lead-to-hire: 3 of 8 (37.5%)
- Net profit: $540.17 (~400% ROI)
Individual lead costs ranged from $4.69 to $37.72, with the 3 hires bringing in $150, $350, and $175 respectively. One bad $109 LSA lead cost more than 6 Thumbtack leads combined. But Thumbtack is also increasing their base cost for leads with recent "AI" changes which is just corporate speak for pay me more $$$.
My question is what are some other known advertising options that you would recommend for a small plumbing business? I'm considering Next-door advertising. Please help me out.