Digital Marketing for Contractors: What Works and What’s a Waste

If you’re a contractor in New England, chances are you’ve been pitched every kind of marketing out there — from flashy websites to monthly SEO retainers to “guaranteed lead” services. But what actually works for a small contracting business trying to grow? And what’s just throwing money down the drain?

At LeadsEasy Solutions, we’ve worked with contractors in plumbing, HVAC, construction, electrical, and home services — and we know what brings in leads and what wastes your time.

Let’s break it down.

What Works for Contractors

1. Local SEO That Puts You on the Map (Literally)

When someone searches “electrician near me” or “kitchen remodel Fall River,” they’re ready to hire.

If your business isn’t showing up in the local Google results — including the map pack — you’re missing hot leads.

What works:

• A fully optimized Google Business Profile
• Local keywords on your website (like “HVAC repair New Bedford”)
• Consistent business info across directories
• Real customer reviews (and responses!)

ROI: More calls from people in your area who are ready to book.

2. A Website Built to Convert — Not Just Look Pretty

Contractors don’t need a flashy homepage with fancy animations.

You need a site that loads fast, looks professional, and gets people to call, click, or schedule.

What works:

• Clear contact buttons (especially on mobile)
• Easy navigation (services, about, reviews, contact)
• Before-and-after project photos
• Customer testimonials
• Service area pages for SEO

Pro tip: Your website is your sales tool — not your art gallery.

3. Google Ads with Tight Targeting

Done right, Google Ads can bring in quality leads almost immediately — especially for urgent services (like burst pipes, no heat, or electrical issues).

What works:

• Campaigns built around high-intent keywords (“emergency plumber Taunton”)
• Negative keywords to block tire-kickers
• Call tracking so you know what’s working
• A proper landing page, not just your homepage

ROI: A well-managed Google Ads campaign can deliver predictable, scalable leads — if it’s optimized regularly.

4. Photo-Driven Facebook Ads for Visual Services

Facebook and Instagram ads can work well for contractors doing visual work like remodeling, landscaping, or custom builds.

What works:

• Before-and-after photos or short videos
• Targeting based on zip code, homeownership, and age
• Boosting seasonal or limited-time offers

Best for: Building awareness, showing off your work, and retargeting past site visitors.

What’s a Waste (For Most Contractors)

1. Generic “Boosted Posts” on Social Media

Boosting posts without a strategy is like tossing cash into the wind. It might get you likes — but likes don’t pay the bills.

What to do instead: Use Meta Ads Manager to build targeted campaigns tied to conversions, not just vanity metrics.

2. National SEO Packages from Big-Box Marketing Firms

Contractors don’t need to rank nationwide. You need to dominate in your local area.

Big agencies often sell bloated SEO packages with no focus on local relevance — and little to no reporting.

What to do instead: Work with a team that understands your specific service area and customers.

3. Listing Sites That Charge Per Lead (And Sell It to 5 Other Contractors)

Lead-selling platforms promise volume, but often leave you in bidding wars — or worse, ghosted by “leads” who were never serious.

What to do instead: Build your own funnel — where you own the leads and the relationship.

4. Unclear Reporting or “Set It and Forget It” Campaigns

If your marketing agency can’t tell you where your money is going — or what’s working — it’s time to walk away.

What to do instead: Partner with a team that explains performance clearly and makes adjustments that actually improve ROI.

The LeadsEasy Approach: Built for Contractors

We don’t sell cookie-cutter plans. We build digital marketing strategies that fit your trade, your goals, and your service area.

From one-man plumbing shops to growing home remodeling teams, we help contractors across New Bedford, Fall River, Taunton, and throughout New England:

• Generate qualified leads
• Improve their online presence
• Track what’s working
• Stop wasting money on things that don’t