Do Google Ads Work for Contractors in 2025?
(Here’s the Real Truth and How to Win With Them)
Let’s Cut to the Chase: Yes, They Work — But Only If You Know What You’re Doing
You’re not in business to waste money.
You’re in business to get more jobs, book more calls, and keep your crews busy.
That’s what Google Ads are made for—high-intent leads who are actively searching for what you offer. Not lookie-loos. Not price shoppers. Buyers.
But here’s the catch…
If you just “boost an ad” or run a generic campaign without a plan, you’re going to burn cash faster than a blowtorch on plywood.
So let’s break it all down—step-by-step—so you can decide if Google Ads are the right tool for your business.
Check out the podcast below:
What Are Google Ads and Why Should Contractors Care?
Google Ads = Paid Real Estate on Page One
Imagine this.
Someone types “kitchen renovation North Bay” into Google.
Who shows up first?
Not the biggest company. Not the cheapest.
The one who paid to be there.
That’s Google Ads.
It’s pay-to-play. You bid on the words people type in. If your ad is relevant and your bid is solid, you show up first.
Simple.
And Why Should You Care?
Because 88% of homeowners search online before they hire a contractor.
So if you’re not there—you’re invisible. That’s it.
The Real Reason Google Ads Work for Contractors
People Only Click When They’re Ready to Act
This isn’t Facebook where people are scrolling for memes.
It’s Google. People go there when they need something done. Right now.
Need a cracked driveway fixed?
Looking to build a deck before summer?
Need an emergency roofer after a storm?
They don’t scroll. They search. And whoever’s at the top gets the call.
It’s Not a Guessing Game — It’s Measurable
You’ll know:
- How many calls came from the ad
- How many leads became booked jobs
- How much revenue was generated
No fluff. Just real numbers that drive real decisions.
Best Google Ad Types for Contractors (Use These, Skip the Rest)
1. Search Ads (The MVP)
These are the text ads at the top of the results page.
Perfect for jobs people want done now — like:
- “Basement waterproofing near me”
- “Emergency furnace repair North Bay”
2. Local Service Ads (The “Google Guaranteed” Box)
You’ve seen them. Name. Star rating. “Google Guaranteed” badge.
These crush for:
- Plumbers
- Electricians
- HVAC
- Roofers
And you only pay per lead, not per click.
3. Display Ads (For Long-Term Branding)
Think of these like virtual billboards. Great for staying top of mind.
Not ideal for immediate leads, but awesome for retargeting past visitors.
Real Results: What Contractors Are Seeing with Google Ads
- More booked estimates
- More calls during slow months
- Higher-quality leads who are ready to hire
A concrete company we worked with added $36,000 in new revenue in 60 days—from one ad campaign targeting “driveway replacement North Bay.”
The Most Common Google Ads Mistakes Contractors Make
1. Targeting Too Wide
Running ads all over Ontario when you only work in Sudbury?
You’re wasting money.
Stick to the areas you actually serve.
2. Sending Ads to Your Homepage
Don’t do this. It’s like sending someone to a cluttered garage when they asked for a hammer.
Use dedicated landing pages for every service.
Want more bathroom reno leads? Build a bathroom reno landing page.
3. Not Tracking Anything
If you don’t know which ads are making the phone ring, how do you double down?
Use call tracking. Use lead forms. Use CRM integrations.
How to Make Google Ads Work Like a Machine
Use Keywords That Show Buyer Intent
These are golden:
- “roof replacement quote”
- “licensed electrician near me”
- “kitchen remodel cost estimate”
Avoid tire-kicker phrases like:
- “cheap contractor”
- “DIY basement ideas”
Write Ads That Make People Act
Focus on benefits, not features.
❌ “We’ve been in business since 1992.”
✅ “Book a Free Estimate — No Upfront Fees.”
Set a Budget That Actually Gets Data
Start small but smart.
💰 $500–$1,500/month is a strong starting point for most contractors.
Then scale once you know what’s working.
What to Expect: ROI and Timeline
When Will You See Results?
If your ads are set up right?
48–72 hours.
You could be booking jobs by the weekend.
What’s a Good Return on Ad Spend (ROAS)?
Most contractors aim for 5x–10x ROAS.
Spend $1,000 → Bring in $5,000–$10,000.
If you’re not hitting that after 60 days, something’s broken.
How Google Ads Fit Into Your Bigger Marketing Picture
1. Run Ads While SEO Kicks In
SEO is essential. But it takes time.
Ads fill the gap while you climb the rankings.
2. Retarget Website Visitors Who Didn’t Call
Ever had someone visit your site and ghost you?
Retargeting ads put you back in front of them on:
- YouTube
- Google Display
- Gmail
Sometimes people need 2–3 touches before they pick up the phone.
3. Crush Slow Seasons
Too many contractors stop marketing when things get quiet.
Google Ads = Your on-demand lead faucet.
Turn it up. Fill your calendar.
Case Study: Deck Builder in North Bay
Client: Local contractor specializing in custom decks.
Budget: $750/month
Goal: Book more summer jobs
What We Did:
- Targeted “deck builder North Bay,” “composite deck quote,” and “deck installation near me”
- Built a landing page with:
- Gallery of past builds
- Instant quote form
- Phone number with call tracking
Results After 30 Days:
- 28 qualified leads
- 7 booked estimates
- 3 full build jobs worth $33,000 in total
Google Ads paid for itself within week one.
The Final Word: Are Google Ads Worth It for Contractors?
Absolutely.
But only if you treat it like a tool—not a gamble.
Google Ads work when:
- You know your market
- You track every click, call, and form
- You follow up fast
Ignore those rules? You’ll waste money.
Follow them? You’ll be busy all year.
So, are you ready to get more leads, more jobs, and less downtime?
Then yeah—Google Ads work. You just need to work them.
FAQs About Google Ads for Contractors
1. How much should a contractor spend on Google Ads to start?
Start with $500–$1,500/month. That gives you enough data to see what’s working and room to adjust without overspending.
2. Are Local Service Ads better than Search Ads?
They’re both powerful. Use LSAs for instant trust and cost-per-lead. Use Search Ads for flexibility and control.
3. How do I know if my Google Ads are profitable?
Use tracking numbers, lead forms, and CRM tools. Measure cost per lead and job value. If the math works, you scale.
4. What should I write in my Google Ads?
Be clear. Be local. Be helpful. Tell people exactly what to do. Example: “Book Your Free In-Home Estimate Today.”
5. Can Google Ads help with slow seasons?
100%. It’s one of the best ways to stay busy during downtime. Run targeted promos, seasonal specials, or emergency services.
Download our 50+ page Marketing Guide for Contractors [CLICK HERE]
