A couple weeks ago I was researching small business models for a blog post, and ended up going down a lead gen for contractors rabbit hole.
When I asked a contractor friend about leads, he shared how much he hates Angi, and recommended staying away from similar companies. So my research focused on exclusive, and creative options.
I scrapped the business model I was researching, but didn’t want the lead gen resources I found to go to waste. I am sharing some of them here for small businesses who will benefit from the information.
As a small business owner, you already know the importance of securing leads. But you might not know about the following resources to get more customers.
Summary/ TL;DR (Too Long Didn’t Read)
1. Missed Call Text Back services automatically text missed callers to save potential leads.
2. Free strategies like emailing local HOAs to get on their vendor list.
3. Foreclosure maintenance companies provide quick contract jobs.
4. Lead generation agencies will manage your marketing for you.
5. Lead gen networks will send calls from interested customers straight to your phone.
BONUS: Download the full list of Contractor Lead Resources with details and contact info.
#1 Auto Text to Missed Callers
Let’s start with your existing leads. Whether you’re busy on a job, on another call, or just can’t answer your phone, missing calls can mean missing out on new work orders, long term customers, and more positive reviews.
Timing is everything because a potential customer will just call someone else if you don’t answer. A fast text response, saves the opportunity.
Missed Call Text Back is an automated, instant text service that sends a reply to callers when a business doesn’t answer their call, often stating “Sorry we missed you!”. It converts missed opportunities into potential leads, reducing customer loss and eliminating phone tag.
Important features in a Missed Call Text Back service include:
- Either a free trial or a discount to get started
- Practical pricing for small businesses
- You don’t have to change your phone number
- Quick and easy set-up
- You get results = more leads, customers and sales!
#2 Free Lead Strategies
Email property managers, and HOAs – ask about joining their vendor list, and ask them to save your information because you are also available for emergencies (they love this).
Create a Bing Places for Business profile – less competition than Google, and often overlooked.
Partner with realtors – offer priority service for inspections and repairs. This works great for rental units, and single family homes.
List your service on Apple Maps – many iPhone users will call directly, and there is low competition since most contractors only focus on Google.
Network in city-specific Reddit Communities – “Local plumber here, feel free to reach out if you have any questions and I’ll be happy to help.” Check out an example here.
#3 ⭐ Foreclosure Maintenance ⭐
Foreclosure maintenance is the process of caring for foreclosed properties. Banks/ mortgage lenders and asset management companies hire contractors to provide interior and exterior services, for repair and maintenance on properties in their portfolios.
You can connect with banks directly, or you can connect with larger maintenance companies as a vendor. As a contractor, your experience will help you get more jobs in this industry even if they are not in your expertise.
Sample jobs and payments include:
- Covering an above-ground pool – $500
- Replacing a garage door – $800
- Radiant winterization – $250
If you want the full list of Contractor Lead Resources, download it here: Contractor Lead Resources
✅ 4 Missed Call Text Back Services
✅ 25 Free Lead Strategies
✅ 2k+ Foreclosure Maintenance Companies & Lenders ⭐
✅ 14 Lead Gen Agencies
✅ 14 Exclusive Lead Gen Networks
#4 Lead Gen Agencies
Lead generation agencies specialize in helping businesses increase revenue by driving more leads to your website, or phone number. They focus on optimizing your online presence using SEO and social media, and they will also run ad/ marketing campaigns for you.
No website? No problem. Most agencies will build, and manage a website for you. The benefits of hiring a lead gen agency include:
- Saving yourself time and frustration
- They already have expertise that you might not
- They can get things moving fairly quickly
#5 Exclusive Lead Gen Networks
Lead generation networks are performance-based marketing platforms that connect businesses needing high-intent customer phone calls with publishers who generate these calls. They deliver qualified, inbound calls that meet your specific criteria.
You pay for each qualified call sent to your number, but this takes the pressure off with handling your own marketing. Some companies also generate targeted leads from advertising and social posts.
Benefits of using lead gen networks include:
- Exclusive Leads: You won’t be competing with 50 other contractors
- Higher Conversion Rates: Calls from interested customers often convert at 30-60%
- High-Intent Leads: Phone callers are usually further down the sales funnel and ready to commit
- Quality Control & Compliance: You can set strict criteria so you only pay for qualified prospects
Thanks for reading the list. I hope you find it helpful in getting more leads, and growing your business.
If you want the full list of Contractor Lead Resources, download it here: Contractor Lead Resources
✅ 4 Missed Call Text Back Services
✅ 25 Free Lead Strategies
✅ 2k+ Foreclosure Maintenance Companies & Lenders⭐
✅ 14 Lead Gen Agencies
✅ 14 Exclusive Lead Gen Networks