“Should I just buy leads? Or is SEO a better investment?”
Here’s the simple answer: buying leads is like renting. SEO is like owning.
Let me explain.
Buying Leads: Fast but Risky
When you buy leads from companies like Angi, HomeAdvisor, or Thumbtack, you’re paying to be connected to people who are already looking for a service. That sounds great at first. But here’s the catch:
- You’re not the only one getting that lead. Usually, 3-5 companies get the same lead. That means you’re racing to call them first, offer a deal, and hope they don’t ghost you.
- You don’t own the customer info. That lead belongs to the company that sold it. You can’t keep marketing to that person unless they hire you and you collect their info again.
- The quality of leads can vary a lot. Some are gold. Some are junk. You don’t get to pick.
- If you stop paying? The leads stop. Just like that.
It’s like pouring water into a leaky bucket. You’re always having to refill it. Always having to spend to stay busy.
SEO: Slower Start, Bigger Payoff
Now let’s talk about SEO, which stands for Search Engine Optimization. It’s the process of helping your website show up higher on Google when someone searches for things like:
- \”best plumber near me\”
- \”tree removal in Southington CT\”
- \”AC repair 24/7\”
- \”junk haulers same day\”
When SEO is done right, your business shows up at the top of the search results, in the map pack, and sometimes even in AI tools like ChatGPT and Bing AI.
That means YOU become the one people call first.
Here’s what makes SEO so powerful:
- You own the traffic. These people are finding your website. No middleman. No competition on the same lead.
- You build authority over time. Google starts to trust your business more. Your name shows up more often. People start recognizing you.
- It keeps working even when you’re not paying for ads. Unlike leads that stop the minute your card is declined, SEO keeps delivering for months and years.
- You build an asset. Your website becomes your best salesperson. It works 24/7, never takes a sick day, and doesn’t ask for commission.
Yes, SEO takes time. It’s not overnight. But if you want to stop renting and start owning your customer flow, SEO is the way to go.
What We Recommend to Home Service Pros
If you run a roofing company, HVAC shop, cleaning service, landscaping crew, or any other local home service business, here’s our honest advice:
- Short term: If you need jobs this week, buying leads can be part of the mix. But track every dollar.
- Long term: Invest in SEO now. Even if it’s a small start. Every month you wait is another month your competitor takes the top spot.
And beyond Google, their names are starting to appear in AI-generated answers. That’s future-proof visibility.
Book a Free SEO Readiness Check
We’ll look at your:
- Visibility in Google and AI search
- Website structure and keywords
- Authority score and backlinks
- Local map pack performance
No cost. No obligation.
Just good data to help you grow.
Final Thoughts
Buying leads vs SEO for home service businesses is a not always the best option. You may get calls today, SEO gets your phone ringing every day.
Stop renting. Start owning. Let’s make your business the one people find first.
Book Your Free SEO Readiness Check Today – and let’s grow your business the smart way.