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TurfT's avatar
TurfT
Contributor 4
4 days ago

Got two organic Google leads today — here's what I think is actually working

Both found me on Google. Neither came from paid ads. When I asked how they found me, the answer was just "Google."

I spent time before this season building my presence — posting photos, updates, and recently connected my YouTube channel to my profile. I've slowed down on it since the season got busy, but the work I put in earlier is still paying off.

What I think is actually driving it: I don't look like every other lawn care company. Most profiles are cookie cutter — same stock photos, same generic descriptions. I post real job photos, real results, real content from my actual work. One of today's leads straight up said they were looking for someone different because everyone else looked the same.

One lead is a small residential lawn. The other is a 14,000 sq ft acreage for compost top dressing. Very different jobs, same source — a Google presence built on authenticity rather than ad spend.

If you're not investing time in your Google Business Profile, start there before you spend a dollar on ads.

9 Replies

  • KurtisK1's avatar
    KurtisK1
    Contributor 2
    3 days ago

    Ive had this same response. I believe  Google ads are a waste. 

  • HUGEHomePros's avatar
    HUGEHomePros
    Jobber Ambassador
    3 days ago

    I'd agree - if you're spending money on google without having a optimized GMB profile, website (to the best of your knowledge), and at least working on your presence on the rest of your social footprint, it is a waste. I don't know if I'm brave enough BUT I may try turning my ads off completely and letting yall know how it goes. haha 

  • geomaps's avatar
    geomaps
    Contributor 2
    2 days ago

    100% — real job photos beat stock every time. Weekly GBP updates keep you ranking too. Nice work.

  • TahoeTruckee's avatar
    TahoeTruckee
    Contributor 2
    2 days ago

    We get the majority of our leads from Google and do not use paid ads.  We just make sure that we are hitting all the keywords that people are looking for and soon we are going to start adding blogs to our page as that can help rank us higher too!

  • Recon_Landscape's avatar
    Recon_Landscape
    Contributor 2
    1 day ago

    I have been hesitant to build a larger presence online or social media as I am currently still building the business via word of mouth and do not want to make presumed promises I can't keep.  Hardest part about turning work down is being honest about what my true capabilities are right now.

  • Ecofocus's avatar
    Ecofocus
    Contributor 2
    1 day ago

    I've been finding seasonal organic incoming leads directly from Reddit, 90% Reddit and 10% Google business, no ad spend, but it works in my niche service of permanent outdoor lighting installation, and it's giving me confidence that I'm able to know it will work this fall for a 3rd season, (100% Faith in between!)

  • Windowwizardusa's avatar
    Windowwizardusa
    Contributor 2
    1 day ago

    If you don't mind me asking do you also do facebook ads? And if so what percent do you use google ads versus facebook ads? These two seem to be the most dominate and usually talking to most small business owners its finding the right balance between the two for best results. Thanks for your time. 

  • Ollie_Landscape's avatar
    Ollie_Landscape
    Contributor 2
    21 hours ago

    Hello, I’m fairly new to marketing. But I am wondering due to not having much funds. What are the best marking agencies and would google ads be better than anything else that is being promoted.

  • DDBG's avatar
    DDBG
    Contributor 2
    15 hours ago

    Agreed. We have never paid for Google ads. I have always believed in growing organically.