Lead generating apps, is anyone using them?

The reality is that lead generation sites work but they don't work for everyone. If you aren't systemized and using a proven sales process, then it is a waste of money because the guys who move faster, have the funding, and teams to get that work are going to before you can ever get to it. And yes, you will have some bad leads but thats to be expected. If you dont have call center who is calling leads first, funds to pay top dollar for leads/customer aquistion, and you dont have the team to handle the amount of work to make it worth it, then you need to learn how to get leads yourself. Let me know if you want to know how to grow your business without buying leads. 

This is a really common frustration, especially with pay-per-lead models where you’re competing for the same customer or paying before there’s any real intent. You’re definitely not alone in feeling burned by that setup!

I’m also curious to hear from others here about what’s actually worked for them. Hoping a few members can share real-world experiences (good or bad) so we can compare. BrandenSewell​ FredHodgeJr​ any platforms that come to mind?

I would love to know as well. We do Google Ads and I find Yelp, Bark are the $%#@.  

One thing I have noticed is how these sites are so regional and almost focused into one community. I guess its all just word if mouth about one or the other. If a person is using Homestars then he tells neighbours and they tell neighbours, it builds up on the street! Same would go for any other app. 

I just really don't like how 3-4-5 Pros can all be charged to receive a clients contact info and they only hire one. 

You’re not wrong at all. What you’re experiencing isn’t a flaw in those platforms, it’s the business model itself. Most paid lead services like HomeStars, Bark, Thumbtack, etc. are designed to monetize contractors, not protect them, which is why the same lead gets sold to multiple companies with no accountability for whether the job is already closed. In pest control it’s even worse because customers are often in panic mode and hire the first decent option, so by the time you get the lead you’re already late. You might get a few wins that make it feel worth it, but long term the cost, dead leads, and price shoppers add up fast. What has worked far better for us is owning the demand through Google Business Profile optimization and reviews, Local Service Ads, local grassroots efforts like neighborhood Facebook groups or door hangers, and consistently marketing to past customers for recurring services. Paid lead platforms can work as a short-term filler, but as a foundation they’re frustrating and expensive. Owning your traffic and reputation locally beats renting leads every time.

This is basically the core flaw of the paid-lead marketplace model — you’re paying for access, not intent. 

In my experience, anything that charges per lead instead of per booked job only works if:

your close rate is very high, and
your average job value easily absorbs wasted leads.

Otherwise, you’re better off owning the channel — Google Business Profile, local SEO, or even simple PPC where at least the click is exclusive to you. It’s slower upfront, but you’re not bidding against 5 other contractors for the same homeowner.

Lead apps can work, but they’re rarely “best” — they’re more like a stopgap when your own pipeline isn’t full.