Contractor Marketing
Contractors compete on reputation, before-and-after photos, and being on the consideration list when a homeowner is ready to start. Strong contractor marketing combines Google search visibility, social proof, video walkthroughs, and consistent local presence so you stay on the shortlist.
Real rate cards. Every number sourced. See the references →
How much should contractors spend on advertising?
The calculator starts contractors at 10% of revenue for marketing. About 45% of a marketing budget buys advertising, so the advertising budget lands near 4.5% of revenue: for a business doing $1 million a year, about $3,750 a month. Your stage and growth goal move it up or down, and the free budget calculator works out your range for your own market.
| Annual revenue | Marketing budget / year | Advertising / month |
|---|---|---|
| $500,000 | $50,000 | $1,900 |
| $1,000,000 | $100,000 | $3,750 |
| $3,000,000 | $300,000 | $11,250 |
An established business with steady growth. New or fast-growing businesses spend more; the calculator adjusts for both.
What do these channels cost?
Public industry ranges for the channels this category uses most — a starting point, not a quote. The calculator resolves the real recommended number for your market, budget, and goal.
Common challenges in this category
- Long sales cycles
- Photo-heavy creative needs
- Reputation management
- Competing with low-bid operators
- Recruiting subs and crew
Approaches that tend to work
- SEM for "kitchen remodel near me" + similar high-intent terms
- Meta + Instagram before/after photo campaigns
- YouTube walkthroughs of completed projects
- Radio for trust and recognition
- Retargeting every website visitor for 90 days
Tactics that tend to work for this category
SEM / PPC Advertising
Google and Bing paid-search campaigns that capture customers at the exact moment they are searching.
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Social Media Advertising
Meta (Facebook + Instagram) ads that reach a broad, customizable audience where they already spend their time.
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Digital Advertising
Targeted display, video, search, social, CTV, OTT, audio, and retargeting campaigns built around your business goals.
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Radio Advertising
Trusted local audio that builds brand familiarity, drives event traffic, and pairs perfectly with digital follow-up.
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YouTube Advertising
Skippable, non-skippable, in-feed, and shorts video ads on the world’s second-largest search engine.
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Retargeting Advertising
Stay visible to website visitors and geofence visitors after they leave so they come back when ready.
Learn morePlanning guides for this category
StrategyThe Best Marketing Mix for Local Service BusinessesA proven channel mix for HVAC, plumbing, electrical, roofing, and other local service businesses — what to spend where, and why.
Cost GuideAutomated Receptionist vs. Answering Service vs. Hiring: What Each CostsWhat a receptionist, a live answering service and an automated front desk each cost a small business per month, and what each one handles. Every price cited.
StrategyAdvertising Budget by Industry: What Does Your Sector Actually Spend?What each industry spends on marketing as a share of revenue, from 2% for auto dealers to 15% for SaaS, and how much of that actually buys advertising.
Contractor Marketing questions
How much should contractors spend on advertising?
Do contractors actually get work from a website, or is it all referrals?
Tell us about your business.
We'll respond within one business day with practical, industry-aware recommendations.
Ready to grow your business?
Tell us a little about your business and your goals. We will follow up with practical recommendations within one business day.
Real rate cards. Every number sourced. See the references →
Black Hills · South Dakota · Local digital anywhere in the U.S.