In this episode of Trade Secrets, we pull back the curtain on one of the most misunderstood costs in contractor marketing: paid media management fees. Whether you’ve wondered why agencies charge 15-25% of ad spend or questioned what exactly happens behind the scenes, this conversation breaks it down in plain English.

From Google Ads optimization to negative keyword management, reporting transparency, and how often campaigns really need a tune-up, we cover what contractors should expect (and demand) when trusting someone else with their ad dollars. This is your guide to making sure every penny counts.

Episode Highlights:

• The 15–25% Rule: Why most agencies charge a percentage of ad spend and when flat fees make sense
• Under the Hood: Weekly tasks agencies should be doing in your account, from landing page tweaks to ad copy optimization
• Red Flags in Reporting: How to spot vanity metrics and insist on true cost-per-lead data
• Change History Check: A simple way to verify your agency is actually working on your campaigns
• Testing & ROI: Why you need at least 90 days to judge performance and why “set it and forget it” will burn your budget
• Hot Tip: Why decks (not roofs) are the current sweet spot in exterior contractor ads

Missed an episode? Catch up with our full playlist of Trades Secrets podcasts found here:

• https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-v2ElYWOqX8jZlaKuHz1krepsTZVY1As

Plus, explore MORE actionable marketing tactics that are not over your head, and apply to ALL trades here: https://tradessecretpodcast.com

Find out how we can help you grow your business: https://elevmarketing.com/

Read about the latest in the field: https://elevmarketing.com/blog/

Connect with us on social media:

• Facebook
• X
• Instagram (Elevation Digital Marketing)
• Instagram (Trades Secrets)
• LinkedIn

At Elevation Marketing we have a tight team of experts in SEO or Search Engine Optimization, Google Ads, Google Local Service Ads, Google Display, Social Media Ads, Search Engine Marketing (SEM), Content Marketing, and Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO). With a niche focus on Contractor Marketing and working for the Trades, we've been able to make a significant impact on our home services clients. We are more than an agency, we're your marketing partner. Elevating you elevates us. Email us at experts@elevmarketing.com to talk!

Find out how we can help you grow your business: https://elevmarketing.com/

Trades Secrets: Contractor Marketing is for home services contractors and who are looking for easy to implement marketing tips and strategies. This podcast is for you if you're looking for actionable marketing tactics that are not over your head, and apply to ALL trades. We'll keep you apprised of what's new, and what should be on your radar for all things digital marketing.

In this episode of Trade Secrets, we look ahead to one of the most important decisions contractors will face in the coming year: shopping for a marketing agency. Choosing between productized services, full-service partnerships, or even AI-driven tools isn’t easy, and the wrong move can waste both time and money.

We break down how to evaluate whether you need lead generation, branding or both, and what to expect when you step into the agency world. If you already have an agency, we will go over how to know if you’ve partnered with the right one and what you need to do to make the most out of your investment in them.

Episode Highlights:

• Service vs. Product: Why “easy button” agencies rarely deliver and what it means to treat marketing like a true partnership
  
  
• Lead Gen or Branding? The first question you need to answer before hiring an agency
  
  
• AI Tools & Automation: Where technology helps and where it falls short compared to strategy
  
  
• Transparency & Reporting: What to demand from your agency beyond vanity metrics
  
  
• The Commitment Factor: Why a 6–12 month runway is essential for real results

Missed an episode? Catch up with our full playlist of Trades Secrets podcasts found here:

• https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-v2ElYWOqX8jZlaKuHz1krepsTZVY1As

Plus, explore MORE actionable marketing tactics that are not over your head, and apply to ALL trades here: https://tradessecretpodcast.com

Find out how we can help you grow your business: https://elevmarketing.com/

Read about the latest in the field: https://elevmarketing.com/blog/

Connect with us on social media:

• Facebook
• X
• Instagram (Elevation Digital Marketing)
• Instagram (Trades Secrets)
• LinkedIn

At Elevation Marketing we have a tight team of experts in SEO or Search Engine Optimization, Google Ads, Google Local Service Ads, Google Display, Social Media Ads, Search Engine Marketing (SEM), Content Marketing, and Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO). With a niche focus on Contractor Marketing and working for the Trades, we've been able to make a significant impact on our home services clients. We are more than an agency, we're your marketing partner. Elevating you elevates us. Email us at experts@elevmarketing.com to talk!

Find out how we can help you grow your business: https://elevmarketing.com/

Trades Secrets: Contractor Marketing is for home services contractors and who are looking for easy to implement marketing tips and strategies. This podcast is for you if you're looking for actionable marketing tactics that are not over your head, and apply to ALL trades. We'll keep you apprised of what's new, and what should be on your radar for all things digital marketing.

In this episode of Trade Secrets, we tackle one of the most frustrating—and powerful—tools in contractor marketing: Google Local Service Ads (LSAs). What used to be a golden ticket for lead generation has become a minefield of missed calls, dropped rankings, and Google’s ever-changing rules. We break down how LSAs actually work in 2025, what’s changed, and what you can do to get back in Google's good graces.

From insider tips on profile optimization to the real consequences of missing one phone call, this episode is your blueprint for managing—and mastering—LSAs in today’s hyper-competitive landscape.

Episode Highlights:

• The LSA Decline: Why leads dried up overnight—and the hidden rules that may be punishing your profile
• Missed Call Mayhem: The harsh reality of one unanswered phone ringing and what it does to your LSA standing
• Responsiveness = Ranking: How fast and detailed you respond to LSA inquiries directly impacts visibility

Missed an episode? Catch up with our full playlist of Trades Secrets podcasts found here:

• https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-v2ElYWOqX8jZlaKuHz1krepsTZVY1As

Plus, explore MORE actionable marketing tactics that are not over your head, and apply to ALL trades here: https://tradessecretpodcast.com

Find out how we can help you grow your business: https://elevmarketing.com/

Read about the latest in the field: https://elevmarketing.com/blog/

Connect with us on social media:

• Facebook
• X
• Instagram (Elevation Digital Marketing)
• Instagram (Trades Secrets)
• LinkedIn

Who is Elevation Marketing?

At Elevation Marketing we have a tight team of experts in SEO or Search Engine Optimization, Google Ads, Google Local Service Ads, Google Display, Social Media Ads, Search Engine Marketing (SEM), Content Marketing, and Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO). With a niche focus on Contractor Marketing and working for the Trades, we've been able to make a significant impact on our home services clients. We are more than an agency, we're your marketing partner. Elevating you elevates us. Email us at experts@elevmarketing.com to talk!

Find out how we can help you grow your business: https://elevmarketing.com/

Trades Secrets: Contractor Marketing is for home services contractors and who are looking for easy to implement marketing tips and strategies. This podcast is for you if you're looking for actionable marketing tactics that are not over your head, and apply to ALL trades. We'll keep you apprised of what's new, and what should be on your radar for all things digital marketing.