If you’re a contractor or home-service pro — roofing, fencing, remodeling, HVAC or anything in between — you’ve probably asked yourself: how do I get more jobs without spending thousands on advertising?

You don’t need a huge budget. With the right strategy and a few simple tools you can generate steady leads without draining your bank account. Here are ten ways that work whether you’re just starting out or ready to scale.

1. Optimize your Google Business Profile

Your Google Business Profile is what shows up when someone searches for your business, or for “deck builders near me” and “roofing company in [your town].” A well-kept profile puts you in local map results, builds trust through reviews and brings in calls directly from Google.

  • Claim and verify your business
  • Add your services and service areas
  • Upload real photos of your work
  • Ask past customers for reviews
  • Post an update once a week

2. Show up in local Facebook groups

Homeowners post in local groups every day asking for contractors. Search for “Homeowners of [your town]” or “[city] home renovations.” Don’t spam — answer questions, share before-and-afters, and ask happy customers to tag you when someone asks for a recommendation.

3. Ask for referrals the right way

Don’t just say “let me know if you know someone.” Try: “We loved working with you! If you know anyone thinking about a new deck, fence or roof, I’d be happy to give them a free quote — and I’ll send you a $25 gift card if they book.” Leave referral cards behind at every job.

4. Post before-and-afters and tag your location

You don’t need to go viral — you need to be visible locally. Post once or twice a week: transformations, customer testimonials and quick tips. Tag your town and use local hashtags.

5. Use free and low-cost listing sites

Beyond Google, homeowners look for contractors on Yelp, Nextdoor, Angi, Houzz and Thumbtack. Fill in every profile with real project photos, the words “licensed” and “insured,” your services and your reviews. List there, but don’t rely on them: many of those leads go to several contractors at once, so the work you own (your Google profile, reviews and website) should come first.

6. Put up yard signs and truck stickers

Old school, still powerful. With the homeowner’s permission, leave a branded sign at the job site with your business name, phone number, website or QR code and the service.

7. Partner with other local pros

Build a referral network with businesses that serve the same customers but don’t compete: realtors, landscapers, pool installers, interior designers and handymen.

8. Have a simple website that captures leads

Homeowners research before they call. Your site doesn’t need to be fancy, but it must load fast on a phone and have a clear list of services, real reviews, good photos, an obvious “Get a free estimate” button and a form that actually works.

9. Turn reviews into marketing

After every job, send a quick text with your Google review link: “Thanks again for choosing us! Would you mind leaving a quick review? It really helps local customers find us.” Then reuse those reviews on your website, social pages and estimates. If you have ten great reviews and your competitor has one, guess who gets the job.

10. Follow up on every quote and lead

Most contractors send an estimate and never follow up. People get busy, forget and shop around. A friendly check-in at 3 days, 1 week and 1 month shows you’re organized and ready — and you’ll be surprised how many say yes.

Bonus: let someone else handle the busywork

If you’re spending evenings chasing leads, answering the same questions or posting randomly on social media, that’s time you could be on the job. Fillay sets up and runs this for contractors — websites, Google, ads, follow-up and reviews — using the tools you already have or ours.