Prospect Genius

Whether you’re a plumber, an electrician, or the go-to handyman in your neighborhood, getting your name out there is crucial. Today, we’re diving into the world of PPC—Pay-Per-Click advertising. It’s time to make those internet waves and bring in more customers. Ready? Let’s go!

How It Works

So, what exactly is PPC? Think of it as a digital auction where you bid to have your ads shown to potential customers. When someone clicks on your ad, you pay a small fee—hence, Pay-Per-Click.

1. Google Ads: This is the big one. You create an ad, choose your keywords (the search terms you want your ad to show up for), set your budget, and voila! Your ad appears at the top of Google’s search results. It’s like getting a VIP pass to the front of the line.
2. Facebook Ads: While Google Ads focus on keywords, Facebook Ads target people based on their interests, behaviors, and demographics. You can get super specific—want to reach homeowners in your area who recently moved? Facebook’s got you covered.
3. Bing Ads: Yep, Bing also offers PPC advertising. While it’s less popular due to having a smaller slice of the search traffic pie compared to Google, it can still be a valuable part of your marketing strategy. Plus, Bing’s audience tends to be slightly older and more affluent.

Where Will Your Ads Appear?

Now, let’s talk about visibility. After all, what’s the point of an ad if no one sees it?

• Google Ads: Your ads can show up in several places:
  • Search Results: The holy grail of PPC. Your ad appears at the top or bottom of the search results page.
  • Display Network: These are visual ads that pop up on websites within Google’s vast network.
  • YouTube: Yep, those pre-video ads you sometimes skip can be yours!
• Facebook Ads: Your ads can appear in:
  • News Feed: Right in the middle of a user’s feed.
  • Stories: Those quick, engaging ads in between stories.
  • Marketplace: Perfect if you’re selling products or services.
  • Right Column: Desktop users will see these on the side of their screen.

How Is It Different Than Facebook Ads?

Okay, so both Google and Facebook Ads are awesome, but how are they different? Let’s break it down:

• Targeting:
  • Google Ads: Focuses on intent. If someone is searching “emergency plumber near me,” they likely need a plumber ASAP. Your ad meets that immediate need.
  • Facebook Ads: Focuses on interests. You can target people who love DIY projects or recently bought a home. It’s more about getting in front of people who might need your services soon.
• Ad Types:
  • Google Ads: Primarily text-based, though display ads and video ads on YouTube are also options.
  • Facebook Ads: Visual and engaging, with images, videos, carousels, and even interactive experiences.
• Pull vs. Push:
  • Google Ads: These are “pull” ads, meaning they pull in users who are actively searching for your product or service. They’re already interested, and you’re meeting that demand.
  • Facebook Ads: These are “push” ads. You’re pushing your message to users based on their interests and behaviors, even if they’re not actively searching for your service. This can help you reach potential customers who didn’t know they needed you—yet.
• Budgeting:
  • Google Ads: You bid on keywords, and costs can vary based on competition.
  • Facebook Ads: You set your daily or lifetime budget and bid for ad placements.

The Right Tool for the Right Job

Each platform has its own strengths and proper place in a broader marketing campaign. Knowing when to use Google Ads and when to leverage Facebook Ads (or even Bing Ads) is what makes a savvy marketer. Google Ads can get you in front of people who are actively looking for what you offer, while Facebook Ads can help spread the word about services or products people might not yet know they need.

So there you have it! A quick and snappy guide to PPC. Whether you go with Google Ads to capture those urgent searches, Facebook Ads to build awareness, or Bing Ads to reach a different audience, PPC can be a game-changer for your business. Ready to give it a try? Your next big client might just be a click away!

Ready to get started now? You can sign up online for Google Ads or just give us a call!

We’ve covered a lot of ground in our series on SEO, PPC, and Pay-Per-Lead (PPL). We’ve seen how each one fits into your marketing strategy and what you need to be aware of when using them. Today, we’re going to tackle the big question: Why is buying leads probably the worst option for a long-term strategy? Buckle up, and let’s get into it!

Missed the other 2 parts? Here’s Part 1 and Part 2 of this series.

The Illusion of Quick Fixes

The Appeal of Pay-Per-Lead

Let’s be real: the idea of buying leads can be super tempting. It sounds so simple – you pay a fee, and leads are handed to you on a silver platter. No waiting, no fuss. For a busy business owner, it feels like a dream come true. But, like all things that seem too good to be true, there are some serious catches.

Short-Term Gains, Long-Term Pains

Buying leads might give you an immediate influx of potential customers, but it’s not a sustainable strategy. Here’s why:

• High Costs: Lead providers charge a premium for their service. You might end up paying a lot per lead, and not all of them will convert into customers.
• Shared Leads: You’re often not the only one buying those leads. You’ll be competing with other businesses for the same customers.
• No Lasting Value: Once you stop paying for leads, the flow stops. There’s no lasting benefit to your business.

Important: When doing the ROI math, remember that if a lead is $20 ea and you get $100 profit from the job, that’s NOT $100 – $20 = $80 profit. Those leads are typically shared with 4+ other businesses so all things being equal, you have a 1 in 5 chance. That makes the math $100 – ( 5 x $20 ) = $0. ZERO DOLLARS means you’re just hoping to break even! Why on Earth would you engage in anything where your best-case scenario is break-even!??!?

The Misaligned Incentives

Who Really Wins?

Lead providers like HomeAdvisor and Angi have one goal: to sell as many leads as possible. Their built-in incentives are not aligned with yours. Here’s how that could play out:

• Irrelevant Leads: They might send you leads that don’t match your services just to make a sale. You waste time and money chasing dead ends.
• Lead Sharing: They may sell the same lead to multiple companies. You end up in a bidding war with your competitors.
• Shady Practices: Some providers have been known to reactivate campaigns without permission or sell old, recycled leads.

Your Experience Matters

At Prospect Genius, we’ve heard countless stories from businesses frustrated with these practices. You deserve better than to be at the mercy of a lead provider who doesn’t have your best interests at heart.

Building Your Own Success

The Ownership Model: SEO

SEO is like owning your own home. You build it, maintain it, and over time, it grows in value. It might take longer to see results, but those results are lasting. When you invest in SEO:

• You Own the Traffic: The traffic to your website is yours. It doesn’t disappear when you stop paying.
• Brand Building: Good SEO strengthens your brand. It makes your business more visible and credible.
• Long-Term Value: Every piece of content, every backlink, and every optimization adds to your business’s long-term success.

The Support Act: PPC

PPC can be a great complement to SEO. It’s like renting a tool you need for a specific job. Use it for:

• Immediate Results: When you need a quick boost or want to promote a special offer.
• Targeted Campaigns: Reaching specific audiences, in specific geographies, with tailored messages.
• Supporting SEO: Filling in gaps while your SEO efforts take root.

The Smart Strategy

Invest in What Lasts

At Prospect Genius, we focus on strategies that build long-term value for your business. Here’s why:

• Aligned Goals: Our success is tied to yours. We want to help you grow, not just make a quick buck.
• Sustainable Growth: By investing in SEO, you’re building a foundation that supports your business for years to come.
• Complementary Tactics: We use PPC and social media marketing to support and enhance your SEO efforts, ensuring you get the best of both worlds.

The Bottom Line

Buying leads might seem like an easy solution, but it’s fraught with challenges and risks. Instead, invest in building your own traffic through SEO and support it with smart, targeted PPC campaigns. This approach not only saves you money in the long run but also builds a lasting, valuable online presence.

Thanks for joining us on this journey through the world of SEO, PPC, and PPL. We hope this series has given you the insights you need to make informed decisions for your business. Remember, at Prospect Genius, we’re here to help you grow and succeed. Reach out to us anytime – let’s build something great together!

We hope this series has helped you understand the ins and outs of SEO, PPC, and PPL. If you have any questions or need personalized advice, don’t hesitate to contact us at Prospect Genius. Let’s turn your marketing strategy into a powerhouse of success!