If you need more jobs, advertising is the next step after referrals. Most handymen want more steady handyman leads, but traditional ads do not always deliver.
Here is what really matters: Are you getting the kind of work you want, at the price you need?
Advertising Channels That Actually Work
You have a lot of choices, but not all bring quality leads:
- Local Google Ads
- Facebook neighborhood groups
- Community bulletin boards
- Homeowner association newsletters
- Targeted direct mail (postcards)
Test one channel at a time. Run a small, clear message , something like “Handyman Available – Fast Replies – Call Today.”
If no calls come after a couple of weeks, tweak your ad or try another channel.
Handyman Marketing Should Match Your Area
In my experience, what works in a city does not always work in a small town. Pay attention to what local homeowners respond to.
- Is your area active on community social pages?
- Do people post needs on Nextdoor?
- Are flyers picked up at hardware stores?
Stick with what brings the most replies.
Should You Pay for Handyman Leads?
There are different opinions. Some people swear by lead companies like Mr & Mrs Leads, while others avoid any platform that charges per lead.
It comes down to your preference. Pay for a few leads, track what happens, then decide.
Paying for *handyman leads* is only smart if you close at least one in five jobs. If you find yourself chasing every small job, reconsider your approach.
Making Handyman SEO Work Alongside Advertising
Advertising and SEO are not opposites. If someone sees your name in an ad, they will probably look you up online.
Does your website clearly list services, service area, and reviews? Are your phone and hours correct in Google?
These details let you turn advertising into long-term clients.
Which Ads Bring Better Leads?
Every area is different. Some quick notes:
- Coupon sites often bring people hunting the lowest price, not loyalty.
- Local Facebook ads usually bring homeowners.
- Postcards or flyers pull in older clients comfortable with print ads.
- Google Ads capture urgent repair needs (“broken sink tonight”).
Test, but avoid over-committing. Spread your budget and time.
Setting a Budget: How Much to Spend?
Start low. Even $50 a month spread over two different channels can tell you which is more reliable.
Track where every call comes from. Do not be afraid to pause ads that flop.
Advertising Mistakes to Avoid
- Launching fancy campaigns with jargon. Keep it simple and action-oriented.
- Not tracking which ads bring calls.
- Not following up after an ad response. Reply fast before the client moves on.
- Focusing on discounts rather than quality.
Most successful handyman marketing comes down to clear offers, local proof, and being fast to respond. Not more budget, not gimmicks.
Mixing Mr And Mrs Leads and Direct Advertising
I have found that using Mr And Mrs Leads to fill dead weeks, and direct advertising for more general growth, works best for many handyman businesses.
Some weeks, the leads will not be your ideal jobs. That is okay. Pick what fits and move on.
Table: Comparing Handyman Ad Results
| Ad Channel | Monthly Budget | Leads Per Month | Jobs Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Ads | $50 | 8 | 2 |
| Facebook Local Groups | $20 | 5 | 1 |
| Mr And Mrs Leads | $80 | 6 | 3 |
| Direct Mail Flyers | $30 | 3 | 1 |
No one approach is perfect. The combination fills out slow weeks.
Should You Drop Ads Once SEO Kicks In?
I see good results from keeping a light ad budget even after your SEO is working. It keeps your name out there during dry spells.
Finishing Thoughts
Handyman advertising is not a magic formula, but thoughtful, well-targeted campaigns bring more real handyman leads. Use SEO for your core, advertising or lead providers for quick jobs, and keep tracking all results so you know what actually helps your calendar stay full.