The Five Steps Between a Google Search and a Booked Job
Most service businesses only track leads and jobs, missing the three steps in between where customers actually disappear. Here's the full path and where to fix it.
September 6, 2026Read
5 Signs Your Marketing Agency Isn't Actually Working for You
Vague reports, no calls to show for it, and a contract you can't get out of. Here's how to tell if your marketing agency is earning its fee.
August 19, 2026Read
The Referral System Most Service Businesses Never Build
Happy customers refer you without a system. A few more refer you if you ask. Here's how to turn satisfied jobs into new ones without sounding pushy.
August 18, 2026Read
"Near Me" Searches: How Sacramento-Area Customers Actually Pick a Business
When someone searches "plumber near me" in Sacramento, Google decides who they see before they ever visit a website. Here's what actually drives that decision.
August 16, 2026Read
Why Customers Won't Leave a Voicemail Anymore (And What Happens When They Don't)
Fewer customers leave voicemails than they used to. Here's why, what they do instead when you don't pick up, and how to catch those leads before they call the next business.
August 13, 2026Read
Why the Lowest Bid Rarely Wins the Job
Undercutting your competitors' prices doesn't win you more jobs, it wins you the customers nobody else wanted. Here's what actually gets you picked.
August 12, 2026Read
Why Slow Quotes Lose Jobs You Already Won
A customer already chose you. Then the quote took three days. Here's why estimate speed decides more jobs than most contractors realize.
August 2, 2026Read
How Much Should a Sacramento Service Business Actually Spend on Marketing?
A practical breakdown of what local service businesses should budget for marketing, based on revenue, growth stage, and where the money actually needs to go.
July 29, 2026Read
Why Your Website, Your SEO, and Your Follow-Up Don't Talk to Each Other
When your website, SEO, and lead follow-up come from three different vendors, leads fall through the cracks between them. Here's what a connected system looks like.
July 26, 2026Read
Can You Actually Take a Vacation and Still Catch Every Lead?
Most service business owners avoid vacations because leads go unanswered while they're gone. Here's how to actually disconnect without losing jobs.
July 22, 2026Read
Renting Leads vs. Owning Your Local Search Presence
Angi and Thumbtack sell you a lead once. Local SEO keeps sending them. Here's why the cheaper option on paper often costs more over time.
July 20, 2026Read
Google Local Services Ads: Are They Worth It for a Service Business?
Google Local Services Ads put a green checkmark next to your name and charge you per lead, not per click. Here's how they work and when they're worth it.
July 19, 2026Read
Why Your Business Needs a Dedicated Phone Number (Not Your Personal Cell)
Running your business off your personal cell number costs you leads, reviews, and peace of mind. Here's why a dedicated line fixes all three.
July 17, 2026Read
How to Know Which Marketing Is Actually Bringing In Jobs
Most local service businesses can't say which marketing dollar brought in which job. Here's how to find out, without hiring an analyst.
July 15, 2026Read
Should Your Website Show Prices? What Local Service Businesses Get Wrong
Most contractors hide pricing behind a 'call for quote' button. Here's why that costs you leads, and how to show pricing without underselling your work.
July 14, 2026Read
Chatbot or AI Employee? Why the Difference Matters for Service Businesses
Not all AI on your website does the same job. Here's the real difference between a scripted chatbot and an AI employee that actually captures and qualifies leads.
July 12, 2026Read
Google Ads or SEO First? How to Decide With a Limited Budget
Local service businesses often can't afford both Google Ads and SEO at once. Here's how to figure out which one actually fixes your biggest problem first.
July 8, 2026Read
Do You Need a Business Texting Number? What Service Businesses Should Know
Texting customers from your personal cell creates real risks. Here's what service businesses need to know about business texting numbers, consent, and compliance.
July 6, 2026Read
Traffic Isn't the Goal. Calls Are.
Website traffic and phone calls are two different problems. If your site gets visitors but your phone doesn't ring, here's what's actually breaking — and how to fix it.
June 27, 2026Read
What Your Customer Does When They Can't Reach You
When a potential customer calls and can't get through, most move on within minutes. Here's what actually happens after that missed call, and what you can do about it.
June 24, 2026Read
The Follow-Up Gap: Why Service Businesses Lose Jobs They Already Won
Local service businesses lose up to 40 percent of jobs between the estimate and the signed contract. The problem is usually follow-up timing, not price.
June 20, 2026Read
How Online Booking Changes the Customer Experience for Service Businesses
Online booking captures customers who are ready to act right now, before they move to the next result. Here's what it changes for service businesses.
June 19, 2026Read
How to Stop Losing Leads You Didn't Know You Were Getting
Most service businesses lose leads before they ever know they had them. Here's where those leads go and what it takes to close the gaps.
June 15, 2026Read
How AI Phone Answering Works for Small Businesses (And When It Makes Sense)
AI phone answering catches the calls you miss, texts the caller back in minutes, and books the job. Here's how it works and when it's a real fit.
June 12, 2026Read