🏖️ #11 Google Ads vs. Local Service Ads – What’s Worth Your Budget?

💡 This Week’s Focus: Paid Ads That Actually Pay Off

You don’t need to spend thousands a month on ads to get leads—but if you’re going to spend anything, you need to know where it’s going and what kind of lead you’re getting.

This week, we’re breaking down the two ad platforms most pool companies consider when they want to boost lead flow: Google Search Ads and Google Local Service Ads (LSAs).

📢 Why This Matters
Done right, Google Ads and LSAs can bring in quality leads fast. But too many pool pros waste money on the wrong campaigns, targeting the wrong keywords, or not knowing how to track results.

If you’re thinking about running ads this season—or you're already spending and not seeing ROI—this one’s for you.

✅ Actionable Tip of the Week: Choose the Right Platform for Your Goals

Google Local Service Ads (LSAs):
– Pay-per-lead, not per click
– Appear above regular Google Ads and map listings
– Ideal for generating phone calls from ready-to-hire customers
– You only pay for real leads (and can dispute ones that don’t qualify)
– Best for: Fast lead flow from high-intent local searches

Google Search Ads:
– Pay-per-click campaigns with full control over keywords and copy
– Great for branded searches, retargeting, or more niche offers
– Requires a strong landing page and proper campaign setup
– Best for: More advanced targeting and scaling

🎯 Quick Wins (Bonus Tips)
💦 Want to understand how LSAs work? Start here: Google’s LSA Help Guide
💦 Curious what a good Google Ads campaign looks like? Read this overview: Google Ads Basics for Service Businesses
💦 Learn how to track calls from both platforms with this guide: Call Tracking 101 by CallRail

These aren’t fluff articles — they’ll help you avoid the rookie mistakes that waste budget and give you a clear sense of what to expect before diving in.

🚀 Take Action This Week
Pick one platform to learn more about based on your goals. Want more calls right away? LSAs are your best bet. Looking to build a longer-term lead system with more control? Google Ads may be worth testing.

📅 Next Week: How to Build a Landing Page That Converts
Clicks don’t mean much if no one calls. Next week, we’ll break down what your landing pages need to convert traffic into leads—without hiring a designer.

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