Lead Buying - StratoCentric

Several companies specialize in selling leads to home services businesses, helping them connect with potential customers looking for services like plumbing, HVAC, roofing, landscaping, and other household needs. These companies typically generate leads through online marketing efforts, such as paid search, SEO, and social media, then sell these leads to businesses on a per-lead, subscription, or pay-per-call basis. Here are some of the major lead providers for home services businesses:

1. HomeAdvisor (part of Angi)

How It Works: HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with service professionals across various categories like plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and more. They offer a lead generation service where contractors can purchase leads based on their specific trade and geographic area.
Lead Types: Businesses receive customer details for people actively seeking services.
Cost: Pay-per-lead model with pricing varying depending on the service and region.

2. Angi (formerly Angie’s List)

How It Works: Angi is a well-known platform where consumers can search for local home service providers and read reviews. Home service businesses can sign up for Angi’s paid advertising program to receive leads.
Lead Types: Businesses receive leads directly from homeowners seeking specific services.
Cost: Typically operates on a monthly membership or advertising model, where leads are part of the package.

3. Thumbtack

How It Works: Thumbtack allows homeowners to describe the services they need and connects them with qualified local professionals. Businesses can bid on the jobs, and only pay when a homeowner responds to their quote.
Lead Types: Lead bidding system where businesses are notified of potential job opportunities and can compete for the lead.
Cost: Pay-per-lead model, with pricing depending on the service type and location.

4. Porch

How It Works: Porch is a home services marketplace that partners with companies like Lowe’s to generate leads for home service providers. Homeowners request services, and Porch connects them with local pros.
Lead Types: Home services professionals receive job opportunities from homeowners actively looking for specific services.
Cost: Porch operates on a pay-per-lead or subscription basis.

5. CraftJack

How It Works: CraftJack offers a lead generation platform for home service professionals in various fields like remodeling, landscaping, and HVAC. They provide leads based on location and service type.
Lead Types: Leads are sent to businesses who are notified in real-time when a homeowner is interested in their services.
Cost: Pay-per-lead with competitive pricing and volume-based discounts.

6. Modernize

How It Works: Modernize focuses on providing leads for high-value home improvement projects like solar panel installations, roofing, and HVAC. It connects homeowners with contractors for major home projects.
Lead Types: Modernize generates leads through digital marketing and provides businesses with leads for specific services like roofing, windows, solar, and HVAC.
Cost: Pay-per-lead or subscription-based pricing.

7. Networx

How It Works: Networx helps home service professionals grow their business by connecting them with customers looking for local pros. Networx uses online marketing to generate leads for a range of home services.
Lead Types: Contractors receive job leads for home improvement projects, categorized by location and service type.
Cost: Pay-per-lead, with options for monthly or annual subscriptions.

8. Houzz Pro

How It Works: Houzz is primarily known as a platform for home design inspiration, but they also offer lead generation for home service providers. Contractors can use Houzz Pro to create profiles, showcase their work, and receive leads.
Lead Types: Houzz Pro provides leads for professionals in home design, renovation, and other related services.
Cost: Subscription-based, where businesses pay for a membership that includes lead generation features.

9. ServiceDirect

How It Works: ServiceDirect offers pay-per-call lead generation for home service businesses. They run digital marketing campaigns to generate calls from potential customers looking for services.
Lead Types: Businesses receive live phone calls from prospective customers, who are searching for specific home services.
Cost: Pay-per-call pricing, where businesses only pay for qualified phone calls.

10. 360Connect

How It Works: 360Connect provides lead generation services for a variety of industries, including home improvement. They focus on connecting businesses with serious buyers who are actively looking for specific services.
Lead Types: Businesses receive qualified leads via phone, email, or text.
Cost: Pay-per-lead, typically tailored based on the service type and business size.

11. LeadGenesis

How It Works: LeadGenesis is a performance-based marketing agency that generates leads for various sectors, including home services. They use online advertising to generate high-quality leads for businesses.
Lead Types: Qualified leads sent via phone or email based on the home service sector.
Cost: Pay-per-lead or pay-per-call model.

12. Yelp Ads

How It Works: Yelp is a popular platform where consumers review local businesses. Home service providers can use Yelp Ads to promote their services and generate leads.
Lead Types: Businesses can receive inquiries from users searching for specific services in their area.
Cost: Pay-per-click or cost-per-thousand-impressions (CPM) for ads, with lead generation as part of the overall package.

13. QuinStreet

How It Works: QuinStreet specializes in performance marketing and provides lead generation services for various industries, including home improvement. They generate leads through their network of owned websites and partnerships.
Lead Types: Qualified leads for home services, roofing, solar installations, etc., delivered via phone or email.
Cost: Typically works on a pay-per-lead model, pricing depends on lead type and volume.

Considerations When Choosing a Lead Provider:

Quality vs. Cost: Not all leads are equally qualified, so focus on providers with a reputation for delivering high-quality leads. Paying more for highly targeted leads can yield better ROI than cheaper, lower-quality leads.
Industry-Specific Leads: Some platforms specialize in certain types of services (e.g., solar, HVAC, roofing), which can be more effective for specialized businesses.
Geographic Targeting: Make sure the platform allows you to target leads within your specific service area.
Lead Exclusivity: Check whether the leads are sold exclusively to your business or shared with multiple competitors. Exclusive leads are more expensive but often yield better results.