You don’t need a huge ad budget to get more jobs, you need consistency in the free and low-cost channels that actually convert for trades businesses. Here’s where to put your energy first, in order of ROI:

1. Google Business Profile — This is free, and it’s often the highest-return thing a contractor can do. Post recent job photos weekly, respond to every review, and make sure your service categories and service area are filled out completely and accurately.

2. Short-form video — A phone camera and 60 seconds is all it takes. Before-and-after clips, quick process explainers, job-site walkthroughs. Post consistently on Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts and the content keeps generating views — and leads — for months after you post it.

3. Review requests — Ask every satisfied client, every time. A simple text with a direct link removes the friction that stops most people from ever leaving one.

4. Service-specific website pages — If your site has one generic “Services” page, split it into individual pages for each service you offer. It costs nothing but time and helps you rank for the exact searches your customers are typing.

5. Local Facebook groups and Nextdoor — Genuinely helpful, non-salesy answers in local community groups build trust and visibility without spending a dime on ads.

None of this requires a big budget. It requires showing up consistently which, ironically, is the part most contractors struggle with most, simply because they’re busy running jobs. That’s usually where working with someone like EJ Studios comes in: not to replace the free strategy, but to actually execute it consistently while you’re on the job site.