You're thinking about hiring a marketing agency for your contracting business. But what do they actually do? What should you expect to get for your money? And how do you tell a good one from a bad one? Here's the straightforward answer.
What a contractor marketing agency should do
Build (or rebuild) your website. A professional, fast, mobile-optimized website with dedicated pages for every service you offer and every city you serve. Schema markup, proper metadata, ADA compliance — the technical foundation that most DIY sites lack.
Optimize your Google Business Profile. Complete setup, weekly posts, review management strategy, photo uploads, and service list optimization. Your GBP is your most visible asset in local search.
Create and publish content. Monthly blog posts targeting the keywords your customers search. Service pages, location pages, and seasonal content that builds your Google presence over time.
Technical SEO. Page speed optimization, mobile responsiveness, schema markup, internal linking, sitemap management — the behind-the-scenes work that makes everything else effective.
Report on results. Monthly reports showing keyword rankings, organic traffic, lead volume, and where things are headed. Transparency about what's working and what isn't.
What to watch out for
Guaranteed rankings. No one can guarantee #1 on Google. If an agency promises this, run. Google's algorithm considers hundreds of factors and changes constantly.
Long contracts with no deliverables. Be wary of 12-month contracts that don't specify exactly what you'll receive each month. Good agencies are confident enough to earn your business monthly.
No transparency. If you can't see your keyword rankings, traffic data, and lead attribution, you have no way to evaluate whether the agency is delivering value.
One-size-fits-all. A "contractor marketing agency" that uses the same template and strategy for every client isn't doing real SEO. Your market, your competition, and your services require a tailored approach.
What to expect to pay
Quality contractor marketing services typically cost $300–$900/month for website + SEO + content. Full-service agencies that include PPC management, social media, and more run $1,500–$5,000+/month. The right investment depends on your market size, competition, and growth goals.
The Embre approach
We built Embre specifically for home service businesses — website design, SEO, and monthly content at a price that makes sense for contractors. No mystery, no jargon, no 6-month wait to see your site. Get a free preview in 48 hours.