I need help - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

Mark Abbott · 03-07-2009, 10:29 AM

After reading through a "jillion" post, I still can't decide about an online lead service.
If you were starting out, (I have been out of commission a few years)
What service would you use if you were planning on targeting residential housing at first, then moving to commercial?
I have the financing I need to start, I just keep drawing a blank.
(What can I say? The world changed while 'ole Rumpelstiltskin slept.)

Birmingham Alabama

SLSTech · 03-07-2009, 10:32 AM

A web site first - posted everywhere, local advertising, visit Dons Carpet 1 and a few other speciality tile shops about subbing for them or posting your cards

Mark Abbott · 03-07-2009, 10:45 AM

Thanks Sean.
That's a great start. Monday morning has my feet pounding the pavement.
I am actually as close to Cullman as I am to Birmingham, and have friends all over the state. Travel is not a problem.

Mark Abbott · 03-07-2009, 10:59 AM

After reading more, I have decided the best way to get leads is like it has always been in the past. Getting off my lazy rear and go for it.

I want to thank all of you for the insight into online generated leads. I will be using my cash for fuel in my trucks, and relying on the 'ole "moxy" to sell my customers a product that has always been both durable and beautiful.

Morales · 03-08-2009, 10:15 AM

I am new to this site. I am starting my company here in Texas. I have never generated leads before other than my own marketing team. I am very skeptical about using one especially since I have a very limited budget. I want to make sure that I going to be able to generate money from what I put in. I have found this company called mercuryleads.com I talked to a guy there. And he seemed very cool, and explained to me about how the program works. They charge 93 dollars a lead, but claims that they verify all leads that are generated, Has anyone ever heard of this company. I only have 2,700 dollars to budget for my marketing leads. Please Please can one of you help me?

KCCT · 03-08-2009, 11:36 AM

99.9% of lead generation services are scams. Use the advise sls gave you.

Mr. Mike · 03-08-2009, 02:52 PM

Quote:

99.9% of lead generation services are scams. Use the advise sls gave you.

Bull! That is way off and very unfair to the OP even.

willworkforbeer · 03-08-2009, 03:10 PM

Heres one that worked for me, I got friendly with the jobsite superintendent on a large development, paid him $25-$100 for various projects leads that he would catch off HO's, I was covered in work. Like all good things that ended eventually too

SLSTech · 03-08-2009, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KCCT

99.9% of lead generation services are scams. Use the advise sls gave you.

The second part was spot on

The first part well I have to agree with Mr. Mike ...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Mike

Bull! That is way off and very unfair to the OP even.

Mark, some of us will steer well clear of them - while others will swear by them, this is one area you will have to do your own due diligence.

I would suggest you pound the pavement like you stated, get your advertising going (inc. a web site) & if that still doesn't draw enough traffic, then see about trying an on-line lead service.

Be prepared to invest allot of money in before getting a good sale - you may get lucky, but you might only sell 1 in 20. Just remember, there are no guarantees in business or sales.

KCCT · 03-08-2009, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Mike

Bull! That is way off and very unfair to the OP even.

Thats true, what was I thinking. To the OP. Invest heavily in Service Magic, Reliableremodeler, and all the other lead services out there. You will soon find yourself saying "why haven't I done this sooner!" Have fun and good luck!

Mr. Mike · 03-08-2009, 06:02 PM

I can't recommend any, the pickings are very slim just not .01%. I'd say there are at least 10% if not 30% or more of them that are good.

Edit:

Quote:

Mark, some of us will steer well clear of them - while others will swear by them, this is one area you will have to do your own due diligence.

I would suggest you pound the pavement like you stated, get your advertising going (inc. a web site) & if that still doesn't draw enough traffic, then see about trying an on-line lead service.

Be prepared to invest allot of money in before getting a good sale - you may get lucky, but you might only sell 1 in 20. Just remember, there are no guarantees in business or sales.

That says it all.

mdshunk · 03-08-2009, 06:05 PM

Mark, you're not this same Mark Abbott, are you?

tinner666 · 03-08-2009, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdshunk

Mark, you're not this same Mark Abbott, are you?

Dang!

I sure hope not. MD, how did you find that seemingly unfindable site??? No SEO and the only search term that will ever work is specifically 'Abbot Door and Window'. Leave the Abbot off, and it will never be seen.

Mark Abbott · 03-09-2009, 07:22 AM

Nope.
Not me. No windows or doors here

KCCT · 03-09-2009, 10:17 AM

If your into commercial work you can use ebidroom.com its free.

mdshunk · 03-09-2009, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tinner666

Dang!

I sure hope not. MD, how did you find that seemingly unfindable site??? No SEO and the only search term that will ever work is specifically 'Abbot Door and Window'. Leave the Abbot off, and it will never be seen.

I know the owner. I was just wondering if he was branching out into tilework.