Best Marketing Channels to Get More Calls

For tradespeople, getting more phone calls from potential clients is key to continued growth. While digital marketing offers many options, not all channels are equally effective for driving inbound calls.

Understanding where your audience spends their time and how they prefer to connect with service providers can make a huge difference.

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Here’s a guide to the best marketing channels to generate more calls for your business.  

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#1. Local Search and SEO

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When someone needs a plumber or electrician, they often reach for their phone and search for “plumber near me” or “emergency electrician [city].” Optimizing your online presence for local search can dramatically increase your calls.

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Key strategies:

• Claim and optimize your Google Business Profile. Include accurate contact information, business hours, and photos of your team or projects.

• Encourage customer reviews. Positive reviews build trust and boost your search ranking.

• Use local keywords on your website and service pages, like “HVAC repair in Atlanta” or “residential roofing in Tulsa.”

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Local SEO ensures that when prospects search for your services, your business appears front and center, making it easier for them to call immediately.

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#2. Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Advertising

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Pay-per-click ads, such as Google Ads, are perfect for tradespeople looking to capture leads right when potential customers are searching. Unlike organic search, PPC can instantly put your phone number in front of your ideal audience.

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Tips for PPC campaigns:

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• Use call-only ads on mobile devices to make it easy for customers to call directly from the ad.

• Target specific service areas to ensure you’re reaching the right local audience.

• Track conversions to see which ads lead to actual calls, not just clicks.

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PPC can be highly effective for immediate results, especially for emergency services where customers want someone they can call now.

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#3. Social Media Marketing

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Social media isn’t just for brand awareness; it can drive calls, too! Platforms like Facebook and Instagram allow you to target local users and display your phone number prominently.

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Ways to generate calls through social media:

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• Use Facebook Lead Ads with a “Call Now” button.

• Post before-and-after project photos and include your phone number in the caption or bio. Share those to community and/or HOA groups online for more visibility.  

• Engage with comments and messages promptly; many users will call after a positive interaction.

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Visual proof of your work, combined with easy call access, can turn casual social media scrollers into paying clients.

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#4. Direct Mail and Flyers

While digital channels are vital, traditional methods like direct mail still work well for local trades. When paired together, these campaigns can reinforce your presence and boost call volume. Sending postcards or flyers to homeowners in your service area can grab attention and encourage calls or repeat business.  

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Direct mail tips:

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• Include a clear call-to-action: “Call us today for a free estimate.”

• Highlight special offers or seasonal services to create urgency.

• Use a specific ‘landing’ page to track who visited from the campaign – it’s best to put both a QR code and the link written out for people to see at a glance.  

• Make sure your phone number is prominent; it’s the key element on a piece of mail.

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#5. Referral Programs

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Nothing drives calls faster than word-of-mouth. Happy customers talking about your work can truly become one of your most effective call-driving channels. A structured referral program encourages your existing customers to recommend your services to friends, family, and neighbors.

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How to make referrals work:

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• Offer discounts or bonuses for each successful referral.

• Send a follow-up thank-you with an incentive after a referral call converts.

• Encourage reviews online as part of the referral process to boost credibility.

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#6. Online Directories and Review Sites

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Many homeowners and businesses rely on directories like Yelp, Angi, or HomeAdvisor to find tradespeople. These platforms are designed for quick connection, often including a “Call Now” button.

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For directory success, you’ll want to keep your profile complete and updated with accurate phone numbers. Respond to inquiries promptly; responsiveness often determines whether a call converts to a job. And once you get the project done, ask satisfied clients to leave reviews and ratings.

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Remember: Being visible on multiple platforms increases your chances of being contacted directly by interested prospects.

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Make Every Channel Count

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Getting more calls doesn’t happen by chance. Trades-related businesses that thrive use a combination of the methods above to ensure their phone keeps ringing. That said, the key is consistency and making it as easy as possible for potential clients to reach you.

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At My Marketing Works, we specialize in helping companies like yours implement marketing strategies that drive calls and real results. Ready to see your phone light up with new leads? Contact us today and let’s create a plan that keeps your business growing!

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