Local Business

Blog Post Last Updated: July 2026

Facebook Ads vs Google Ads for Contractors — Which Gets More Leads? Reddit + Data

Reddit answers and real 2026 cost-per-lead data comparing Facebook ads vs Google ads for contractors — which channel actually generates more leads for residential and commercial trades.

Quick Answer

Based on the most upvoted Reddit threads on r/Contractor and r/PPC plus real 2026 industry data, Google Ads (especially Local Service Ads) generate higher-intent contractor leads at CA$40–CA$120 per lead, while Facebook Ads generate cheaper leads at CA$15–CA$50 but with 2–3x lower close rates. Most successful contractors run both — Google for immediate demand, Facebook for retargeting and awareness.

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Quick answer

Why this question matters more for contractors than any other business type

Contractors have to pick their marketing channel carefully because every lead costs real money, and a bad channel choice can burn CA$2,000–CA$5,000 in a month with nothing to show for it. Reddit threads on r/Contractor and r/HomeImprovement are full of contractors who blew their marketing budget on the wrong platform. The truth is Facebook and Google target completely different buyer stages — Google captures active demand, Facebook creates demand. Understanding that difference is the whole game.

Reddit consensus on Google Ads for contractors

The most upvoted Reddit answers on r/Contractor, r/PPC, and r/GoogleAds consistently rank Google Ads — especially Google Local Service Ads (LSAs) — as the highest-intent lead source for contractors. When someone searches 'emergency plumber Vancouver' or 'roof leak repair near me', they need help now. That intent is why Google leads close 20–40% for most contractors, compared to 5–15% for Facebook leads according to WordStream's 2024 industry benchmarks.

Reddit consensus on Facebook Ads for contractors

Reddit contractors have a much more mixed take on Facebook Ads. The tactics that upvoted threads say work: targeted lead-gen ads for kitchen and bathroom remodels with clear before/after photos, video walkthroughs of finished projects, and retargeting site visitors who didn't call. The tactics that don't work: broad brand awareness campaigns, generic 'contact us' offers, and low-budget campaigns under CA$300/month (Facebook's algorithm needs volume to optimize).

Real 2026 cost-per-lead data for contractors

These numbers reflect real Canadian contractor client data from 2025–2026 plus published WordStream and LSA industry benchmarks.

Google Local Service Ads (LSAs) — CA$40–CA$90 per lead. Highest intent, verified by Google, best for HVAC, plumbing, electrical, roofing, locksmiths.
Google Search Ads (non-LSA) — CA$60–CA$150 per lead. Solid intent, works for niches LSAs don't cover (renovations, custom builds).
Facebook Lead Ads — CA$15–CA$50 per lead. Lower intent, requires strong follow-up within 5 minutes to convert.
Facebook Traffic + Website Form — CA$25–CA$70 per website contact. Slightly higher intent than Lead Ads.
Facebook Retargeting (site visitors) — CA$8–CA$25 per lead. Highest ROI on Facebook when combined with a Google-driven site visitor pipeline.

Which channel wins for which contractor type

This is the breakdown that consistently plays out across Reddit threads and real contractor client data.

Emergency and same-day services (plumbing, HVAC, electrical, locksmith)

Google LSAs win by a wide margin. When someone's basement is flooding, they're searching Google — not scrolling Facebook. LSA close rates for emergency trades run 30–50%. Facebook is not a priority for these categories.

Planned renovations (kitchens, bathrooms, whole-home remodels)

Split. Google Ads captures customers actively researching, Facebook builds demand with before/after visuals and video walkthroughs. Most successful renovators run both — Google for 60–70% of budget, Facebook for 30–40%.

Roofing and exterior work

Google LSAs and Search Ads for storm-damage response. Facebook works for seasonal awareness campaigns before roofing season starts (typically February–March in Canada).

Custom builds and high-ticket projects (CA$100K+)

Longer sales cycles favour Facebook for education and awareness combined with retargeting. Google captures the final research phase. Referrals and portfolio marketing still outperform paid channels for this segment.

The 3 most common mistakes contractors make on both platforms

These come up in every Reddit thread and every client audit we do.

1. Not responding to leads within 5 minutes. Both Google and Facebook lead close rates drop by roughly 80% after the first hour according to InsideSales.com research. Auto-response text messages are non-negotiable.
2. Sending ad traffic to the homepage instead of a dedicated landing page. Every campaign should have a matching landing page with a single clear offer and no navigation.
3. No lead tracking, so you don't actually know which channel is working. Google Ads with call tracking + Meta pixel + CRM integration are the minimum.

What most successful contractors actually do in 2026

The winning contractor marketing mix looks similar across Reddit success stories and our own client base: 50–65% budget on Google Ads (LSAs first, then Search), 15–25% on Facebook for retargeting and awareness, 10–20% on SEO and Google Business Profile management for compounding organic leads, and 5–10% on referral programs. Contractors who go all-in on Facebook usually spend more per closed job than they realize. Contractors who go all-in on Google miss the awareness that would have converted 30 days later.

How Cloud Peak Solutions helps contractors with paid ads and organic growth

Cloud Peak Solutions is a Vancouver-based agency that has worked with contractor clients across Canada and the US since 2019. We focus on the fundamentals that compound — professional web design, local SEO, Google Business Profile management, and website maintenance — the organic foundation that makes every dollar of paid ad spend work harder. See our packages or contact us for a free contractor marketing audit. Related reading: How to Get More Google Reviews as a Contractor and SEO for Roofing Contractors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Facebook Ads or Google Ads better for contractors according to Reddit?

Reddit consensus on r/Contractor and r/PPC is that Google Ads (especially Local Service Ads) generate higher-intent leads at higher cost per lead, while Facebook Ads generate cheaper leads at lower close rates. Most successful contractors run both.

What is the average cost per lead for contractors on Google Ads?

Google Local Service Ads typically run CA$40–CA$90 per lead for contractors in Canada. Standard Google Search Ads run CA$60–CA$150 per lead depending on the trade and competition.

What is the average cost per lead for contractors on Facebook Ads?

Facebook Lead Ads run CA$15–CA$50 per lead for contractors, but close rates are typically 2–3x lower than Google leads. Retargeting existing site visitors can drop that cost to CA$8–CA$25.

Should new contractors start with Facebook Ads or Google Ads?

Start with Google Local Service Ads if your trade qualifies (plumbing, HVAC, electrical, roofing, locksmith). Emergency and immediate-need services convert better on Google. Facebook makes sense once you have a website with retargeting installed.

How fast do contractors need to respond to Facebook and Google leads?

Within 5 minutes. Close rates drop by roughly 80% after the first hour according to InsideSales.com research. Auto-response text messages combined with a real human callback are the standard.

About the Author

This article was written by the team at Cloud Peak Solutions, a Vancouver-based web design and digital marketing agency helping small businesses across Canada and the US get more customers online through professional web design, local SEO, and Google Business Profile management. Learn more at cloudpeak.solutions.

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