After working with over 100 restoration companies and analyzing millions in marketing spend, we’ve identified the lead sources that consistently deliver the best results. Here’s what actually works.
1. Google Local Service Ads (LSAs)
Average Cost Per Lead: $50–150 per lead
Local Service Ads are the gold standard for restoration lead generation. These ads appear at the very top of Google search results, above traditional PPC ads, and you only pay when a customer contacts you directly.
Why LSAs Work So Well:
- • Google Guaranteed badge builds instant trust
- • Pay-per-call pricing ensures you only pay for real leads
- • Appears above all other ads and organic results
- • Higher conversion rates than traditional PPC
- • Verification increases credibility
Our clients typically see a 3–5X ROI from LSAs. The key is maintaining a high Google rating and fast lead response times.
2. Google Maps (Local SEO)
Average Cost Per Lead: $0–50 per lead (organic)
Ranking in the Google Maps 3-pack is the holy grail of restoration marketing. Once ranked, these leads are free and convert highly since users are actively searching for help.
It typically takes 3–6 months to rank. But once achieved, you’ll enjoy a steady stream of high-quality leads.
3. Organic SEO (Website Rankings)
Average Cost Per Lead: $0–75 per lead (organic)
Organic SEO drives consistent long-term traffic and leads. By targeting high-intent search terms like “emergency water extraction” or “flood cleanup near me,” you can capture ready-to-buy customers.
4. Pay-Per-Click Advertising (Google Ads)
Average Cost Per Lead: $75–200 per lead
Traditional PPC ads are still effective for quick scaling. Focus on emergency, high-intent keywords and use conversion tracking to manage ROI.
5. Insurance Partnerships (TPA Networks)
Average Cost Per Lead: $0 (relationship-based)
Being a preferred vendor with insurance companies can provide steady, guaranteed work. Margins are thinner but volume is consistent.
6. Referral Programs
Average Cost Per Lead: $25–100 per lead (referral fee)
Referrals from plumbers, property managers, and agents convert at 60–80%. Create formal programs with rewards for each closed referral.
7. Lead Generation Companies
Average Cost Per Lead: $50–300 per lead
Lead gen services can supplement your marketing, but quality varies. Avoid companies that resell leads or hide their sources.
Warning:
Avoid companies that can’t prove lead quality or require long-term contracts — these are red flags for poor performance.
The Best Strategy: Diversification
Don’t rely on one source. The best companies use 3–4 channels for steady lead flow.
- 40% — Google Maps & SEO (free, long-term)
- 30% — Local Service Ads (high intent)
- 20% — Referrals (trusted, pre-sold)
- 10% — PPC or Lead Gen (scalable)
Measuring What Matters
- Cost per lead
- Conversion rate
- Average job value
- Customer lifetime value
Focus on ROI — not just cost per lead. A $200 lead that converts at 80% and yields $5,000 is better than a cheap, low-quality one.
Ready to Optimize Your Lead Generation?
Apex Era helps restoration companies build scalable, multi-channel lead systems — combining LSA management, SEO optimization, and AI-powered tools to achieve up to 12X ROI.