Generating leads for your pest control business isn’t just about spending more on ads—it’s about spending smarter. Too many pest control companies throw money at marketing tactics that don’t work, chasing clicks instead of conversions. If you’re tired of low-quality leads, wasted ad spend, and unpredictable results, it’s time to focus on strategies that bring in consistent, high-intent customers without draining your budget. Here’s how to get more pest control leads while ensuring every marketing dollar works for you.
1. Optimize Your Google Business Profile for Free, High-Intent Leads
Before spending money on advertising, make sure you’re getting all the free leads you can from Google. When homeowners search for “pest control near me”, Google’s Local Pack (the map results) displays the top three local businesses. If you’re not listed, you’re missing out on potential customers who are actively looking for your services.
How to Improve Your Google Business Profile:
- Complete Every Section: Ensure your business name, address, phone number, service areas, and hours are accurate.
- Add High-Quality Photos: Upload images of your team, vehicles, and before-and-after shots of pest treatments.
- Get More Reviews: Google prioritizes businesses with recent, high-rated reviews. Send follow-up texts or emails requesting customer feedback.
- Use Keywords in Your Description: Add terms like “termite exterminator in [city]” or “affordable rodent control in [neighborhood]” to increase search relevance.
- Post Regular Updates: Share seasonal pest control tips, promotions, or company news to keep your profile active.
Many pest control businesses double their lead volume just by improving their Google Business Profile—without spending a dime.
2. Run Google Local Services Ads for High-Intent, Pay-Per-Lead Results
If you’re going to pay for ads, make sure they generate real customer inquiries, not just website clicks. Google Local Services Ads (LSAs) are the best paid advertising option for pest control businesses because they only charge you when a lead contacts you.
Why LSAs Are a Game-Changer for Pest Control Leads:
- You Pay Per Lead, Not Per Click: Unlike traditional Google Ads, LSAs don’t waste your budget on unqualified clicks.
- Google Screened Badge Builds Trust: Customers are more likely to choose businesses with this verification.
- Top Placement in Search Results: LSAs appear above regular Google Ads and organic listings.
- Higher Conversion Rates: Leads from LSAs are ready to book, not just browsing for information.
How to Maximize Your LSA Performance:
- Respond Quickly: Google favors businesses that reply to leads within minutes. Faster response times also improve conversion rates.
- Maintain a High Review Rating: Businesses with better reviews rank higher and get more leads. Make review collection a priority.
- Use Call Tracking: Monitor your leads and adjust your budget based on the highest-performing services.
Many pest control businesses report LSAs delivering better ROI than any other advertising method. If you’re not using them yet, you’re leaving money on the table.
3. Stop Wasting Money on Ineffective Google Ads – Optimize for High-Intent Searches
Google Ads (PPC) can be a goldmine or a money pit depending on how well they’re set up. The biggest mistake pest control companies make is bidding on broad, generic keywords that lead to low-quality traffic and wasted spend.
How to Fix Your Google Ads and Stop Wasting Money:
- Target High-Intent Keywords: Focus on phrases like “termite treatment cost” or “emergency bed bug removal near me” rather than “pest control.”
- Use Negative Keywords: Exclude terms like “DIY pest control” and “cheap exterminator” to avoid unqualified clicks.
- Refine Location Targeting: Only show ads in high-value service areas where you actually want to book jobs.
- Test Different Ad Copy: Use direct, action-driven messaging like “Call Now for a Free Inspection” instead of generic service descriptions.
The best Google Ads strategies don’t just drive traffic—they drive conversions. By refining your targeting, you can cut your cost per lead in half while getting better-quality inquiries.
4. Retarget Website Visitors with Facebook and Instagram Ads
Many homeowners visit your website, but don’t book a service right away. Instead of losing these potential leads, use retargeting ads on Facebook and Instagram to stay top-of-mind.
Why Retargeting Works for Pest Control:
- Reminds Customers to Take Action: Someone might have searched for termite control but got distracted before booking. Retargeting brings them back.
- Lower Cost Than Traditional Ads: Retargeting ads are cheaper because they focus only on warm leads who already showed interest.
- Increases Trust: Seeing your brand multiple times builds credibility and makes customers more likely to choose you.
How to Set Up a High-Converting Retargeting Campaign:
- Target Website Visitors from the Last 30 Days with ads offering limited-time discounts.
- Use Social Proof: Include a 5-star review or testimonial in the ad copy.
- Offer a Compelling Reason to Act: “$50 Off Pest Control—Limited Time” creates urgency.
Retargeting campaigns convert lost website visitors into paying customers at a fraction of the cost of traditional ads.
5. Get More Referrals with an Incentivized Customer Program
Your existing customers can be your best source of new leads—if you give them a reason to refer you. A structured referral program rewards customers for bringing in new business, making it a low-cost, high-ROI strategy.
How to Build a Referral Program That Actually Works:
- Offer a Win-Win Incentive: Give both the referrer and the new customer a reward, such as $50 off their next service.
- Make Sharing Easy: Provide customers with a referral link or a simple code they can text to friends.
- Promote It Everywhere: Mention it on your website, in follow-up emails, on invoices, and in social media posts.
- Track and Follow Up: Send reminders to past customers encouraging them to refer more friends.
A well-executed referral program can generate leads for free and reduce your need for paid advertising.
6. Build an Email and SMS List to Get Repeat Business
Many pest control companies focus too much on new leads while ignoring repeat customers. A strong email and SMS marketing strategy keeps your past clients engaged and coming back for ongoing treatments.
How to Use Email and SMS Marketing Effectively:
- Send Seasonal Reminders: “Spring is here—schedule your termite inspection before it’s too late.”
- Promote Exclusive Discounts: Offer special deals for returning customers.
- Educate and Provide Value: Share pest prevention tips to keep your business top-of-mind.
- Automate Follow-Ups: After a service, send an automated text thanking them and asking for a review.
A consistent email and SMS strategy increases customer lifetime value and reduces marketing costs by keeping your business front and center.
Final Thoughts
Getting more pest control leads doesn’t require a bigger budget—it requires a smarter strategy. By optimizing your Google Business Profile, running LSAs, refining PPC targeting, leveraging retargeting ads, encouraging referrals, and using email marketing, you can generate higher-quality leads while reducing wasted spend.
If you’re serious about getting more customers without blowing your marketing budget, start by improving just one or two of these strategies today. Over time, you’ll see more leads, lower costs, and greater profitability.
