Don’t blow your entire ad budget on cold traffic. Break your $1,000/month into 3 strategic buckets:

• $500 → Direct-response Google Ads (high intent)

• $300 → Retargeting (people who didn’t convert the first time)

• $200 → Brand-building Meta Ads (Facebook/Instagram)

Google captures demand. Meta builds it. Retargeting brings it home.

Step 2: Run Google Search Ads for “Buy Now” Intent

Google is where people are already searching with intent to hire. You don’t need to convince them—they’re looking for someone like you.

Target keywords like:

• “AC repair San Diego”

• “emergency plumber near me”

• “roof inspection free estimate”

• “best solar company near me”

Set up ad groups by service and location. Use local extensions. And never send traffic to your homepage—use dedicated landing pages with one clear call-to-action.

Step 3: Build a Simple Retargeting Funnel

Most leads don’t convert on the first click. That’s normal.

Use retargeting ads to bring back visitors who landed on your website but didn’t take action. Run Facebook and Instagram retargeting ads with:

• Customer reviews or testimonials

• A limited-time offer

• A bold CTA like “Still need help with your HVAC system?”

Use dynamic creative to test different variations automatically.

Step 4: Run Meta Ads for Brand Awareness

This part is for planting seeds and expanding visibility in your local market. You’re not expecting conversions here—you’re staying top-of-mind.

Target local homeowners based on age, interests, income, or homeowner status.

Ad ideas:

• Short video: “3 signs your AC is about to fail”

• Before/after job images

• Staff intro or story about your company

Bonus: You can drive traffic to a blog post or video that warms them up before they ever search.

Step 5: Track Everything and Let the Data Tell You What Works

If you’re not tracking calls, form fills, and booked jobs—you’re flying blind.

Use tools like:

• Call tracking numbers (via CallRail or GHL)

• UTM parameters for Google Analytics

• Conversion tracking in Google and Meta

• A CRM to see which leads turned into booked jobs

You’ll know which ads are making money—and which ones aren’t.

How This Strategy Gets 20+ Calls/Month

This isn’t a magic formula—it’s a strategic mix of high-intent targeting, smart retargeting, and brand lift.

Here’s what results often look like:

• 5–10 calls/week from Google Ads (local intent)

• 3–5 extra calls from retargeting (people you would’ve lost)

• Improved brand recall and referrals from Meta ads

That’s over 20 calls a month, often for less than $50 per call.

Mistakes That Kill Your Ad Budget

• Running ads to your homepage

• Not having tracking in place

• Using generic copy and stock images

• Targeting broad, national audiences

• Quitting after 2 weeks of data

This strategy avoids all of that. It’s lean, proven, and scalable.

Want This Done for You?

At Lion Bear Media, we build and manage paid ad campaigns that drive real results for local businesses—not just clicks.

If you’re tired of guessing, wasting money, or dealing with shady ad agencies, book a strategy call today at LionBearMedia.com/book-id-call/

Let’s turn $1,000 into consistent booked jobs.