The one-job test
Work out how many jobs a year it takes to cover the plan, setup included. If it's a handful, SEO is likely worth it.
| Trade | First year on Growth | Typical job | Jobs to cover it |
|---|---|---|---|
| HVAC replacement | $13,464 | $5,000 to $10,000 | About 2 |
| Re-roof | $13,464 | $8,000 to $15,000 | 1 to 2 |
| Water heater (plumbing) | $13,464 | $1,500 to $3,500 | About 4 to 9 |
| Lawn care account (a year of service) | $6,714 on Map Pack | $1,500 to $2,400 | 3 to 4 |
Your own job values decide it. Try the calculator on your trade page.
SEO vs Google Ads
| Google Ads | Local SEO | |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Calls within days | Three to six months for most ranking movement |
| How you pay | Per click | Flat monthly fee for the work |
| When you stop | Calls stop that day | Profile and pages keep working |
| Best for | Filling the schedule now; testing a new service | Lowering cost per job over time |
Ads and SEO work well together. Ads cover the months while SEO builds, and your own call tracking shows which brings cheaper jobs.
When SEO isn't worth it
- You need calls this month to make payroll. SEO won't fix that in time. Ads or Local Services Ads will move faster.
- You can't handle more work. Fix capacity first.
- Your jobs are tiny and one-off, with no repeat business, and the math doesn't work at any plan.
- You won't own what's built. If the agency keeps the site and profile, you're renting, and the value leaves when you do.
How to judge it
After three to six months, look at calls and booked jobs from your own tracking, not rankings or impressions. Compare cost per booked job with your other sources. That's the number that decides whether to keep going.
