Look—we love the smell of fresh referrals in the morning. But hoping they just show up without a plan? That’s not strategy. That’s gambling.
If you’re a contractor, roofer, painter, plumber, or any other local service business trying to grow, you need to have multiple streams of lead flow running every single month. Not optional. Not someday. Now.
We’re breaking down the 5 most reliable (and replicable) lead sources that every local business owner should be tapping into. This isn’t guru theory. It’s practical stuff we’ve helped service pros build month after month—and it works.
Referrals (Still King) 
Word-of-mouth still wears the crown—and it’s not even close. But here’s the deal: if you’re not actively asking for referrals, you’re leaving easy money on the table.
How to maximize it:
- Ask for a referral after every happy job—don’t be shy
- Offer a small incentive (Starbucks card, $25 discount, etc.)
- Follow up with a thank you, not just when they send someone your way
Power Partners (Strategic Networking That Pays) 
These are the people who already talk to your future customers. Real estate agents. Insurance adjusters. Interior designers. Property managers.
When you treat them as partners, not just connections, they become a lead source that never dries up.
How to get started:
- Choose 3-5 professions that complement your work
- Set up a lunch or coffee every month
- Refer work back—it has to go both ways
Organic Google Leads (Free, But Not Easy) 
Showing up on Google Maps when someone types “plumber near me” isn’t luck—it’s strategy. Your Google Business Profile and website need to be tight.
The must-haves:
- A fully built-out Google Business Profile (photos, services, service areas, reviews)
- Local keywords on your website (yes, we’re talking “Roofing in Windsor, CO”)
- Consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone) info across the internet
Paid Google Leads (Intent-Based Goldmines) 
Pay-per-click (PPC) ads and Local Service Ads (LSAs) aren’t just for the big dogs. They’re for businesses that want leads today.
Why they work:
- You only show up for high-intent searches (“emergency AC repair near me”)
- You can control budget, geography, and services
- With LSAs, you only pay for actual calls, not clicks
Outbound Ads (The Attention Grabbers) 
Truck wraps. Billboards. Meta ads. Yard signs. These don’t always bring in leads today—but they make sure people remember you tomorrow.
How to think about it:
- Truck wraps = mobile billboard (bonus points if it’s funny or bold)
- Meta ads = cheap impressions and neighborhood saturation
- Yard signs = trust-building in the zip code you just worked
Final Thoughts: Stack Your Lead Sources Like a Pro
Look—no one source will build your business on its own. But when you stack these five? That’s when things get exciting.
Referrals keep your pipeline warm. Partners multiply your reach. Organic and paid Google leads bring in high-intent buyers. Outbound keeps your name in the game.
