The DEKKA Playbook
GOOGLE ADS ADVICE FOR HOME SERVICE PROS.
Straight answers to the Google Ads questions home service owners in Canada and the US search most. No fluff, no jargon.
Showing all 11 articles
GUIDE.
The Ultimate Guide to Google Ads for Home Service Businesses (2026)
Everything in one place: how Google Ads works, account setup, keywords, ads, tracking, budgets and Local Services Ads. Written for trades, not marketers.
Read the guideCOSTS.
What Google Ads Actually Costs a Home Service Business (Canada & US, 2026)
Real cost per click and cost per lead by trade — plumbing, HVAC, roofing, pest control — plus the minimum monthly budget that actually works.
Read articleLSA.
Google Ads or Local Services Ads? How to Split Your Budget
Pay per lead vs pay per click, where each one shows up, a starter budget split — and the trades that can't use LSA at all.
Read article2026.
Local Services Ads in 2026: Google Verified, Real Costs & the Move Into Google Ads
The badge changed, reviews moved to your Business Profile, and LSA is moving into Google Ads — US now, Canada in 2027. Here's what to do.
Read articleVS META.
Google Ads vs Facebook Ads for Service Businesses
Google catches people who need you today. Facebook reaches people who'll need you later. Here's when to use each — and how to split the budget.
Read articleCALLS?
7 Reasons Your Google Ads Get Clicks But No Calls
A 20-minute checklist you can run inside your own account: location settings, tracking, search terms, landing pages and more.
Read articleLONG?
How Long Does It Take for Google Ads to Work?
What week 1, month 1 and month 3 should actually look like — and the warning signs that mean something's broken.
Read articleIT?
Is Google Ads Worth It for a Service Business? Do the Math First
A 3-number test — job value, close rate, cost per lead — that tells you yes or no before you spend a dollar.
Read articleOR DIY?
Google Ads Agency or DIY? An Honest Breakdown
Real management fee models, red flags to watch for, and when running it yourself costs more than hiring someone.
Read articleMAX.
Google Switched Your Ads to AI Max. What Service Businesses Should Check
What changed by default in 2026, who got auto-upgraded, and the settings to review before it spends money on junk searches.
Read article$600?
The Google Ads Credit: How to Get It (and Not Waste it)
Claim the new-account credit, stop paying HST you don't owe, and check for the digital services tax credits Google is issuing.
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