FAQ — Stafford Ads | Google Ads, LSA & Meta Ads for Middle Tennessee

Question 1

Who do you work with?

Accepted Answer

We work exclusively with local service businesses — HVAC, tree service, plumbing, landscaping, electrical, roofing, pest control, and similar trades — across Middle Tennessee within about 25-30 miles of Smyrna. We don't work with national brands or businesses outside our service area. That focus is intentional: we know this market and we know what works here.

Question 2

Do you require long-term contracts?

Accepted Answer

No. We work month-to-month. We believe we should earn your business every single month based on results. If you're not seeing a return, you shouldn't be locked in. That said, most clients stay because the campaigns keep performing.

Question 3

How quickly will I see results?

Accepted Answer

Google Ads and Local Service Ads can start generating calls within the first 30 days. Meta Ads typically take a few weeks to optimize. SEO is a longer game — expect meaningful movement in 3-6 months. We'll set realistic expectations based on your specific situation during the strategy call.

Question 4

What does the onboarding process look like?

Accepted Answer

It starts with a free strategy call where we learn about your business, service area, and goals. From there we build a custom campaign plan, get your approval, and launch. Most clients are live within 1-2 weeks of signing on.

Question 5

Will I have to manage anything myself?

Accepted Answer

No. We handle everything — campaign setup, copywriting, targeting, bid management, reporting, and optimization. You focus on answering calls and doing the work. We handle the marketing.

Question 6

What's the difference between Google Ads and Local Service Ads?

Accepted Answer

Google Ads (PPC) are the text ads that appear at the top of search results. You pay per click. Local Service Ads (LSA) appear above Google Ads and show your business name, rating, and a Google Guaranteed badge. With LSA you pay per lead, not per click. Both are powerful — the right mix depends on your trade and budget.

Question 7

How much should I budget for Google Ads?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your trade and how competitive your market is. Most local service businesses across Middle Tennessee see strong results starting at $500-$1,500/month in ad spend. We'll give you a specific recommendation based on your goals and the competitive landscape during the strategy call.

Question 8

What does 7-10x ROAS actually mean?

Accepted Answer

ROAS stands for Return on Ad Spend. A 7-10x ROAS means for every $1 you spend on ads, you're generating $7-$10 in revenue. For example, a $1,000/month ad budget generating $7,000-$10,000 in booked jobs. This is what our clients typically see — not a guarantee, but a realistic benchmark based on real results.

Question 9

How do I qualify for Google Guaranteed through LSA?

Accepted Answer

Google requires a background check, license verification, and insurance verification. The process takes a few weeks. We guide you through every step and handle the setup on our end. Once approved, the green badge significantly increases trust and click-through rates.

Question 10

Do Meta Ads actually work for local service businesses?

Accepted Answer

Yes — when done right. The key is using real job-site photos and video instead of stock images, targeting homeowners in your specific service area, and running retargeting campaigns alongside prospecting. Meta Ads work best as part of a broader strategy alongside Google Ads, not as a standalone channel.

Question 11

What kind of creative do you use for Meta Ads?

Accepted Answer

We use real photos and video from your job sites whenever possible. We can come out and capture content, or work with what you already have. Authentic job-site content consistently outperforms stock photos for local service businesses — homeowners trust what they can see is real work in their community.

Question 12

Do I need a new website to work with you?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. We can work with your existing site if it's solid. If it's slow, hard to navigate on mobile, or not converting visitors into calls, we'll recommend improvements. A bad website wastes your ad budget — we want to make sure the whole funnel works.

Question 13

How long does SEO take to work?

Accepted Answer

Honest answer: 3-6 months before you see meaningful movement in rankings, and 6-12 months to see the full impact. SEO is a long-term investment. We recommend pairing it with paid ads so you're getting leads now while the organic foundation builds.

Question 14

Do you optimize Google Business Profile?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Your Google Business Profile is one of the most important local SEO assets you have. We optimize it for maximum visibility in the local map pack — the three businesses that show up on the map in local search results. This is often where the highest-intent local searches click first.

Question 15

How does pricing work?

Accepted Answer

We charge a flat monthly management fee based on the services you're running. Ad spend is separate — it goes directly to Google or Meta, not through us. We'll give you a clear breakdown during the strategy call with no hidden fees.

Question 16

Is the strategy call really free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. No cost, no obligation. We'll spend 30-45 minutes learning about your business and give you honest feedback on what we think will work. If we're not a good fit, we'll tell you that too.

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