Angi vs Your Website vs Google LSA: Where Solo Trades Get Their First Jobs
When you're launching your solo trade business – be it roofing, plumbing, flooring, or drywall – how you find your first clients changes everything. It affects your steady work, your take-home pay, and your long-term reputation. Lead generation sites, your own website with Google Business Profile, and Google Local Services Ads each offer different trade-offs in how easy they are to set up, their fees, and who owns the customer relationship. Here's how to think through it.
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The Quick Answer
When you're starting out as a solo plumber, roofer, or flooring installer, getting your first job is key. Use lead generation platforms like Angi or Thumbtack to get calls fast. But also start building your own business website and Google Business Profile right away. This lets you own your customer list and build your own brand, not theirs. Save Google Local Services Ads (LSA) for later. They bring in lots of calls, but the cost per lead can be high. Make sure you have good cash flow and solid customer reviews before you start using LSA.
Side-by-Side Breakdown
Lead Generation Sites (like Angi, Thumbtack): You often pay per lead ($15-$75 for a heating repair lead, $40-$100 for a roofing estimate) or a commission (5-20%) if you get the job. They give you instant access to people looking for services. But you're one of many tradesmen bidding. The platform gets the customer's info first, and you have limited control over your brand.
Your Own Business Website & Google Business Profile: Your website costs about $10-$30 a month for hosting, plus $10-$15 a year for your business name (domain). Google Business Profile is free. You own your customer list, your work photos, and your reviews. You need to get people to find your site through local search or by telling others, but you have full brand control.
Google Local Services Ads (LSA): You pay per call ($20-$100 for a qualified plumbing service call). Your business shows up at the top of Google search. It comes with a "Google Guarantee" for customers. This means high-quality leads, but it's competitive and you need a good budget for ads. Google screens you first, checking licenses and insurance.
When to Prioritize Lead Generation Platforms
Lead generation platforms like Angi or Thumbtack are the fastest way to get your first paying job as a solo tradesperson. People are already on these sites looking for a plumber to fix a leak, a roofer to give an estimate, or someone to install new tile. You get these calls without spending money on your own ads. The catch is you're paying for each lead, and you're often competing with other tradesmen. The platform also "owns" the first contact with the customer, not you. Use these sites to fill your schedule, get paid, and build your first set of reviews. But don't rely only on them for the long term.
When to Prioritize Your Own Website & Google Business Profile or Google LSA
Start your own business website and Google Business Profile as soon as possible. This is your direct line to customers and your professional storefront. Show off your best work, like a perfectly installed floor, a new roof, or a completed drywall project. Let customers ask for quotes or book service calls right from your site. This lets you build your own name and keep more of your money. Google Local Services Ads (LSA) work well once you have good customer reviews and steady cash flow. LSA gives you phone calls from people ready to hire, often showing up even before regular search results. But these ads cost money for each call. Don't jump into LSA until you know how much a good job lead is really worth to your business.
The Verdict
For most solo tradespeople, a mix of tools works best. Use lead generation platforms (like Angi or Thumbtack) to get jobs right away and start building your client base. At the same time, build your own business website and optimize your Google Business Profile. This builds your good name and helps people find you directly through organic search. Over time, try to get more direct calls and visits to your own website. This means less money paid to other platforms. Add Google Local Services Ads when you are busy, have a solid budget, and have great customer reviews to stand out.
How to Get Started
1. Lead Generation Sites: Sign up for 1-2 platforms like Angi or Thumbtack. Fill out your profile fully. Add clear photos of your best work (before/after plumbing, a finished roofing project). List your exact services, where you work, and your general pricing. Be ready to respond to leads quickly. 2. Your Own Website & Google Business Profile: Get a business name (domain) like "SmithPlumbing.com." Make a simple website using Squarespace, Wix, or WordPress. Show your services, tell people about your business, and have a form where they can ask for a quote or book a service. Show pictures of your best jobs in a gallery. Claim your free Google Business Profile. Make sure all your info is right, including hours, services, and photos. Ask happy customers for reviews there. 3. Google Local Services Ads: Apply at ads.google.com/localservices. You'll need to pass a background check and show your licenses and insurance. Start with a small daily budget. Watch how many qualified calls you get and how much each call costs you.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I sell on both Etsy and Shopify at the same time?
Yes. Many sellers run both simultaneously. Shopify has an Etsy integration app that can sync inventory between both platforms. This avoids overselling and saves time managing listings separately.
Does Etsy allow you to direct customers to your own website?
Etsy prohibits directly linking to your own shop in messages or listings as a means to circumvent Etsy's transaction fees. However, you can include your website URL in your shop bio and branding materials. Buyers who want to purchase directly can find you through your brand name.
What is the total fee percentage on an Etsy sale?
Roughly 9.5–10% total on most sales: 6.5% transaction fee + approximately 3% + $0.25 payment processing + $0.20 listing fee. On a $50 item, you pay approximately $5.15 in fees. Factor this into your pricing from the start.
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