Many builders tell us the same story: “We tried Google Ads or Facebook Ads, but they didn’t work.” The truth is, ads do work, when they’re set up with the right strategy. Most builders waste money because they run campaigns without a clear plan, the right targeting, or a system to turn clicks into contracts.
The Problem: Builders Treat Ads Like a Silver Bullet
Too often, builders run ads expecting instant leads without doing the groundwork. They put up a generic ad, send traffic to their homepage, and hope enquiries roll in.
Why this fails:
- Generic ads blend in with competitors.
- Homepages aren’t designed to convert, too many distractions.
- No tracking means no idea what’s actually working.
Result: Wasted budget, poor-quality leads, and frustration.
Mistake #1: Targeting the Wrong Audience
A renovation specialist advertising like a volume builder will attract the wrong type of enquiries. Without laser-focused targeting, you get tyre-kickers instead of qualified leads.
The Fix:
Test different audiences and double down on what converts.
Use ad targeting to reach specific demographics (e.g., homeowners in a certain suburb, age bracket, or income level).
Create separate campaigns for each service: custom homes, renovations, or extensions.
Mistake #2: Sending Traffic to the Wrong Place
One of the biggest leaks in builder advertising is sending paid traffic to a homepage.
Why this hurts: Homepages are general and don’t guide visitors to take action.
The Fix:
Add pre-qualification forms so only serious leads come through.
Direct ads to a dedicated landing page built for conversion.
Include one clear call to action (book a consultation, download a guide, request a quote).
Mistake #3: Ignoring Follow-Up Systems
Even the best ad campaign is useless if enquiries aren’t followed up quickly and consistently. Builders often let leads go cold because they don’t have time to respond right away.
The Fix:
Track where each lead is in the pipeline.
Automate follow-up with a builder CRM (SMS, email, appointment reminders).
Use AI or sales automation to qualify leads instantly.
The Strategy That Fixes It: Ads + Funnels + Automation
Running ads in isolation won’t generate the results you want. The winning formula is combining:
- Smart Targeting: Ads built around your ideal client.
- High-Converting Funnels: Landing pages and forms designed to filter out tyre-kickers.
- Automation: Systems that follow up fast and keep leads engaged until they’re ready to sign.
This integrated approach ensures every dollar spent brings you closer to profitable jobs, not wasted clicks.
Conclusion
Most builders don’t have an ad problem, they have a strategy problem. By fixing your targeting, sending traffic to the right pages, and automating follow-up, you can turn ads into a predictable lead engine that delivers consistent, high-value projects.
Want to stop wasting money on ads and start signing better clients? Talk to Arrow Agency, we specialise in building ad strategies that actually convert for builders.