"My work is impeccable, my clients are satisfied, but I'm struggling to fill my schedule." If you recognize yourself in this, it's not your expertise that's the issue. It's a visibility problem.

In 2025, 87% of clients looking for a contractor start on Google. Before picking up the phone, they compare, read reviews, look at photos. And if you're not visible at that exact moment, you don't exist to them.

Reason #1: You're Not There When People Search for You

A homeowner in Miami types "plumber Miami" on Google. If you don't appear in the top 5 results, you have a 92% chance of NEVER being contacted.

Why this happens:

• No website, or poorly optimized website
• Nonexistent or incomplete Google Business Profile
• No customer reviews online
• Zero presence on Google Maps

How to fix it:

1. Create/optimize your Google Business Profile (free, 30min)
2. Launch a simple but optimized website for "[trade] [city]"
3. Ask 10-15 of your best clients for reviews

Reason #2: Your Phone Number Isn't Clickable on Mobile

80% of contractor searches happen on smartphones. If your number isn't clickable, you lose 60% of potential calls.

The problem: Many sites display the number as an image or non-clickable text. The client has to copy it manually. They don't—they call the next competitor.

The solution: On ALL your web pages, your number must be a clickable link: <a href="tel:5551234567">(555) 123-4567</a>

Reason #3: No Proof of Your Expertise

Clients don't know you. They need proof before investing $2,400 in work.

What's missing:

• No photos of your completed projects
• No visible customer reviews
• No displayed certifications (state license, etc.)
• No "before/after" examples

The solution:

• Portfolio of 15-20 photos minimum of your best projects
• Visible Google reviews (automatic integration on site)
• License/certification logos at top of page
• "Our Work" section with details ("8x10 bathroom, 3-day installation, $5,000")

Reason #4: Your Prices Are Hidden (That's Scary)

"Contact us for a quote" without ANY price indication = 75% of visitors leave without asking.

Why it's a problem: People fear getting ripped off. No prices = lack of transparency = lack of trust.

The solution: Give honest price ranges:

• "Plumbing repair: $145-$220"
• Bathroom tile: $55-$75/sq ft installed"
• "750 sq ft apartment painting: $2,650-$3,850"

This doesn't commit you (you refine in the final quote), but it reassures and qualifies requests.

Reason #5: You Take Too Long to Respond

A client fills out a quote form. If you call back 24 hours later, they've already contacted 2-3 competitors and maybe signed.

The solution:

• Instant SMS/email notifications when form filled
• Goal: call back within 1-2h max (even just to say "Got it, I'll call you tomorrow")
• Email auto-responder: "Request received, I'll contact you within 2h"

Reason #6: Your Service Area Is Vague

"Service entire region" is too vague. The client in Brooklyn doesn't know if you'll come to them.

The solution: Be specific:

• "Service within 25 miles of Dallas"
• "Areas covered: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx"
• Interactive map showing your service area

Reason #7: You Don't Look Professional

Amateur website (poorly configured free template), typos, blurry photos = "not serious" image.

What kills credibility:

• Site that doesn't display well on mobile
• Typos in text
• Poor quality photos
• Incomplete information (no license number, no address)
• 2010s design

The solution: Invest in a modern professional site ($2,400-$4,200). ROI in 1-2 months with generated projects.

Action Plan: Fix These 7 Mistakes in 30 Days

Week 1: Google Visibility

• Create/optimize Google Business Profile
• Ask 10 of your best clients for reviews
• Add project photos

Week 2: Website

• Launch optimized website or fix existing one
• Add price ranges
• Make phone clickable everywhere

Week 3: Proof

• Portfolio with 15 photos minimum
• Integrate Google reviews on site
• Display certifications/licenses

Week 4: Responsiveness

• Set up instant notifications
• Test response time (goal <1h)
• Create auto-responder

Expected result after 30 days: Improved Google visibility, professional site, first wave of 5-8 qualified requests.

About Made For Leads: We help contractors and SMBs fix these mistakes and generate more projects. Practical approach, measurable results.