The fastest free leads you're not using
The fastest free leads for a service business come from the places your neighbors already ask 'anyone know a good ___?' — Nextdoor and local Facebook groups. Here's how to show up so you're the name people type back.
These cost nothing but time. Done right, they feed you steady local jobs without a monthly bill.
Why these still work
Referrals are the highest-trust leads you can get. Nextdoor and Facebook groups are where referrals happen at scale — one post asking for a plumber can reach hundreds of neighbors in your service area.
Most contractors ignore them or post the wrong way. Showing up consistently — the right way — is a free advantage your competitors probably aren't taking.
Nextdoor — be the recommended name
Set up a free Nextdoor Business Page and connect it to the neighborhoods you serve. When someone posts 'anyone know a good roofer?' you want three things: to see it, to reply fast, and to have recent proof of your work.
Reply with a short, friendly note — not a sales pitch. 'Happy to help — we do roofing in [area]. Here's a recent job.' Then ask a happy customer to drop a recommendation in the same thread. Recommendations from neighbors carry more weight than your own posts.
Facebook groups — participate, don't spam
Find your local community groups (your town name plus 'community' or 'neighbors'). Participate genuinely — answer questions, congratulate people, post before/afters of local jobs. Don't just drop ads; groups mute businesses that do.
When a customer posts a thank-you, ask them to copy it into the group. Over time you become the contractor people think of first — and tag — when someone asks.
A 5-minute daily routine
Check Nextdoor and your two best Facebook groups once a day. Answer any recommendation requests within the hour. Post one recent job photo per week. That's it — maybe 25 minutes a week total.
Consistency beats volume. A contractor who shows up steadily for six months becomes the default recommendation in their area.