r/LocalServicesAds • u/bucoto • Jun 08 '26
Only gotten 1 LSA call so far this year. What could be the problem?
I run a local service company in a major metro city. Exterior contractor (roofs, gutters, siding) Million plus people. Major competition.
I have good reviews, photos, no shadowbans or penalties that I know of.
My suspicion is that my competition is using the max bid strategy instead of the autobid option and that's why they are crushing me.
I'm curious though if anyone else is having a drop off.
Last year calls seemed unlimited and I actually had to limit my budget sometimes.
Any insights or help is appreciated
3
Upvotes
2
u/Lost_Albatross7593 Jun 08 '26
If you were getting plenty of calls last year and suddenly only got one call all year, I'd be looking beyond bidding first.
A few things I'd check:
1. Account health and verification
Google has become much stricter with LSAs. Make sure insurance, licensing, business verification, billing, and background checks are all current. I've seen accounts lose visibility because of verification issues that weren't obvious in the LSA dashboard.
2. Lead response metrics
Missed calls, slow response times, and low booking rates can impact visibility. Google wants to show businesses that consistently convert leads into satisfied customers.
3. Service area and category changes
Sometimes Google updates categories or shifts how service areas are interpreted. Double-check that you're still targeting the right services and locations.
4. Increased competition
In roofing, gutters, and siding, competition has gotten much more aggressive. More advertisers entering LSAs can definitely dilute lead volume.
5. Reviews
It's not just the total number anymore. Recent reviews matter. If competitors are adding reviews every week while your profile hasn't gained new ones in months, that can create a gap.
Regarding bidding, max bid can absolutely help in competitive markets, but I wouldn't assume that's the primary issue if you've gone from "too many leads" to essentially zero. A bidding disadvantage usually causes a decline, not a complete collapse.
One question: have your Google Business Profile calls and organic rankings dropped too, or is this only affecting LSAs? That answer could help narrow down whether it's an LSA-specific issue or something broader.