Google Search Ads vs. Local Services Ads: Which Brings More Leads?

As a garage door marketing agency that works exclusively with garage door companies, one of the most common questions we hear is: “Which ads bring in more leads — Google Search Ads or Google Local Services Ads (LSAs)?”

The short answer? Both can work exceptionally well, but only when used together in a coordinated garage door digital marketing strategy.

Many garage door businesses struggle to choose between platforms or end up wasting money on poorly optimized campaigns. That’s where working with a specialized garage door marketing company, such as Garage Door Marketing Lab, makes all the difference.

Below, we break down how each platform works, how they compare, and how a smart marketing agency for garage door companies can help you maximize results by running both simultaneously.

Why Garage Door Companies Need a Strong Digital Presence

Garage door service is local, trust-driven, and often urgent. According to Google, 76% of people who search for a local business on their smartphone visit or contact a business within 24 hours.

When someone’s garage door stops working, they don’t scroll endlessly; they call the company that appears credible, close by, and easy to reach. That’s why garage door marketing requires a two-pronged approach:

• LSAs capture immediate, high-intent leads.

• Search Ads expand reach and build brand presence.
  

A professional garage door marketing agency understands how to balance both to help you dominate your local market.

Key Benefits of Using Both LSAs and Search Ads

1. Greater Visibility

Running both LSAs and Search Ads helps you appear multiple times on the same Google results page, increasing trust and click-through rates. A customer is far more likely to call you if they see your business listed prominently more than once.

2. Diversified Lead Flow

Some customers prefer calling directly from LSAs, while others want to click through a Search Ad to learn more about your company before booking. Using both makes sure you capture all types of customers.

3. Lower Cost Per Booked Job

We’ve seen clients cut their cost per booked job considerably by running both platforms together. That’s because each channel covers gaps the other misses.

This kind of targeted approach is what sets a dedicated marketing agency for garage door companies, such as Garage Door Marketing Lab, apart from generalist agencies.

What’s the Difference Between LSAs and Search Ads?

Here’s a quick comparison:

Feature

Google Search Ads

Local Services Ads (LSAs)

Payment Model

Pay-per-click

Pay-per-lead

Placement

Below LSAs, top of search results

Very top of search (above PPC)

Control

High: ads, keywords, copy, bidding

Low: Google matches leads

Setup Time

Faster

Slower due to verification

Trust Signals

Optional reviews

Google Guarantee badge + reviews

Lead Quality

Varies by targeting

Often highly qualified, ready to book

Why LSAs Are Critical for Garage Door Marketing

For garage door companies with verified profiles and good reviews, LSAs are often the fastest way to start generating high-quality leads.

Customers see your Google Guarantee badge, trust your service, and call directly.

We’ve found LSAs are particularly effective when:

• You have at least 15–20 positive Google reviews.

• Your service area is well defined.
  

• You have quick response times.

But LSAs alone aren’t enough. That’s why a forward-thinking garage door marketing company always layers in Search Ads to expand your reach.

How Google Search Ads Add Flexibility

Unlike LSAs, Search Ads give you complete control over messaging and targeting. A good garage door marketing agency can craft campaigns for:

• Seasonal services (e.g., spring maintenance, winter prep).

• Emergency repairs in specific cities or ZIP codes.

• High-ticket services like garage door replacement or opener installation.
  

You can test headlines, adjust budgets daily, and direct customers to a high-converting landing page, all of which contribute to lower lead costs over time.

Budgeting: How Much to Spend on Each

We recommend most garage door companies start with a 60/40 budget split, favoring LSAs at first and Search Ads second. Then adjust based on performance data.

For example:

• If LSAs dominate and stay consistent, you may keep the split as-is.

• If LSA lead volume drops (common in competitive areas), shift more budget to Search Ads.
  

An experienced marketing agency for garage door companies, such as Garage Door Marketing Lab, can monitor your campaigns and optimize spend for the best ROI.

Why Tracking ROI Matters

Many garage door businesses only track calls or clicks, but that’s not enough. A modern garage door digital marketing plan needs to track:

• Which campaigns bring booked jobs, not just inquiries.
  

• Which ads generate repeat customers.
  

• Revenue generated compared to ad spend.

We use call tracking, lead attribution, and CRM integration to show you exactly what your ad dollars are doing.

Garage Door Digital Marketing: Real-World Results

At Garage Door Marketing Lab, our team has helped garage door businesses across the U.S. grow using this dual-channel approach. Here are two of our client testimonials:

• "Andy Felice has been an incredible asset to our digital marketing efforts. His expertise in PPC management helped us drive consistent growth and improve our online presence through multiple channels. " --M&M Garage Doors

• "I went through about six other marketing companies before I found Andy. No one could get me my Google LSA account up and running but Andy and his team were able to get it done. I highly recommend Andy and the Garage Door Marketing Lab." -- Performance Overhead Door Co

That’s the power of partnering with a specialized garage door marketing agency that understands your business.

Why Hire a Garage Door Marketing Agency?

Garage door marketing is not like marketing other industries. It’s highly localized, urgency-driven, and competitive. A generalist agency won’t understand the unique dynamics that drive success in your market.

Here’s what you get when you hire a dedicated garage door marketing company like Garage Door Marketing Lab:

• Deep knowledge of customer behavior in the garage door industry.

• Proven ad structures and landing page templates that convert.
  

• Experience managing LSAs, Search Ads, SEO, and more, all under one roof.
  

We know what works and what doesn’t because we’ve done it hundreds of times, specifically for garage door businesses.

What If You Can Only Start With One?

If the budget is tight, start with LSAs, as long as your reviews and profile are strong. If not, we recommend starting with Search Ads while you build your LSA readiness.

We can help you prioritize based on your situation, so you don’t waste money on ads that won’t perform.

Why Both Platforms Together Work Best

When you run both LSAs and Search Ads, you:

• Own more space at the top of Google search results.
  

• Capture customers who prefer to call and those who prefer to click.
  

• Build a stronger brand presence that competitors can’t easily match.
  

This kind of dominance is what every garage door business needs to grow. A professional garage door digital marketing strategy makes sure that you’re always ahead of the competition.

Frequently Asked Questions About Garage Door Marketing

1. What is garage door marketing?

Garage door marketing refers to all the strategies and tools used to attract more customers to a garage door business. This includes digital tactics like Google Search Ads, Local Services Ads, SEO, social media, and email campaigns, all designed to generate more leads and booked jobs.

2. Why is garage door marketing different from other industries?

Garage door marketing is unique because it targets a local, urgent, and trust-driven audience. Customers often need same-day service and want to hire a company they can trust. Marketing strategies need to focus on visibility, credibility, and fast response times.

3. How much should I budget for garage door marketing?

Your garage door marketing budget depends on your goals, competition level, and service area. Many companies start with a combined monthly budget for LSAs and Search Ads in the $1,500–$3,000 range, adjusting based on performance data over time.

4. Can I handle garage door marketing myself?

While it’s possible to run ads or post on social media yourself, professional garage door marketing from an experienced agency like Garage Door Marketing Lab usually delivers better results. Specialists know how to optimize campaigns, lower costs per lead, and track ROI more effectively.

5. How soon can I see results from garage door marketing?

Some garage door marketing tactics, like LSAs and Search Ads, can generate leads within days of launch. Others, like SEO, take longer to build momentum. A well-managed campaign often shows measurable improvements in booked jobs within the first 30–60 days.

Let’s Build Your Lead Machine

If you’re serious about growing your garage door business, you need more than just ads; you need a strategy that works.

At Garage Door Marketing Lab, based in Phoenix, Arizona, we specialize in helping garage door companies grow through data-driven, measurable marketing. As a trusted garage door marketing agency, we handle everything:

• Campaign setup and optimization.

• Landing page design.

• Call tracking and ROI reporting.
  

• Ongoing performance audits.
  

Whether you’re looking to lower your cost per lead, increase booked jobs, or dominate your local area, our team is here to help.

Call us today at (623) 462-2580 or email us at andy@gdmarketinglab.com, and let’s talk about building your lead machine.

Garage Door Marketing Lab: Helping Garage Door Pros Grow & Look Good Doing It!