Inbound lead generation means a homeowner comes to you: they searched, they clicked, they filled in a form or dialled. Outbound means somebody contacts a list on your behalf. Almost every published price in this record is inbound, and the two are frequently quoted at each other by sellers who do not distinguish them.
What inbound costs where it is published
Every published tier in this record prices an inbound enquiry: $100 for an HVAC repair enquiry, $150 to $180 for exclusive roofing or bathroom work, $225 and above for siding, at least $160 for windows. Aged records at $0.15 to $10 are inbound too, just old: the homeowner did come to somebody, months ago.
What outbound actually is
Outbound lead generation services call, email or message a list on your behalf. For contractors that usually means canvassing a neighbourhood after a storm, contacting property managers, or working an aged list. It is priced per hour, per contact or per appointment rather than per inbound enquiry, and nothing in this record publishes a rate for any of those.
Which suits a contracting business
Inbound suits anybody with capacity to fill now, because the homeowner already wants something. Outbound suits businesses with a defined target list, most obviously commercial and multi-family work, and it suits an aged list in the trades where an old enquiry can still be live. Running outbound against a general consumer list without a reason is how the aged half of this market disappoints people.
Questions people ask about inbound lead generation
What is inbound lead generation for contractors?
Enquiries where the homeowner comes to you, through search, an ad or a marketplace. Every published price in this record describes an inbound enquiry.
How do outbound lead generation services charge?
Per hour, per contact or per appointment rather than per enquiry. Nothing in this record publishes an outbound rate.
Are aged leads inbound or outbound?
Both, in a sense: the homeowner enquired inbound months ago, and working the list is an outbound motion. That is why aged records need a system rather than a phone call.
Which should a contractor start with?
Inbound, if you have capacity to fill now, because the homeowner already wants something. Outbound earns its place where you have a defined target list.