For most pest control businesses the best advertising is Google Search, because the customer is looking for help at that moment. The other channels have their place. Here is how five of them compare.
1. Google Search ads
Best for: urgent domestic callouts and commercial enquiries.
You choose the pests, the towns and the hours. You pay per click. With one ad group per pest and a matching page, a large share of clicks become calls. It needs negative keywords and call tracking to work well.
2. Local Services Ads
Best for: phone leads with little setup.
Pest control is on Google's UK list. You pay per lead, appear at the top with a Google badge, and need no website. You have less say over which searches trigger your listing, so tick job types with care.
3. Google Business Profile and the map results
Best for: steady free calls.
It costs nothing but time. Reviews, accurate categories, photos and a full list of pests help you appear in the map results. Slow to build, and it keeps working when the ad budget is paused.
4. Directories and lead sites
Best for: filling gaps.
Checkatrade, Yell and lead sites send enquiries for a fee. Leads are often shared, so speed matters. Track cost per booked job and keep only the ones that pay.
5. Facebook and Instagram
Best for: wasp season and local awareness.
People do not browse Facebook looking for a rat catcher, so it is weaker for emergencies. It can work for a wasp nest offer in a small area and for staying known in local groups.
How they compare
- Fastest results: Search ads and Local Services Ads
- Most control: Search ads
- Lowest cost: Business Profile
- Best for contracts: Search ads plus direct outreach
- Hardest to measure: leaflets and print, unless you use a tracking number
A sensible mix
- Complete your Business Profile and ask for reviews after every job.
- Run Search ads for your three most profitable pests.
- Add Local Services Ads and compare cost per booked job.
- Use Facebook in wasp season only.
- Spend your own time on commercial outreach.
Common questions
What does a pest control click cost? We do not have a reliable published UK figure. Check Google's Keyword Planner for your area.
Should I advertise all pests? No. Advertise the ones you treat well and that pay. Add the rest later.
Related guides
- Local Services Ads for Pest Control
- How to Get More Pest Control Customers
- 10 Pest Control Advertising Ideas
- Google Ads Not Converting: 9 Causes and How to Fix Each One
Next step
AdsFlair runs Google Ads for UK trades and local service businesses. Ask for a free Google Ads audit and we will show you where your budget is going and what to fix first. There is no cost and no obligation. See our page on Google Ads for pest control companies for how we work.