What’s the ROI of Running Facebook Ads for Small Local Businesses?

Introduction

You’ve probably wondered if Facebook ads are worth it — especially when word-of-mouth has always worked just fine. But for small service businesses like lawn care, pest control, and cleaning companies, a few well-placed ads can do more than just bring in new leads — they can keep your schedule full, even in the slow seasons. In this article, we break down what kind of return on investment (ROI) you can expect from Facebook ads — and how to make sure they actually work.

Why Facebook Ads Still Work for Local Businesses

1. Local Targeting is Powerful

You can target by zip code, neighborhood, or even people within a mile of your shop. That means your ad spend stays close to home.

2. Budget-Friendly Options

You don’t need $1,000 a month to compete. We’ve seen trades run highly effective campaigns with just $5–10/day, especially when paired with strong visuals and copy.

3. Quick Wins With Lead Forms

Facebook lets you collect contact info directly inside the app — no website needed. That means more leads with fewer clicks.

4. Consistency Builds Trust

Even if someone doesn’t book right away, seeing your brand pop up again and again builds familiarity and credibility.

What Kind of ROI Should You Expect?

Short-Term Wins:

• 1–3 new job leads per week (typical for $150–$300 monthly spend)

• Immediate traffic to your Facebook page or website

Long-Term ROI:

• Higher brand recall = more referrals

• Better lead quality over time as your targeting improves

• Data to help fine-tune your offers, pricing, and ad creative

How to Maximize ROI From Facebook Ads

→ Use Real Photos, Not Stock

Before/after pics, your truck, or your team on the job builds way more trust than generic images.

→ Keep the Call-to-Action Simple

“Get a Free Quote” or “Book a Free Estimate” works better than clever slogans.

→ Follow Up Fast

If a lead form comes through and you don’t respond within 30 minutes, that lead’s already calling someone else.

→ Run Retargeting Ads

Facebook’s pixel allows you to run ads to people who’ve already visited your site or engaged with your posts — that’s warm traffic.

Final Thoughts

Facebook ads aren’t magic, but when they’re done right, they can absolutely bring real ROI to small local businesses. They’re affordable, hyper-targeted, and — best of all — measurable. Whether you’re trying to fill gaps in your schedule or scale your reach, running ads is one of the smartest plays in the local marketing game.