This guide explains common marketing service tiers, how to assess what an agency includes, and what realistic results depend on. If you've been burned by an agency before, or you're planning a marketing budget, start by matching services to your goals and market.
Why Contractors Are Skeptical of Marketing Agencies
Contractors who contact us may have already paid an agency that didn't deliver. Some say they received reports full of impressions and click-through rates but couldn't tell whether the work brought them new jobs.
That skepticism is earned. Many agencies make money whether or not you get leads. Their success is your marketing story, not their financial obligation. When you can't see what you're getting for your money (no real cost-per-lead data, no revenue attribution), you have no way to evaluate the relationship. This post is the opposite of that.
Entry-level services
What's typically included:
- →Google Business Profile setup and ongoing optimization
- →Automated review requests to past customers
- →Directory listing consistency
- →A regular snapshot of reviews and profile activity
A polished profile and a steady process for asking customers for reviews can make your business more credible to people who find you.
Note: This service tier may improve your presence but does not guarantee new leads.
Realistic results: The time it takes to see changes depends on your market, starting point, and consistency.
Ask what is included in the agency fee and whether there is a contract.
Services that add paid search
What's typically included:
- →Profile optimization and review generation
- →Google Ads management
- →Lead follow-up
- →Local SEO content
Paid search can put your business in front of people looking for your services. Follow-up helps you respond to inquiries.
Note: Ad spend is usually separate from management fees. Confirm the budget and payment terms before starting.
Realistic results: Lead volume and cost vary by trade, market, campaign, and follow-up.
Compare the proposed work, fee, and ad budget before choosing a plan.
Comprehensive marketing
What's typically included:
- →Services from lower tiers
- →SEO strategy and content
- →Lead response support
- →Social media management
- →Answer Engine Optimization
- →Strategy and reporting
A broader program can combine paid and organic channels. SEO takes time, and results depend on the market and work delivered.
Realistic results: Lead volume, cost, and return depend on your market, campaign, and sales process.
Ask for a clear scope, reporting plan, and cancellation terms.
What Different Budgets May Get You From Big Agencies
Scorpion and similar national agencies don't publish pricing; you get a number after a sales call. Our HVAC marketing cost breakdown shows what each budget level buys.
Big agencies have operating costs, including sales teams, account management, and proprietary technology. Ask how much work your fee includes and who will do it.
Some agencies make leaving expensive. Ask about contract terms, cancellation costs, and website ownership before you sign.
How to Evaluate ROI on Any Marketing Program
Before you sign with any agency, get clarity on a few measures:
Cost per lead (CPL)
Total marketing spend divided by total leads. Use your own campaign spend and lead counts to calculate this figure.
Cost per booked job (CPJ)
Compare marketing cost with booked jobs. Your close rate affects how much each booked job costs.
Payback period
Compare marketing spend with revenue from completed jobs. Use your own job values and sales data rather than industry averages.
Boxi Marketing's Actual Pricing
| Plan | Monthly Cost | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | $497 | Google Business Profile, review generation, basic local SEO |
| Growth | $1,497 | Reviews + Google Ads management + AI lead follow-up |
| Scale | $2,997 | Full program: SEO, ads, AI voice + text, social, reputation, AEO |
Ad spend is separate and paid directly to Google. Ask us about a suitable starting budget for your market. No setup fees. No contracts. No proprietary platform that holds your assets hostage.
Ask about current eligibility and terms for our lead-generation guarantee before signing.
Ready to See the Full Pricing Breakdown?
Visit our pricing page to see every plan, every line item, and exactly what's included. Or book a free strategy call. We'll tell you which plan fits your business and what results to expect before you spend a dollar.