Tree service ad budget calculator
Most tree companies set an ad budget by gut feel, then judge it by cost per lead without knowing what a lead is worth to them. This calculator works the other way round: start from the jobs you want and what they're worth, and it tells you how many leads you need and the most you can afford to pay for each one.
Your numbers
The starting values are examples. Change them to your own.
- Leads you need per month
- 25
- Revenue from those jobs
- $15,000
- Monthly advertising budget
- $1,500
- Most you can pay per lead
- $60
- Most you can pay per booked job
- $150
- Daily budget (30-day month)
- $50
How to use the numbers
Average job value is what a typical job you want more of brings in, not your biggest job. Close rate is the share of estimates that turn into booked work; if you don't track it, count the last twenty estimates. The share of revenue for advertising is your decision: many owners start with a share they're comfortable with and adjust once they see what the leads close at.
The most you can pay per lead is the number to hold any campaign or agency to. If your leads cost less than that and close at your normal rate, the advertising pays for itself.
Why cost per lead alone misleads
A cheap lead that never books is worse than an expensive one that does. Removals and storm work are worth far more than a hedge trim, so a higher cost per lead on those campaigns can still be the best money you spend. Our guide to tree service cost per lead covers how to count leads properly, and the advertising budget guide covers setting the budget.
When the leads you need are more than your crew can handle
If the calculator says you need more leads than you could quote in a week, the limit isn't advertising. It's quoting speed and crew capacity. Answering every inquiry within the hour and quoting fast raises your close rate, which lowers the leads you need. See our guide on speed to lead.
FAQ
Questions tree service owners ask
How much should a tree service spend on advertising?
Work it out from the jobs you want: leads needed equals jobs divided by close rate, and the budget is the share of that revenue you're willing to put into ads. The calculator above does the math for your numbers.
What is a good cost per lead for a tree service?
Whatever is below the most you can pay per lead in the calculator, at your real close rate. A good number for one company can be a losing one for another with smaller jobs or a lower close rate.
Can you tell me what these leads would cost in my area?
Yes. Start a 100% free trial and we'll run it in your market so you see real lead costs before paying anything.
Still have a question?
Call or text Luke. We'll get back to you within 24 hours.