Top 3 Problems with Google Ads Calls for Local Businesses in the U.S. | How to Stop Losing Customers

Our agency has years of experience helping Home Repair businesses grow. When it comes to acquiring customers in this niche, effective Google Ads campaigns are essential. Over time, we’ve gathered deep insights into the industry and the common challenges companies face when it comes to handling inbound calls. In this article, we’ll break down why you’re losing leads over the phone — and what you can do to fix it.

Here are the 3 most common call-related problems:

1. You’re getting calls — but most are low-quality
2. You’re getting quality calls — but you’re not closing sales
3. You’re not getting any calls at all

Let’s take a closer look at each issue.

Here are the two most common low-quality call types:

• Spam and robocalls: These automated calls waste your team’s time, interrupt real conversations, and clog up your phone lines. Filtering tools are essential to keep these out of your call flow.
• Language mismatch calls: For example, if your company doesn’t serve Spanish-speaking clients, these calls become a waste of time and resources.

To address these, implement spam filters, caller ID screening, and smart call routing systems.

You’re receiving qualified leads — but failing to convert them into booked appointments or paying customers. Here’s why that may be happening:

• Calls become consultations, not sales: Your staff may be offering too much information, even helping leads solve issues themselves — without converting.
  • Fix: Use structured call scripts focused on moving the caller to the next step: booking, quoting, or scheduling a technician.
• Bad mobile reception: Taking calls while driving, on-site, or in areas with poor signal leads to dropped calls — and lost leads.
• Low-quality VoIP services: Many businesses use subpar telephony providers. We’ve heard countless client call recordings with garbled or dropped audio.
  • Fix: Switch to a more reliable phone provider or optimize your current system with better hardware or tech support.
• Missed calls due to multitasking: If the same person handles calls and fieldwork (e.g., measurements), potential customers often go unanswered.
• No dedicated phone staff: We’ve seen many businesses lose leads because the person answering the phone was also managing in-person customers.
  • Fix: Designate a dedicated team or individual for answering calls.
• Voicemail deterrent: Around 70% of callers won’t leave a voicemail — they’ll simply call the next business that picks up.
• Full voicemail inbox: Some businesses have voicemail boxes that are full, making it impossible for new callers to leave a message.
• Contact forms aren’t a fallback: Most prospects won’t submit a form if their call goes unanswered. They want immediate assistance — not a follow-up tomorrow.

If no calls are coming in, you’re likely relying on repeat customers and referrals — but that’s not sustainable for growth.

To jumpstart your inbound leads:

• Set up a Google Business Profile: A GBP helps you appear in local search results and Google Maps.
• Launch paid campaigns: Use platforms like Google Ads, Local Services Ads (LSA), Facebook Ads, Microsoft Ads, and Yelp to drive immediate call volume.

Everything we’ve shared here comes directly from real client cases we’ve worked on.

If you want to get the most out of your advertising budget, you need to fix what happens after the click. Strong call handling processes are crucial for turning leads into customers — and growing your local service business. We hope this guide helps you optimize your inbound calls and stop losing potential revenue.