CHASING SEARCHES VS. CREATING DEMAND
Tree Traction vs. Google Local Service Ads
Google LSA only works when someone is already searching. You get no control over who sees you, which neighborhoods the lead comes from, or what happens when Google changes its algorithm. Tree Traction sends mail to the exact neighborhoods you want — before they ever open Google.
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How the two channels actually compare
| Feature | Tree Traction | Google LSA |
|---|---|---|
| Lead Exclusivity | 100% exclusive | Shared — Google shows multiple companies |
| Pricing | $0.45-$0.65 per piece mailed | $40-$85/lead (spikes in competition) |
| Geographic Targeting | Exact carrier routes you choose | Metro-level, no route control |
| Pricing Control | Fixed per-piece cost | Google sets prices, can spike anytime |
| Account Risk | None. You control it. | Algorithm can suspend without warning |
| Data Ownership | Yours. Port numbers for $1.25/ea. | You build Google's database, not yours |
| When You Stop Paying | Keep numbers, data, and history | Leads stop immediately, nothing built |
| Revenue Guarantee | ✓ Continue free or full refund | ✗ Pay per lead regardless |
HONEST TAKE
Who each channel is actually built for
Google LSA is worth using if:
- —You're in a low-competition market where Google shows few contractors
- —You have strong Google reviews and a Screened badge to stand out
- —You want to capture people already actively searching for tree service
Honest take: Google LSA has its place for capturing active search demand. The problem is you're entirely at Google's mercy on pricing, leads, and account status.
Tree Traction is the right fit if:
- ✓You want to grow into specific high-value neighborhoods — not just whoever searches
- ✓You're tired of leads that are already talking to 4 other companies
- ✓You want predictable costs that don't spike when competition increases
- ✓You want to own your data no matter what Google decides tomorrow
THE PLATFORM RISK
You only exist when Google says so.
What Google controls
Google sets the cost per lead. In competitive markets, prices can jump to $100 or more per lead with no warning.
Google decides how many competitors show up alongside you. If they add more contractors to your area, your share of leads drops and your cost goes up.
Google can suspend your account — for a flagged license, a disputed review, or an algorithm change. When that happens, leads stop overnight. You have no recourse and no backup plan.
What you control with Tree Traction
You pick the routes. You approve what goes out. You know exactly when mail drops and when to expect calls.
No algorithm decides your cost. No competitor can outbid you. Your territory is yours — one company per zip.
Your tracking numbers and campaign data belong to you. Nothing disappears if you ever stop. You own the asset you built.
WHAT'S DIFFERENT
The three things that actually matter
You reach them. They don't find you.
Google LSA waits for someone to search. Tree Traction puts your name in their hands before they ever think to look. That's a different kind of lead — one that hasn't already compared 5 other companies and doesn't have a low price in mind before you pick up the phone.
You pick the neighborhoods. Not Google.
Google LSA gives you metro-level reach. Tree Traction gives you street-level precision. Want to target the high-income subdivision with mature oaks and $800K homes? You can. With LSA, you take whatever leads Google's algorithm decides to send you.
You own it. Google doesn't.
Stop paying Google and the leads stop. Everything you built on their platform disappears. With Tree Traction, your tracking numbers and campaign data are yours to keep. Port your numbers for $1.25 each. Your marketing becomes an asset you own — not a platform you rent.
FROM THE FIELD
What tree companies say
"Google LSA was costin us $45 a lead and half of em were price shoppers who already had three quotes. The people who call from Tree Traction letters are totally different. They call because they got our letter, not because they Googled cheap tree removal. The difference in the conversations is night and day."
"We still run Google LSA for people already searchin, but Tree Traction is how we actually choose where we grow. We picked three zips with the most mature trees and best home values and went in there hard. You just can't do that with Google. You take whatever the algorithm gives you."
COMMON QUESTIONS
Straight answers
Should I run Google LSA and Tree Traction together?
A lot of our clients do. Google LSA captures people already searching. Tree Traction reaches people before they ever open Google. Together they cover both ends of the funnel — but most clients find direct mail produces higher job values and better close rates.
What if Google suspends my LSA account?
It happens more than people expect — algorithm flags, verification issues, competitor reports. When it does, your leads stop overnight. Tree Traction runs completely outside Google's system. No algorithm, no suspensions, no overnight shutoffs.
How does Tree Traction targeting work?
You pick exact carrier routes using 295 data points per route — income levels, home values, tree density from satellite data, and more. You approve everything before it sends. No metro-level guessing.
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