Running a fence company can feel like juggling while walking on a tightrope. One moment you are managing a crew, the next you are chasing unpaid invoices. In the middle of it all, finding new customers can get lost.
Lead generation is often a pain point for fence contractors. Many rely on word of mouth, but that rarely keeps work steady all year. Here are some common reasons lead generation stalls and ways to address them.
1. Relying Too Much on Referrals
Referrals mean your customers trust you, but they are unpredictable. You cannot control when or if someone recommends you. That makes it hard to grow.
Think of referrals as dessert. They are great, but you still need a main meal from other lead sources.
2. Weak or Outdated Website
If your website looks old, customers may question your professionalism. Many people search online first, even for local services. A slow, hard to read site can push them toward a competitor.
A good website is clear, fast, and mobile-friendly. Show photos of your work, list your services, and make it easy to call or request a quote.
3. Poor Google Business Profile
When someone searches “fence contractor near me,” Google often shows a map with local results. An incomplete or outdated profile means you might be losing leads without knowing.
Fill out all sections. Add current photos. Keep hours and contact details up to date.
4. No SEO Plan
Search engine optimization, or SEO, helps your site appear in Google searches. Without it, your site can be buried.
Use the right keywords, clear titles, and helpful content. It takes time, but it builds steady traffic.
5. Not Targeting the Right Area
Some companies target the entire state when they only serve a small region. This wastes ad money and makes it harder for local customers to find you.
Focus on cities and neighborhoods where you actually work.
6. Ignoring Social Media
Many homeowners look at Facebook or Instagram before hiring. If you are not posting photos, videos, or reviews, you might be invisible to them.
Share project photos, before and after shots, and quick tips. You do not need fancy posts, just be consistent.
7. Weak Follow-Up
Getting a lead is only the first step. Waiting too long to reply can mean losing the job to someone else.
Aim to respond within 24 hours. Faster is better.
8. Bad Ad Targeting
Ads can work well if aimed at the right people. Many contractors waste money showing ads outside their service area or to people not looking for fence work.
Use location targeting and test your ad copy to see what gets clicks.
9. Not Tracking Results
If you do not track where leads come from, you cannot see what works. You may keep spending on ads that bring no calls.
Use a tracking sheet or software to log leads, source, and whether they booked.
10. Seasonal Slumps
Fence work often slows in winter or rainy seasons. Without a plan, leads can vanish for months.
Offer off season promotions, repairs, or market to commercial clients to keep work steady.
Quick Tips to Improve Lead Flow
- Keep your website fresh
- Post on social media weekly
- Reply to leads quickly
- Target ads to your service area
- Ask customers for online reviews
Final Thoughts
Lead generation is not about one big trick. It is about doing the small things well, over and over. Many fence contractors get stuck because they depend on one source of work and ignore the rest.
By keeping your online presence current, focusing on the right customers, and following up quickly, you can have steadier work without chasing every job.
At FenceWebs, we have worked with fence companies for over five years. We help with website design, SEO, local SEO, Google Business Profile optimization, Facebook ads, Google ads, and organic ranking. The goal is simple: get your phone ringing with the right jobs.
