Kyber Digital team- Kyber Digital team
Top 5 Alternatives to HomeAdvisor for 2021
Updated: Apr 30
If you run your own contracting business, then you’ve likely heard of HomeAdvisor as a viable online option for securing new business.
Unfortunately, using a service like HomeAdvisor or Angi (previously known as Angie's List) is not advisable.
While they may get you leads, they hide their leads around paywalls and restrict those who can advertise on their site to certain income earnings.
If you are looking for a reputable marketplace to showcase your contracting services, we’ve provided 5 alternatives for you.
1. Thumbtack
Thumbtack is a platform that pairs homeowners with local contractors and other professionals.
On the platform, there are hundreds of services to choose from, including:
wellness
home improvement
accounting
event services
lessons
Thumbtack is not as well known as some other platforms but is starting to gain momentum as a means to generate leads. A homeowner posts a job or required service and the relevant information, and a list of professionals offering the services is populated.
The homeowner examines the business profiles of the professionals returned in the search, and they can decide whether or not to request a quote.
Once a relationship is formed, the contractor and homeowner deal with the payment and any other arrangements; this is not available through the Thumbtack platform.
Contractors will complete a thorough business profile that helps homeowners decide on a professional to contact.
The pricing model is slightly unclear. Contractors will pay for leads through credits, but the number of credits required for a job varies depending on the number of quotes a job receives and the location of the job.
Contractors also pay for leads that do not convert into contracts.
Advantages of Thumbtack
• Initial cost of leads is low
• Varied services requested
• Small business-friendly
Disadvantages of Thumbtack
• You still pay for leads that do not turn into contracts
2. eLocal
eLocal is an advertising company that connects its users with local businesses.
eLocal specializes in services such as:
legal
medical
financial
insurance
home improvement
The pricing model is performance-based, so professionals do not need to pay sign-up fees and are not hit with any hidden costs.
Contractors control spending with eLocal, so pricing does not get out of hand, and there is a customer support team dedicated to each professional.
Advantages of eLocal
Pay per call is available
Individual customer service
Disadvantages of eLocal
Exclusive leads are costly
3. Phyxter
Phyxter is a newer company, but it is incredibly easy to use. It also is used differently than other similar platforms, allowing a homeowner to hire a contractor right away for an emergency or to post home improvement jobs that contractors can bid on.
One of the best features of Phyxter is that contractors do not pay to speak with customers.
This means that users only pay for leads that convert, and there are no additional registration or marketing costs.
Payments are processed through the platform’s secure payment system, so there is no worry about chasing outstanding invoices.
The app also features a part sourcing component that puts users in touch with parts suppliers to find out pricing and inventory.
Every job posted creates a chat with the homeowner so you can discuss the details of the project and they can post photos or ideas allowing for more accurate quotes.
Phyxter also has an excellent referral program that rewards users who have successfully referred someone who hired a contractor on the app.
Advantages of Phyxter:
Quoting and invoicing system is free to use
Automatic notification when quotes are approved
Partnership with Klein Tools offers contractors up to 20% off purchases
Disadvantages of Phyxter:
Contractors do not need to complete background and credential checks, but users can see whether one has done so or not
4. Houzz
Houzz is a platform that functions similar to social media. Contractors create profiles that allow users to see what type of services they provide.
Users can also read testimonials from homeowners who have used the contractor.
One exceptional feature of this platform is the option to create vision boards that function somewhat like Pinterest.
These boards give professionals and clients an idea of how to collaborate on home improvement projects.
There is no charge to join Houzz, but contractors can pay to have their profile rank higher in the results.
Houzz also offers products for purchase through advertising, which sets it apart from other platforms of the same style. The majority of the projects on Houzz are home improvement-related.
It is mainly focused on home improvement projects, and users can connect with their chosen contractor through the platform.
Advantages of Houzz
•Profiles are free to create, and you can add photos. User reviews are a great way to get feedback
• Contractors can choose to pay for a profile boost
Disadvantages of Houzz
• Advertisements are not a surety for sales
• Customer service is not great
5. NextDoor
Nextdoor is another platform that is similar to social media, but users join a local neighborhood.
This social platform is used for networking with people within the same community.
Users can ask for recommendations of local service provides or contractors and post updates like community news, events, or lost pets.
To join, users must list their full name and address, which is also used to determine their proper 'neighborhood'. A neighborhood boundary is determined by a user who has referred at least ten household sign-ups, so you may have a large neighborhood until another 'neighbor' has enough households to sign up for Nextdoor.
For contractors, Nextdoor can be a great place to find leads if your neighborhood is active.
Advantages of Nextdoor:
Verified name and address prompts trust among users
Users are able to ask for and give recommendations for contractors or other service providers with testimonials
Contractors can find homeowners with projects needing completion
Disadvantages of Nextdoor:
User recommendations are not vetted
Can get cluttered with greetings from neighborhood members
Neighborhood boundaries can be too broad
Final Thoughts
The platforms listed give users alternatives to using HomeAdvisor or Angi for generating leads. Contractors and homeowners can connect on the apps and services listed above, some with more obvious benefits than others.
While HomeAdvisor and Angi might be the most well-known, they are expensive and can end up hurting your business in the long run.
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