@Nashvillewash, Brodie, props to you guys. You both have extremely strong opinions on the topic, but kept it civil (from what I can tell). Lesser men would have gotten this incredibly informative thread moved to the private Lounge.
I’m glad to see both sides of the topic covered in frank detail. I think it’s important for people (especially new guys) considering a marketing option like HA to know what they’re getting into, and what personal commitment they may need to invest to get a good ROI.
My personal experience with HA has been a bit lackluster. But thankfully, I’ve also managed to not spend much money with them, either. I turn my leads off most of the busy season, and don’t pay any monthly or yearly fees (got grandfathered in). I won’t quit HA because I have a decent amount of reviews built up with them.
I’m at the point where I’m too busy to respond to HA leads quickly enough to capture the sale. But even when I could have used the work, I didn’t have the organization/discipline to have a solid follow-up/remarketing strategy, and my ROI suffered.
So my advice to new guys: if you’re a go-getter like Brodie, who has the discipline and organization to really make your blows count, I think HA is worth at least looking into, but with a small dose of skepticism.
But if you’re easily distracted, have trouble following through on your grandiose schemes, or are the type to wonder why everyone else seems to “have it made”… well first off, self employment might not be for you. But secondly, stay away from HA until you pull it together. Or you’ll be flushing good capital down the drain. Stick with door hangers and your diy website
or, if you’re already at the point of having mostly enough work, button up your current marketing efforts and stay clear of HA. I sincerely believe that there are easier ways for established businesses to pull in a little more work, than to sign up with a middle man org that deliberately pits you against your competitors.
In my experience, most people who find you through traditional marketing methods won’t bother with getting competing quotes. Those who do, typically stop at one or two additional bids. HA puts up to 5 in front of the customer. Being the best or most established at what you do doesn’t guarantee you the sale. Being a better salesman and customer service professional is what counts in that scenario.
Just my 2.5¢