The Best Performing Google Ad Types for Contractors This Year
For contractors and tradies across Perth and beyond, Google Ads continues to be one of the most effective ways to generate fast, qualified leads. But with ad formats evolving and competition increasing, it’s essential to understand which types of Google Ads are delivering the best results in 2025.
At DM Design Studio, we work with tradies in Perth, Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to manage high-performing ad campaigns that actually convert. We’ve seen what works across different services and industries and have tailored strategies to help contractors make the most of their budget.
If you're looking to attract more local clients this year, here’s what you should know about the best-performing Google Ad types for contractors.
Why Google Ads still works for tradies
Many homeowners and business owners turn to Google when they need fast service - whether it’s an emergency plumber, an electrician for a quote or a builder for a renovation project. Google Ads allows your business to appear right at the top of the results, capturing that high-intent search traffic.
However, not all ads are created equal. The type of ad you run can make a big difference in how many clicks (and more importantly, enquiries) you receive.
Search ads: Still number one for urgent leads
Search ads remain the best-performing format for contractors needing steady lead flow. These are the standard text-based ads that appear at the top of Google results when someone searches for services like "plumber near me" or "licensed electrician Perth."
What makes these ads so powerful is intent. People clicking on these ads are usually ready to act. For contractors, this means you’re reaching people who are actively looking to book, not just browsing.
At DM Design Studio, we write tightly targeted search ads for tradies that use local keywords, clear calls to action and service-specific language that speaks directly to what the customer needs.
Local service ads: Great for trust and mobile bookings
For eligible trades and services, Local Service Ads (LSAs) are also performing extremely well. These ads show up above search results and include a “Google Guaranteed” badge, phone number and reviews - all without the user needing to click through to your website.
They’re ideal for mobile users who want to call a contractor quickly. While not available for every business, they work well for Perth-based electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians and more.
Our team can help set these up and optimise them for your region to increase your chances of appearing in the top spot.
Responsive search ads: Adapting to what works
Responsive Search Ads (RSAs) are a newer format where you enter multiple headlines and descriptions, and Google automatically tests combinations to see what performs best.
We use RSAs in all our Google Ads campaigns at DM Design Studio. They give your ads more flexibility and typically result in higher click-through rates because they adapt to different users and search contexts.
By combining RSAs with suburb-specific targeting, we ensure each tradie campaign resonates with users across your local service areas.
Performance Max: For contractors wanting broader reach
Google’s Performance Max campaigns allow your ads to run across all of Google’s channels - including Search, YouTube, Display, Maps and Gmail. They’re driven by AI and work best when paired with high-quality visuals and a strong landing page.
For contractors looking to promote a specific offer, event or broader service push (like kitchen renovations or bathroom upgrades), Performance Max can be a great addition to your advertising mix.
We’ve used this format to generate brand awareness and qualified leads, especially when targeting customers in outer suburbs or during off-peak seasons.
Call-only ads: Perfect for urgent tradie services
If your goal is to get the phone ringing fast, call-only ads are highly effective. These ads are designed specifically for mobile users and allow them to call your business directly from the search result.
They work particularly well for services that require urgency, like blocked drains, electrical faults, emergency roof repairs or urgent quotes. Our strategy includes scheduling call-only ads during business hours and adjusting bids for peak demand times to maximise calls.
Retargeting display ads: Keeping your business top of mind
Not all customers will convert right away. That’s where display remarketing ads come in. These image-based ads follow users around the internet after they’ve visited your website, reminding them to come back and enquire.
For contractors offering higher-value or non-urgent services - like renovations, fencing or landscaping - remarketing ads help you stay top of mind until the customer is ready to act.
We design custom-branded image ads and manage placements to ensure you're seen in the right places online, not just everywhere.
Combining ad types for stronger results
While each ad format has its strength, the best campaigns often use a combination. For example:
Use Search Ads for core services
Add Call-Only Ads for urgent bookings
Run Responsive Ads with suburb-specific targeting
Layer in Performance Max for broader visibility
Add Remarketing Ads to re-engage past visitors
At DM Design Studio, we build complete Google Ads strategies tailored to contractors and service businesses. We take care of the setup, copywriting, visual design, tracking and ongoing optimisation - so you can focus on delivering great work.
Tracking performance that matters
Getting clicks is only part of the equation. We track actual leads, calls, quote form submissions and ROI to ensure your budget is delivering value. Our reports show where your enquiries are coming from and how campaigns are improving over time.
Whether you're based in Perth or servicing nearby areas, we make sure your Google Ads are competitive, cost-effective and built for long-term success.
Why Perth contractors choose DM Design Studio
We specialise in digital marketing for tradies and contractors, offering local expertise and end-to-end support. From electricians and plumbers to builders and landscapers, we help businesses stand out with tailored Google Ads campaigns that generate leads from day one.
Our team works with you to understand your services, target suburbs and ideal customers. We don’t just set and forget - we optimise weekly and refine your campaign as new trends, seasons and services emerge.
Want to improve your ad performance this year?
If your current Google Ads aren’t getting the results you want, or you’re new to paid advertising, we can help. DM Design Studio builds high-performing ad campaigns for contractors across Perth, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.
Visit www.dmdesignstudio.au to find out how we help tradies and contractors grow their business through strategic, proven Google Ads campaigns that work.
