Emergency Calls = Big Revenue:
How Contractors Can Win Storm Season
By Dipa Gandhi
Read it to me! Click the video below.
Weather Events Are Opportunity Hiding in Plain Sight
When a storm hits or a hard freeze ends with cracked pipes and water damage, homeowners panic. They rush to Google looking for help now, not next week.
The problem? Many contractors disappear when demand spikes. They’re busy on jobs, phones go unanswered, and websites show no sign of availability. Meanwhile:
- According to LeanData, 78% of consumers choose the business that responds first.
- Average homeowner searches three contractors, but often hires the first one to confirm availability.
When you’re invisible online in the moment of need, you lose leads to competitors who are ready.
Losing Out on Urgent Jobs Hurts More Than You Think
Not only do missed calls mean lost revenue today, they also hurt your reputation and pipeline:
- Homeowners remember who didn't pick up, and they're less likely to try again next time.
- Urgent jobs are high-value: tree removal, roof tarping, water mitigation can be thousands of dollars.
- Missing one emergency job can mean losing future repeat work (repairs, maintenance, referrals).
Consider this real scenario:
A Florida tree service owner shared that after Hurricane Ian, his team couldn’t keep up with the calls. Competitors with better call handling and Google Ads presence booked work for weeks. He lost an estimated $40,000 in immediate work and many new long-term customers.
Being unavailable in emergencies is like locking your store when everyone wants to buy.
How to Make Sure You’re the First Call
Contractors can turn storms and emergencies into growth with a little preparation. Here’s how:
- Answer the phone
Hire a call service for after-hours or overflow.
Train staff to prioritize emergency language: "We’ll get you on the schedule ASAP."
- Optimize your online presence
Use clear messaging on your website: “24/7 Emergency Roof Tarping” or “Same-Day Tree Removal.”
Make sure your Google Business Profile is up-to-date with current hours and service areas.
- Run timely ads
Launch Google Ads that trigger for storm-related search terms: "emergency roof repair near me," "tree removal service now."
Target local zip codes that are affected.
Consider Local Services Ads (LSA) for faster visibility at the top of search.
- Keep it personal and real
Use photos of recent emergency jobs.
Share reviews that mention fast response and quality work.
A Pennsylvania roofer shared that after setting up Google Ads targeting “emergency roof leak,” he landed over 30 jobs last spring alone. Even small towns can see massive spikes in search volume during storm season.
Turn Seasonal Chaos Into Consistent Growth
These urgent calls don’t just fill your schedule for a week—they're often the entry point to long-term relationships:
- A tarped roof today leads to a full replacement tomorrow.
- Water mitigation calls lead to drywall, painting, and flooring work.
- Tree removal creates opportunities for future landscaping jobs.
By treating every storm season like a marketing opportunity—not an obstacle—you’ll build a reputation for reliability and grow your business beyond one busy season.
Don't just react. Be ready to be seen when customers need you most.
