How to set the right lead budget as a new pro

ArvinC

If you’re new to Thumbtack, one of the biggest questions is usually How much should I set for my weekly budget?

That’s a great question. Let’s break it down in simple terms.

https://youtu.be/MqUSSZAGHmA?si=k8V3zOXnm-wrEB8b

First, understand what you control.

Thumbtack uses exact lead prices. That means the price you set for a lead is exactly what you’ll pay, unless a discount or promotion applies.

You control your spending on Thumbtack by setting both your max lead prices and your weekly budget. Your lead prices tell us which jobs are most important to you. Your weekly budget controls your total spending. Both matter.

Start with your priorities.

Ask yourself:

• Which services are most profitable?
• Which jobs close most often?
• Which projects support my long term goals?

Setting a higher lead price for a service tells Thumbtack what jobs you want more ofFor example, if you are an interior designer who also offers home staging, and interior design projects are more profitable, you can set a higher lead price for that service. This helps you compete more strongly for those leads.

Your budget is your GPS.

Pro @pedroj says,

“Budgeting lays out your financial path, giving you clarity on income, expenses, and how to reach your goals. It's your GPS for financial success.”

In other words, your budget helps you prioritize where to invest your resources, making sure every part of your business gets the attention it deserves.

Take a look at your spending patterns and ask yourself:

• Are they aligned with your business goals?
• Are you meeting enough customers?
• Are your jobs bringing in the value you expect?

If you answer “no” to anything, it may be time to adjust your lead prices, your weekly budget, or your targeting preferences.

Think of return, not just cost.

It’s easy to focus only on how much a lead costs, but the bigger question is: what is the return? If one $25 lead turns into a $1,000 job, that is strong value. If a service rarely converts for you, you may need to adjust pricing or preferences targeting.

Budgeting is not just about numbers. It’s about setting yourself up for growth, resilience, and long term success.

If you’re newer to Thumbtack, how did you determine your first budget?

For experienced pros, what budgeting advice would you give someone just getting started?

ArvinC

Tagging new members in the community

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