Poll: How could we improve lead quality?

ArvinC · October 16

A lot of Community conversations are not simply about converting more leads. Pros are also trying to understand why a request that initially looked relevant turns out not to be a good fit.

Sometimes a customer selects the wrong category. Sometimes important details are missing. The project may change once photos are shared, or the location, budget, and timeline may make the job difficult to take on.

From the customer’s side, they may not know which category fits their project, how much information a Pro needs, or what a realistic budget and timeline look like.

From the Pro’s side, the mismatch still costs time and can make it harder to understand whether their services, targeting, and preferences are working as intended.

Vote, then tell us in the comments! What information matters most to you when deciding if a lead is a good fit for your business?

Unknown · October 19

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MyCleanCharlotteMaid · October 19

F. Others ( Tell us in the comment)

For cleaning businesses, I think better lead quality starts with more accurate job details and clearer customer expectations before the lead is created.

A customer requesting house cleaning may need standard cleaning, deep cleaning, move-in/move-out cleaning, post-construction cleaning, or recurring service. Each requires different time, labor, supplies, and pricing.

The most helpful information would be the actual areas needing cleaning, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, home condition, pets, preferred service date, and any special requests. Having a realistic budget range would also help pros determine whether the job is a good fit.

I think customers should also have an opportunity to clarify whether they are ready to hire or simply comparing options.

The goal should not just be generating more leads. It should be connecting customers with pros who can realistically meet their needs.

Better information upfront means more accurate quotes, fewer misunderstandings, and a smoother experience for everyone.

Kelly_Local_Legend_1 · October 28

I don't know if you'll see this or not, but I joined thumbtack yesterday. I've had 4 leads come through so far which is great quantity, but 2 have been property managers. We don't want to deal with property managers, especially when they are not local. We want homeowners ONLY. It would be amazing to have that as a filter.

ArvinC · October 28

Hi @Kelly_Local_Legend_1 , welcome to Thumbtack and the Community! Congrats on getting 4 leads on your first day! That's a great start!

I completely understand wanting to connect with homeowners rather than property managers, especially when you're paying for those leads.

One thing I'd recommend is reviewing your job preferences under your Services page. Depending on your service category, you may have options to specify the types of jobs you'd like to receive.

If your Services page shows a "What you do" section instead, you may have access to Smarter Lead Matching, which works a little differently. For property manager leads that aren't a fit, you can tap Can't do it before replying, select Not what I do, and explain that you only work with homeowners. You may then be prompted to confirm a suggested preference to help improve future matches. You can also use Refine your matches and add property management work to your Get less like these list. Keep in mind that these preferences help guide matching rather than completely block certain requests. Refund eligibility may also depend on your account and the lead details.

I'd also encourage you to reach out to our Support team at support@thumbtack.com. They can take a closer look at your account, review your current targeting preferences, and provide more personalized recommendations to help you connect with the types of customers you're looking for.

You can also learn more about targeting preferences here.

And I think having a dedicated option to filter for homeowners is great feedback! I'll make sure this suggestion gets shared with appropriate team.

Thanks again for sharing, and we're glad to have you here!

Unknown · October 29

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ChaosToClarityLLC · October 29

D. The customer’s budget or timeline does not fit

Honestly, it’s a tie between leads who never respond and leads who tell me right away I’m out of their budget.

The second one stings more because I’m paying for those leads. Customers are matched with me, then the first message is that my rate is too high, before I’ve had a chance to talk through what’s included. I’d rather not be suggested to them at all.

When are customers shown our pricing? A budget filter would be nice before matching us. That would save both of us time and save me money on leads that were never a fit.

Poll: How could we improve lead quality?

Poll: How could we improve lead quality? 5 votes

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