Brendon Ratos: Google Ads for Contractors, What Actually Works

In episode 42 of the Onsite Podcast, Brandon talks with Brendon from Nano Boost Digital, an Elite Builders Society educator, about running effective ad strategies for contractors using Google Ads and integrating Meta where appropriate. Brendon shares his background (Toronto, biotech schooling, experience at Google Ads and agencies) and emphasizes simplifying digital marketing, fair pricing, and removing the “black box,” noting ads only work when the website and sales process convert. They discuss how ads track the economy, rising costs and competition (especially in renovation markets), the need for multi-channel marketing, and AI’s growing impact. Brandon calls two contractors using Brendon’s services: Tom, an Ontario-area electrician, credits Google ads for scaling from four to six staff and generating strong ROI, while Fraser of Black Belt Contracting in Vancouver describes slow initial results but later receiving large renovation leads, reinforcing that Google Ads is a long-term game. Chapters 00:00 Podcast Kickoff 01:09 Ads vs Sales Foundations 02:10 Brendon Background 04:27 Why Paid Leads Matter 05:31 Marketing Trends 2026 10:04 Tom Case Study 12:54 Calling Tom Live 15:01 Tom Results Breakdown 17:06 Ontario War Zone Ads 18:37 Fraser Campaign Update 20:14 Google Ads Long Game 21:19 Calling Fraser Live 23:02 Fraser Results Big Leads 26:15 Why Early Months Feel Slow 26:59 Google Intent vs Social 28:45 Website Trust Builders Matter 29:58 Finding the Right Partner 32:27 Where to Find Brendon 35:17 Free Consult and Requirements 37:32 Wrap Up and Join EBS Connect with Brandon Ratos Website: https://nanoboostdigital.com/ Connect with Brandon FuchsInstagram: www.instagram.com/the_contractorcoachJoin the Elite Builder SocietyWebsite: https://ebsworks.com/