Google Ads vs local radio for a small service business, which one worked?

Blair Nguyen · 2026-08-22T19:05:04.212776+00:00

I run a pest control company in Austin and had to choose between putting $2,500 a month into Google Ads or the same amount into a local radio spot. I went with Google Ads first because I could track every call, but after 90 days the cost per lead was around $38. I switched to radio for a two month trial and got way more brand recognition, though almost zero way to measure actual jobs, so now I'm split. Has anyone else run this kind of comparison for their own business, and did you stick with one or blend both?

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Google Ads vs local radio for a small service business, which one worked? | Business Marketing - Free To Speak