You know summer should be your busiest season. Long daylight hours, good weather, homeowners planning big projects—everything is lined up. But the phone isn’t ringing like you expected, or worse—it’s ringing with people who “just want a quote” and never call back.

Maybe you’ve tried running some ads. Maybe you’ve thrown a few hundred bucks at Facebook or Google. And maybe all you got were clicks and crickets.

We get it. You’re an expert at moving dirt, clearing lots, digging foundations—not writing ad copy or messing around in Google Ads Manager.

But here’s the thing: The right ads can fill your calendar with good jobs fast. The wrong ads? They burn your cash and waste your time.

At Excavation Marketing Pros, we’re not a giant agency. We specialize in helping excavation contractors like you get real leads—not tire kickers or junk calls. And today, we’re breaking down the 5 best ads that are working right now for excavation leads this summer.

The Problem with Most Excavation Ads

Here’s what we see all the time:

• Contractors “boost a post” on Facebook, hoping it brings in leads.
  
  

• They run Google Ads with generic headlines like “Best Excavator Near Me.”
  
  

• They hire an agency that doesn’t understand excavation, and end up with a confusing website or bad ad copy that doesn’t speak to homeowners.
  
  

And the result? Either no leads or low-quality ones that waste your time.

If you’ve been burned before, you might even be thinking: “Ads don’t work for me.” But it’s not the ads—it’s how they’re set up.

Let’s change that.

Top 5 Ads That Are Working Right Now (Summer Edition)

These ad types have been tested and proven across multiple excavation markets this summer. If you’re serious about getting more leads without wasting money, this is where to start.

Ad #1: Local Google Search Ads (With Call Tracking)

When someone searches for “excavation contractor near me” or “septic system install [city],” they’re ready to hire someone. That’s why Google Search Ads are still king.

What Works:

• Use specific keywords like “driveway excavation [city]” or “pond construction near me.”
  
  

• Send traffic to a simple landing page or your Google Business Profile.
  
  

• Use call tracking so you know exactly which calls came from your ads.
  
  

Pro Tip: Don’t just bid on “excavation.” Focus on services that make you money—like septic installs, land clearing, or trenching.

Ad #2: Facebook Video Ads with Real Job Footage

Homeowners don’t want to see stock photos—they want to see YOU at work.

What Works:

• A 10-15 second video of your crew running equipment or before/after shots of a job.
  
  

• A simple caption like: “Building a backyard pond in [City]? Let’s talk.”
  
  

• Target homeowners 30+ in your area. Exclude renters.
  
  

Why It Works: It builds trust fast. You’re showing them you’re real, local, and know what you’re doing. Plus, video gets more attention than static images.

Ad #3: Google Local Services Ads (LSAs)

If you’re not using Google LSAs, you’re missing easy leads. These are the “Google Guaranteed” ads that show up above everything else when someone searches for your service.

What Works:

• Set up your profile, upload insurance/license info, and start with a small budget.
  
  

• Focus on a tight service area—your city and nearby towns.
  
  

Bonus: You only pay for real leads (calls, messages), not clicks. And you can dispute leads if they’re junk.

Ad #4: Seasonal Offer Ads for Specific Services

This summer, homeowners are thinking about drainage problems, driveway repairs, land clearing, and ponds. Run ads tied to seasonal needs.

What Works:

• “Summer Special: Free Site Visit for Drainage Projects—Limited Spots Available”
  
  

• “Need a Retaining Wall Before Fall Rain? Book Now—We’re Booking Fast.”
  
  

Pro Tip: Urgency works. Let people know your calendar fills up fast—and mean it.

Ad #5: Retargeting Ads to Re-Capture Lost Leads

Ever get a website visit or form fill—but never hear back? Retargeting ads bring those people back.

What Works:

• Run Facebook or Google Display ads to people who visited your site in the last 30 days.
  
  

• Show a quick testimonial or a “limited time” message to bring them back.
  
  

Why It Works: People get distracted. Retargeting keeps you top of mind—and often closes the deal.

How to Tell If Your Ads Are Actually Working

It’s not about “feeling busy.” It’s about measurable results.

Track These:

• Cost per lead – How much are you paying per call or form fill?
  
  

• Close rate – How many leads turn into jobs?
  
  

• Return on ad spend (ROAS) – If you spent $1,000 and made $10,000 in jobs, that’s 10X ROAS.
  
  

Set up simple tools like call tracking, lead forms, and monthly reports so you know what’s working—and what’s not.

Final Thoughts: Ads That Fit Your Business, Not Just Any Business

Not every ad will work the same in every market. That’s why we always start by asking:

• What services make you the most money?
  
  

• What towns do you want to work in?
  
  

• What’s your budget this summer?
  
  

At Excavation Marketing Pros, we don’t believe in cookie-cutter marketing. We build ads that fit YOUR business—so you can stay booked with the right jobs, not just any jobs.

Ready to run ads that actually bring in leads this summer?

Let’s chat and see if we’re a fit. No pressure—just straight talk and real solutions.

👉 Book Your Free Strategy Call