5 Summer Marketing Mistakes Septic Contractors Make That Kill Leads

Why Summer Feels So Busy — Yet Leads Still Slip Through

If you're like most septic contractors, summer feels like chaos.

The phone’s ringing. Jobs are stacking up. You're racing from one site to another — replacing tanks, fixing drain fields, trying to squeeze in inspections between pouring rain and last-minute calls.

But somewhere in the middle of all that, you start noticing something weird.

Leads are coming in... but not converting.
You’re hearing crickets after bids.
People are ghosting after asking for a quote.
Jobs you should be landing are going to someone else.

And it’s frustrating. Because you’re good at what you do. You care about your customers. You show up. You do it right. So what gives?

Here at Excavation Marketing Pros, we’ve worked with enough septic contractors to know the truth:

Most don’t have a lead problem.
They have a leak in their follow-up, their online presence, or their marketing strategy.

And summer — the busiest, most profitable time of year — is when those leaks hurt the most.

Let’s break down the 5 most common summer mistakes we see septic contractors make — and how to fix them before it costs you another job.

Mistake #1: Not Following Up with Leads Fast Enough

This one’s a heartbreaker — because it’s such an easy fix.

Picture this:
A homeowner fills out your website form at 9:42 a.m. asking for a septic inspection. You see it around 4 p.m. after finishing a tough job in the heat. You call them back — and it goes straight to voicemail.

What happened?

They already booked someone else.

In this business, speed wins. Homeowners don’t wait. Especially in the summer when schedules are tight and everyone’s in a rush.

How to Fix It:

Set up an automated system that texts or emails leads within minutes of their inquiry. Even a simple message like:

“Thanks for reaching out! We got your request and will contact you shortly to get this scheduled.”

…makes a huge difference. It shows you’re on it, and it stops them from calling the next guy.

We help septic contractors set this up all the time — and it’s a total game-changer.

Mistake #2: Letting Your Website Sit There and Rot

We’ve seen it too many times.
Outdated websites with broken links.
No clear call to action.
Pictures from 2015.
And worst of all — no phone number at the top.

If your website feels old or hard to use, it’s silently pushing leads away. They don’t call and complain… they just leave.

In summer, your website isn’t just a digital business card. It’s your 24/7 salesperson.

How to Fix It:

Give your site a quick self-check:

• Is it easy to read on a phone?
  
  

• Is your phone number and service area clear at the top?
  
  

• Are there real photos of you, your team, and your work?
  
  

• Is there a form people can fill out in under 30 seconds?
  
  

If not, it’s time for a refresh. We design contractor websites to book jobs — not win design awards. Simple works best.

Mistake #3: Ignoring Your Google Business Profile

When a homeowner searches “septic inspection near me,” what do they see?

If your Google Business Profile isn’t showing up with great reviews, recent photos, and updated info… they’re not calling you. They’re calling your competitor who does.

This profile is free, and it’s often the first thing people see when looking for your services.

But we’ve seen too many contractors let it go stale — or worse, never claim it at all.

How to Fix It:

• Claim and verify your listing if you haven’t already.
  
  

• Add photos from your recent jobs weekly.
  
  

• Ask every happy client to leave a review (it only takes 60 seconds).
  
  

• Update your service areas and business hours.
  
  

A strong Google profile can bring in dozens of new leads each month — for free.

Mistake #4: Running Generic Ads with No Clear Offer

“Septic service available. Call now.”
That kind of ad just blends in.

If you’re spending money on Facebook or Google Ads but not getting results, chances are your message is too generic — or your offer isn’t clear.

People aren’t just hiring you for a tank pump. They’re hiring you to fix their problem fast, clean, and at a fair price. So speak to that.

How to Fix It:

Run seasonal, specific offers that speak directly to what homeowners care about:

• “Get your septic inspection done this week and avoid mid-summer backups.”
  
  

• “10% off tank pumps in [Your County] — now through August 15.”
  
  

Include a photo of you or your crew. Real people. Real work. Real results.

We help our clients craft killer offers that cut through the noise and get calls. And when the message fits? It clicks.

Mistake #5: Forgetting to Ask for Reviews and Referrals

This one’s so simple — but so powerful.

Your best jobs often come from word-of-mouth. But if you’re not actively asking for reviews and referrals, you’re leaving money on the table.

Most happy customers want to help — they just need a little nudge.

And when they leave a review or tell a friend, that’s social proof that no ad in the world can buy.

How to Fix It:

• After each job, send a follow-up text or email thanking them and asking for a Google review.
  
  

• Include a link that takes them straight to the review form (we can help set that up).
  
  

• Offer a small incentive — like a $25 gift card — if they refer someone who books with you.
  
  

Reviews don’t just build trust. They also boost your Google rankings and help you stand out.

How to Turn Things Around Before Summer Ends

If any of these mistakes hit close to home — you’re not alone.

The good news? It’s not too late. There’s still time to fix the leaks in your marketing and end summer strong.

Start small:

• Respond to every lead fast (even if it’s automated)
  
  

• Clean up your website and Google profile
  
  

• Create a simple summer offer
  
  

• Ask for one review per week
  
  

Each of these steps might feel small. But together? They can completely change the way your phone rings.

Why Septic Contractors Trust Excavation Marketing Pros

We’re not some huge agency pushing one-size-fits-all packages. We’re a small, scrappy team that’s obsessed with helping septic and excavation contractors win.

We’ve worked with companies pulling in $500K, $1M, even $3M+ a year — and almost all of them had the same problems you’re facing right now.

That’s why we customize everything we do. Your town. Your services. Your goals.
And we speak your language — no fluff, no fake hype, just real marketing that gets real results.

If you want a partner who understands your business, knows how to get leads, and isn’t afraid to get their hands dirty building a system that actually works — that’s us.

Ready to patch up the leaks and grow smarter this summer?

Let’s map out your marketing — before your competitor does.

 👉 Schedule a Free Strategy Call