Where Did the Leads Go?

It’s summer. Your crew is ready. The equipment’s sitting there. The weather is perfect.

But the phone? Quiet.

You keep thinking, “Where is everybody?” You know the jobs are out there, but somehow it feels like you’re the only one not getting calls.

If you’ve ever felt that pit in your stomach—that worry that this “slow week” might stretch into a slow month—you’re not alone. Many excavation contractors run into this problem especially in the summer.

And here's the kicker: It’s not because people don’t need work done. It’s not because you’re bad at what you do. It's because you’re invisible online—and you don’t even know it.

At Excavation Marketing Pros, we help small to mid-sized excavation businesses get seen and hired. Today, we’re going to walk you through why your business disappears online in summer—and how to make sure you’re showing up everywhere that matters.

2. The Real Reason Your Excavation Business Disappears Online

Let’s break this down.

When someone needs excavation work, septic installation, land clearing, or grading—they do what most people do.

They grab their phone and Google it.

Now here’s where the problem starts. If your website, your Google listing, and your Facebook presence aren’t showing up in those searches, you don’t exist to them.

They won’t dig through page two. They won’t remember the ad you ran three months ago. They’ll just call the first few companies they see—and you’ll be left wondering what happened.

Most excavation contractors aren’t lazy. But they’re often missing basic online visibility tools. And worse, some think that just “having a website” is enough.

It’s not. If people can’t find you online when they’re ready to buy, you lose the job. Period.

3. The 3 Places Homeowners Are Searching (And Why You’re Not Showing Up)

Let’s get specific. These are the three spots your future customers are looking—and how you might be invisible in all of them.

Google Search

When someone types “excavation contractor near me” or “septic system install [city],” they get a list. If you’re not in the top 3 results, you might as well not be there.

Google Maps (Local Pack)

Those 3 businesses under the map? That’s where most of the calls go. If your Google Business Profile isn’t optimized, active, or even showing up—you’re missing easy leads.

Facebook Search & Recommendations

Homeowners still ask in local Facebook groups: “Does anyone know a good excavator?” If your page isn’t active, doesn’t have reviews, or your name doesn’t pop up, you’re invisible there too.

4. How to Show Up Everywhere (Even If You Hate Marketing)

Now let’s fix it.

These are simple, non-techie ways to start showing up where your customers are looking. No gimmicks. Just practical stuff that works.

Fix #1: Get Found on Google (SEO Made Simple)

SEO doesn’t have to be scary. It just means your website says the right things so Google knows who you are.

• Use real service terms on your site: “excavation contractor,” “septic install,” “land clearing.”
  
  

• Include your city and nearby towns on your homepage and service pages.
  
  

• Answer basic questions: “How much does excavation cost in [city]?” or “How long does a septic install take?”
  
  

Bonus Tip: Keep your site fast, mobile-friendly, and make it easy to call you.

Fix #2: Stay on the Map (Google Business Profile Tips)

Your Google Business Profile (the map listing) is your best friend.

• Make sure it’s claimed, verified, and has your correct info.
  
  

• Add photos of real jobs—before and after pics work great.
  
  

• Ask happy clients for 5-star reviews. They help more than you think.
  
  

• Post updates or specials—Google likes active profiles.
  
  

Fun Fact: Businesses that post on their profile 1–2x a week often get more map views and calls.

Fix #3: Own Your Facebook Presence (Even if You Don’t Post Much)

You don’t need to go viral. You just need to be visible.

• Update your page with services, phone number, and website.
  
  

• Post 1–2 times per week—a photo of a job, a tip, or a seasonal offer.
  
  

• Ask past clients for Facebook reviews.
  
  

• Respond quickly to messages—Facebook tracks your response time.
  
  

When someone checks you out, they’ll see you’re real and active—and they’ll trust you more.

5. Bonus: How to Stay Visible All Summer Without Lifting a Finger

Now, you might be thinking: “This sounds great, but I don’t have time.”

We hear that a lot. That’s why automation is key.

At Excavation Marketing Pros, we help contractors:

• Schedule posts weeks in advance (on Google and Facebook).
  
  

• Set up tools that send follow-up texts or emails when someone visits your site.
  
  

• Run ads that show up when someone’s searching, not just random people.
  
  

The goal? You stay top of mind without spending all day marketing.

6. Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need to Be Famous—You Just Need to Be Visible

You don’t need to be the biggest name in your area. You just need to show up when it matters—when a homeowner is ready to hire.

If you’re not visible online this summer, you’re handing easy jobs to your competitors. But with a few simple fixes, you can take control—and make sure the next time someone searches for excavation work, they find YOU first.

Want Help Showing Up Everywhere This Summer?

We specialize in getting excavation contractors found online—so they stay booked and profitable.

👉 Book Your Free Visibility Check – Let’s see where you stand and what you can fix fast.