Leads, leads, leads! We all need them. Whether you’re an established expert in wildlife management or are laying the groundwork for your business, identifying and leveraging the right lead referral platforms can make a huge difference.

In this guide, we explore the leading platforms that stand out in the industry.

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NWCOA Referral Line

Provides a unique referral service for NWCOA members, connecting consumers with up to three nearby wildlife operators for free. 

Unique Selling Point: Exclusively for NWCOA members, this referral line generates thousands of consumer calls per year, which NWCOA refers out for free to its paying, active members.

Where Referrals Come From: Consumers calling the NWCOA referral line are looking specifically for wildlife control services from reputable providers.

How You Receive Referrals: Email notifications, and consumers may call you directly.

Pricing Model: Free for both consumers and active NWCOA members.

Cost to Try: The price of a NWCOA membership.

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HomeAdvisor

With its broad reach and consumer trust, HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with professionals for various projects, making it a staple in the home service referral space.

Unique Selling Point: HomeAdvisor is known for its broad consumer base and comprehensive vetting process, ensuring quality leads from homeowners across a wide range of service categories.

Where Referrals Come From: Leads are generated through HomeAdvisor's extensive marketing efforts and partnerships, attracting homeowners seeking various home services.

How You Receive Referrals: Service providers receive leads through direct calls or emails, often shared with a limited number of competitors.

Pricing Model: HomeAdvisor operates on a subscription and pay-per-lead model, with costs varying based on the lead's nature and competition level.

Cost to Try: Fees include a sign-up cost and ongoing subscription fees, with additional costs per lead. The exact amount can vary widely depending on the service category and geographic location.

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Thumbtack

Offering direct quotes and shared leads across a wide range of services, Thumbtack stands out for its flexibility and user-friendly interface.

Unique Selling Point: Thumbtack offers a wide variety of services beyond home improvement, from personal training to event planning, making it versatile for both service providers and consumers.

Where Referrals Come From: Consumers looking for a broad range of services submit requests, which Thumbtack matches with relevant service providers.

How You Receive Referrals: Referrals are received via the platform, with service providers submitting quotes directly to potential clients.

Pricing Model: Service providers pay to send quotes, with the cost per quote varying based on the service and competition.

Cost to Try: There is no upfront cost to join Thumbtack, but service providers pay for each quote sent to prospective clients.

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Google Local Services Ads (GLS)

GLS puts you right at the top when people search Google for your services, complete with a trusty badge to show you’re the real deal. You only pay for leads that reach out to you, making it a smart way to boost your local presence without unnecessary costs.

Unique Selling Point: GLS connects businesses directly with local customers the moment they search Google for specific services, offering a high degree of relevance and immediacy.

Where Referrals Come From: Leads come directly from Google searches, with GLS ads appearing at the top of the search results for relevant queries.

How You Receive Referrals: Businesses receive leads as direct phone calls through the ads, with the option to reply to messages or emails through the Google Local Services app.

Pricing Model: Pay-per-lead, with costs varying based on industry, location, and competition. Request credit back for non-qualified leads.

Cost to Try: No upfront costs; businesses pay for each valid lead received through the platform.

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State Departments of Fish and Wildlife Listings

Offers wildlife control operators a credible platform to be listed as licensed professionals, endorsed by state authorities. Ideal for those looking to underscore their reliability and professional integrity, these listings attract clients who value trustworthiness and are specifically seeking out vetted service providers.

Unique Selling Point: These listings offer a credible resource for consumers looking for wildlife control services, linking them directly with licensed and reputable providers.

Where Referrals Come From: Referrals come from consumers consulting the state's official wildlife department listings, seeking trusted and vetted service providers.

How You Receive Referrals: Consumers find your number on the directories and call.

Pricing Model: Free listing, as it's a public service provided by the state to ensure public access to licensed wildlife control professionals.

Cost to Try: No cost service

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Angi 

Formerly Angie’s List, this is where a company’s good reputation meets a huge audience. With verified reviews and a broad platform, it's perfect for WCOs looking to grow their business and credibility among homeowners seeking trusted pros.

Unique Selling Point: Angi offers a robust platform where consumer trust meets a vast network of homeowners seeking reputable service providers. Its reliance on verified reviews and an extensive listing of services makes it a go-to for WCOs looking to showcase their reliability and quality.

Where Referrals Come From: Service providers are matched with homeowners through the platform, receiving leads directly based on the homeowner's needs and the provider's service offerings and location.

How You Receive Referrals: Shared leads, or calls

Pricing Model: Primarily operates on a subscription and pay-per-lead basis, where WCOs can choose levels of visibility and lead volume.

Cost to Try: Varies; there is often an initial setup fee and ongoing subscription costs, plus the cost per lead, offering packages tailored to different business sizes and budgets.

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Porch

Differentiates itself by partnering with big retailers, linking wildlife control operators directly to customers at the point of sale. This innovative approach opens new markets and connects you with homeowners precisely when they're seeking services, making it a smart choice for expanding your business.

Unique Selling Point: Partners with large retailers to offer WCO services at the point of sale, bridging the gap between initial consumer interest and the booking of services. This direct-to-consumer approach at critical decision-making moments offers unparalleled access to potential clients.

Where Referrals Come From: Consumers are connected to services through Porch’s retail partnerships or directly on the Porch platform, often when they are in the midst of making home-related purchases.

How You Receive Referrals: Shared leads, several contractors may receive the same lead

Pricing Model: Porch utilizes a subscription model for visibility on their platform, alongside fees for leads, tailored to service categories and market demand.

Cost to Try: Initial costs can vary based on services and market, with subscription fees and potential lead fees designed to fit different scales of operations and marketing budgets.

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‍Baton

Baton is a platform for service companies to refer leads to each other, particularly when they get calls for services they don’t offer or areas they don’t reach. For example, many pest control companies refer wildlife removal jobs to wildlife companies on Baton.

Unique Selling Point: Baton is all about connecting businesses within the same industry. If you’ve got leads you can't handle, Baton helps you pass them off to someone who can, and get paid for it. Then also get referrals sent back to you in return.

Where Referrals Come From: Directly from other companies in your field who have leads that aren’t a good match for their business, but might be for yours.

How You Receive Referrals: Exclusive leads come to you via email, SMS, or forwarded calls.

Pricing Model: Proactively set a bid for qualified leads that match your profile preferences (services offered, service area, etc). Then pay only when you get a qualified lead that you can contact, and get credit back for leads that aren’t qualified.

Cost to Try: Start with $200 to load your balance, and if you’re part of NWCOA, you get another $200 for free.

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At a glance, here are key attributes you will want to look at to compare what each platform has to offer:

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No matter which platforms you try, remember the two most important things you can do to maximize your performance with each one:

• Respond immediately to new leads. Not in a few minutes or an hour. Literally, you need to respond within seconds if you want to ensure you don’t lose the opportunity.
• ANSWER YOUR PHONE!

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As you consider your options, think about what's most important for your growth and where your ideal clients are most likely to turn for help. The perfect lead referral network for your business is out there. If you can, try them all!

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