If you’re wondering how pool builders can generate better leads without sounding desperate, the answer is simple: flip the script and give before you ask.
What can pool builders learn from big brands about lead generation?
Big brands like DeWalt don’t just throw ads in your face, they create experiences that make people want to give them their info. At Hardscape North America, DeWalt had a massive booth with free hats, leaf blower tests, and a $70,000 trailer giveaway. The line was wrapped around the block. Why? Because they weren’t just selling, they were giving. They made the experience about the visitor, not the sale.
Meanwhile, smaller booths were begging for attention and had nothing but crickets. That’s the difference. You want attention? Make it about your customer. Give them something first. Then ask.
And no, you don’t need a $70K trailer to do this. You can give away a design, a checklist, a price guide, anything valuable that helps your future customer take the next step.
Why do some contractor ads flop while others crush it?
The worst ads scream “please buy from me.” The best ads feel like helpful tips from a friend. That’s the whole game right there. A lot of contractors run ads that are basically digital panhandling. “Please give us money. We’re desperate.” Guess what that smells like? Desperation, and no one likes that smell.
Instead, shift your ad strategy. Be the expert, not the beggar. Offer real value. Say, “Here’s what most homeowners don’t know about building a backyard,” not “Call us now for a free quote!” Give them a reason to click that isn’t rooted in pressure.
What kind of giveaways actually get leads for pool and outdoor builders?
Giveaways that feel fun, easy, and valuable are what generate leads, not cheesy gimmicks. DeWalt didn’t just toss hats into the crowd. They tied every giveaway to a micro-action: fill out a form, test a tool, leave a review. They created momentum. Every free hat cost them about $7, but what they got back was thousands of qualified leads.
You can do the same thing. A PDF of “Top 5 Backyard Designs for New Builds”? That’s a hat. A downloadable price guide with real numbers and options? That’s a giveaway. A checklist for building without permitting headaches? Yep, still a hat. The trick is making sure there’s a small ask for every gift, an email address, a phone number, something to start the relationship.
How should contractors use lead magnets to attract premium clients?
Lead magnets should feel like insider secrets that make the homeowner feel smarter, not like bait for a sales trap. The biggest mistake contractors make? They slap together some half-baked PDF that screams “sales brochure” and expect people to fall for it.
Nope. You need to speak to the homeowner’s dream and fears. If someone just moved into a new home, they’ve got a big, blank backyard. That’s intimidating. Your lead magnet should say, “Here’s what your backyard could be, and what it might cost.” Boom. Now you’ve got their attention. And once you have their info, the real work begins: nurturing.
What’s the best way to follow up with leads after they opt in?
Smart follow-up looks like education, not harassment. Once someone downloads your guide or grabs your freebie, don’t hit them with a hard sell. Instead, drip out valuable content over time: tips, videos, ideas, pricing insights. Make yourself the helpful expert who’s always around but never annoying.
DeWalt collected thousands of leads from their booth. They’ll send a “Sorry, you didn’t win” message, followed by a discount. Then another message about a new product. Then they’ll run Facebook ads targeting that lead list. Over time, they become impossible to ignore. You can do the exact same thing with your CRM and ad account.
Why your marketing should feel more like a helpful guide, not a sales pitch
People love to buy, they just hate being sold to. Homeowners are ready to drop $100K on a backyard, but they’ll run the other way if they feel pressured. The goal is to show up like a guide, not a salesman.
Create content that educates: “Here’s what to expect,” “Here’s how long things take,” “Here’s what you should know before hiring someone.” When you do that consistently, you earn trust. And when it’s time to build, guess who they call?
What’s a simple lead generation funnel that actually works in 2025?
The most effective funnel right now is simple: value-first lead magnet → nurturing content → authority-based follow-up → sale.
- Create a lead magnet (e.g., “Best Backyard Layouts for New Builds” PDF).
- Run a Facebook ad with copy like: “Just moved in? Stuck with a blank backyard? Here’s some inspiration from 25 years of design experience.”
- Collect the lead’s info in exchange for the guide.
- Send follow-up emails or texts with helpful tips, stories, and finished project photos.
- Retarget them with content-based ads showing your work and client success stories.
Eventually, they reach out to you, not because you begged, but because you led.
This is the new standard for lead gen. And the good news? Most of your competitors still suck at this.
If you want to stand out, this is your edge. Build trust. Give first. And make your business the obvious choice by the time your lead is ready to buy.
Want to build a lead system that actually gets results? Watch our free video on how to create lead magnets that convert, or book a strategy call to see how the Aqua Leads system can help you dominate your local market.
👉 https://linktr.ee/aqualeads
