In times of crisis, such as dealing with water damage, homeowners are vulnerable and need quick, reliable help. Unfortunately, this urgency can sometimes lead to falling victim to bait-and-switch water damage restoration websites. Understanding what a lead generation website is and the tactics it uses can help you avoid these pitfalls and ensure you get the professional help you need.
What is a Water Damage Restoration Lead Generation Website?
A lead generation website is designed to capture potential customers’ information and sell it to third-party companies. These websites are not actual service providers but act as intermediaries, collecting your details and selling them to various businesses for a profit. This practice is prevalent in many industries, including water damage restoration.
Tactics Used by Restoration Lead Generation Websites
- Affiliate Pay-Per-Call Tracking Phone Numbers: These websites often use affiliate pay-per-call tracking phone numbers to generate revenue. When you call these numbers, the lead generation company earns a commission, regardless of the quality of service you receive.
- Selling Your Information: Once you provide your contact details, lead generation websites sell this information to multiple water damage restoration service providers. Selling your information can lead to an influx of calls and emails from various companies, some of which may need to be more reputable.
Identifying Bait and Switch Water Damage Restoration Websites
To protect yourself from falling victim to these deceptive practices, here are some red flags to watch out for:
- No Company Name When Answering Calls: Reputable businesses will answer the phone with their company name. If the person on the other end is vague or says “water damage restoration,” it could be a lead generation website.
- Requesting Your Information First: Legitimate service providers will first ask about your issue before requesting your details. If they prioritize collecting your information over understanding your problem, be cautious.
- No Physical Location: A lack of a physical address or only a PO box is a significant warning sign. Authentic companies will have a verifiable physical location where they operate.
- Pages for Many Locations: Websites with pages for multiple locations across your area and the United States are likely not local businesses. These pages are often created to attract a broad audience and sell the leads generated.
- Excessive Use of 800 Numbers: While some legitimate businesses use 800 numbers, an overwhelming number of these on a single website can indicate a lead generation site. Local companies typically use local phone numbers. We are local to the Oklahoma City area so our phone number is 405-225-2024. Our area code matches our location.
Choose Local, Choose BISON Restoration Services
At BISON Restoration, we pride ourselves on being a genuine service provider. When you call us, you speak directly with our business and our professionals, not a lead generator. We prioritize your restoration needs and are dedicated to providing high-quality, trustworthy service. Our team cares about you and your property, ensuring that your water damage restoration is handled efficiently and effectively.
Awareness is your best defense against bait and switch water damage restoration websites. By recognizing the tactics used by lead generation sites and choosing reputable, local businesses like BISON Restoration Services, you can ensure that you receive the professional and reliable service you deserve. Remember, when in doubt, always ask questions and verify the legitimacy of the service provider before sharing your information.
