For many businesses, the digital landscape is constantly shifting. What worked years ago—like relying solely on organic search—may not be enough to stay competitive today. Kareem Booker, the owner of A Personal Touch Professional Cleaning in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, knows this firsthand.
After nearly a decade of working with 99 Calls, Kareem had built a strong foundation through organic SEO. But over time, he noticed a decline in call volume. Leads that once flowed steadily started to slow, and he realized that relying on organic search alone wasn’t going to cut it anymore.
From Hesitant to Thriving: Kareem’s Journey with Local Service Ads
Kareem had always been cautious about trying new marketing strategies. When 99 Calls suggested Local Services Ads (LSAs) to supplement his existing efforts, he hesitated.
“For about a year we went back and forth about LSAs,” Kareem shared. “I was kind of hesitant about joining, but boy, when I did—did I tell you? It made my phone blow off the roof!”
He recalls that at first, the leads didn’t seem promising.
“The first two or three leads didn’t really pan out,” Kareem admitted. “But then, that fourth or fifth one? It was a realtor. They introduced themselves, told me exactly what they were trying to get accomplished, and my team and I executed everything.”
That one job changed the game. The realtor has continued sending Kareem work, and his phone hasn’t stopped ringing since.
But the realtor wasn’t the only big client Kareem landed through LSAs.
Leads for office cleaning and move-in/move-out cleanings rang in.
Kareem got so much work that he had to turn off his ads because he was booked solid.
“I couldn’t keep up!”
Why Kareem Recommends Local Services Ads
Despite his initial doubts, Kareem now swears by LSAs.
“I’d recommend them to anybody—as long as they’re not in my area!” Kareem laughed.
His reasons are simple:
✅ High-quality leads
✅ Better visibility
✅ Sustainable growth
“If you’re still just doing SEO, it ain’t enough,” Kareem explains. “Times are swinging in a new direction. You have to pay for a position in order to be seen online. That’s just how it works now.”
How 99 Calls Helped Kareem Keep His Business Alive
Kareem’s journey with 99 Calls isn’t just about LSAs—it’s about persistance.
“Let me tell you this,” Kareem says, leaning in, “without 99 Calls, my business would have shut down during the pandemic. There were days I was frustrated, ready to quit. But Kathy would call me every morning and say, ‘Booker, how’s everything going?’ And I’d be like, ‘Miss Cathy, this is just not working out the way I wanted.’”
Through those tough times, Kareem stuck with 99 Calls. Together, 99 Calls and Kareem tweaked strategies, got more calls, and didn’t give up.
“If it weren’t for 99 Calls, I wouldn’t have a business today.”
Advice for Business Owners Trying LSAs or SEO for the First Time
Kareem wants other business owners to know this isn’t an overnight fix—but if you stick with it, it pays off big time.
“If this is your first time trying paid online advertising, it’s going to be a rocky road at first. But if you let the process work, it’ll all come together.”
Here’s what he says to expect:
- Give it time – “It took me six to twelve weeks to get all the kinks worked out.”
- Trust the process – “99 Calls has to get the keywords, meta tags, and placements right to get you the best leads.”
- Stay patient – “If you’re willing to put in the time, it’ll be very rewarding.”
Final Thoughts
Kareem’s story proves that with the right marketing strategy, your business can thrive. While organic SEO is still valuable, Local Service Ads provide a direct path to high-quality leads that can take a small business to the next level.
If you’re struggling to get leads or wondering if LSAs are worth it, take it from Kareem:
“Stick with it, let the process work, and it will be rewarding for you and your company.”
Want to see how 99 Calls can help your business grow? Contact us today to learn more about Local Services Ads and how we can tailor a lead generation strategy for you.