2025 update from 2022 blog
If you’ve ever paid top dollar for a lead that went nowhere, you’re not alone. Not all painting leads are created equal, and some platforms are better at burning through your budget than building your client base. That’s why we put together this no-fluff list of the top 10 painting lead providers for 2025. Whether you’re looking for shared leads, exclusive inquiries, or something in between, this guide will help you find the best fit for your business goals and budget.
Some of these platforms may be familiar names—like HomeAdvisor and Thumbtack—while others, like Service Direct or 99 Calls, offer newer or more specialized approaches tailored to painting pros.
You’ll find a variety of lead sources represented here:
- Shared leads that go out to multiple painters at once (which can lead to a bidding war).
- Exclusive leads that are sent directly to just one painter (less competition, but often higher cost).
- Pay-per-click models that drive leads to your website or phone.
- And even flat-rate or subscription-based options for those looking for more predictable expenses.
No matter what your goals are—whether you’re trying to grow fast or keep your local calendar full—we’ll help you sort through the options so you can pick the lead service that best fits your budget, your business style, and your ideal customer.
Let’s dive in.
Top 10 Lead Providers for Painters in 2025
To choose the right lead generation service for your business model and budget, it’s essential to understand how each vendor sources leads, their pricing structure, and the advantages and drawbacks of their offerings.
Here’s a breakdown of the vendors we’ve covered in no specific order:
1. HomeAdvisor
Cost per lead: $15 to over $100.
Lead distribution system: Leads are shared among several contractors.
Lead source: Homeowners submit service requests through the HomeAdvisor or Angi websites, which are generated via online advertising and SEO tactics.
Pros:
- Established platform with a large user base.
- Offers a user-friendly interface.
- Provides a custom profile with photos and reviews to showcase your services.
Cons:
- Leads are shared, leading to competition among contractors.
- Some contractors report paying for leads that don’t convert into jobs.
- An additional annual membership fee of $350.
2. Angi
Cost per lead: Between $15 and $85 per lead.
Lead distribution system: Leads are shared among several contractors.
Lead source: Homeowners submit service requests through the HomeAdvisor or Angi websites, which are generated via online advertising and SEO tactics.
Pros:
- Established platform with a large user base.
- Offers a user-friendly interface.
- Provides a custom profile with photos and reviews to showcase your services.
Cons:
- Leads are shared, leading to competition among contractors.
- Some contractors report paying for leads that don’t convert into jobs.
- An additional annual membership fee of $350.
3. Thumbtack
Cost per lead: $7 – $25 to send a quote.
Lead distribution system: Leads are shared among several contractors.
Lead source: Homeowners submit detailed service requests through the Thumbtack platform.
Pros:
- Provides detailed descriptions of each job or project.
- A large number of homeowners send requests.
- No additional or hidden costs; you only pay for each quote you send.
Cons:
- High competition for quality jobs since many contractors receive the same opportunity to provide a quote.
- You have to quote jobs without seeing the job site.
- Your company’s contact details are not visible to potential clients, so they can’t contact you directly via your Thumbtack profile.
4. Painter Choice
Cost per lead: Approximately $35 per shared lead.
Lead distribution system: Leads are shared among 1-3 contractors.
Lead source: Local advertising drives traffic to the Painter Choice website, where homeowners submit service requests.
Pros:
- Small leads (e.g., one room or less) are provided for free.
- Full refund for invalid leads.
- No additional or hidden fees.
Cons:
- Shared leads result in competition with other contractors.
- Jobs often go to the lowest bid.
- Does not assist in building your own online presence.
5. Networx
Cost per lead: $30 – $70 per shared lead.
Lead distribution system: Leads are shared among up to 4 contractors.
Lead source: Third-party data sources and online advertising drive traffic to the Networx platform.
Pros:
- Ability to set up a custom profile to showcase services.
- Offers a helpful cost guide and contractor profiles for comparison.
Cons:
- Shared leads lead to competition among contractors.
- May need to offer lower bids to secure jobs.
6. Houzz
Cost per lead: Varies; primarily operates on an advertising model.
Lead distribution system: Not specified; depends on user interactions with profiles.
Lead source: Homeowners browse the Houzz platform for inspiration and can contact professionals directly through their profiles.
Pros:
- Provides a platform to showcase portfolios and gather reviews.
- Offers exposure to a large audience interested in home improvement.
Cons:
- Success depends on the quality and visibility of your profile.
- May require investment in advertising to increase visibility.
7. Base Coat Marketing
Cost per lead: Not specified; offers comprehensive digital marketing packages.
Lead distribution system: Exclusive leads generated through tailored marketing strategies.
Lead source: Custom websites, SEO, social media advertising, and Google Ads campaigns designed to attract potential clients.
Pros:
- Provides a holistic approach to marketing, building your online presence.
- Exclusive leads tailored to your business.
Cons:
- Pricing is customized and may require a significant investment.
- Requires active participation in marketing strategies.
8. Service Direct
Cost per lead: $15 – $75 per exclusive, inbound lead.
Lead distribution system: Exclusive leads delivered directly to your business.
Lead source: Service Direct drives traffic through online advertising and SEO, connecting potential customers directly via phone calls.
Pros:
- Exclusive leads reduce competition.
- Flexibility to set your own cost per lead.
- Only charged for valid leads, ensuring investment is directed toward genuine opportunities
Cons:
- Compared to shared lead services, the cost per lead can be higher, especially in competitive markets.
- You need to regularly adjust your cost per lead and monitor campaign performance to optimize results.
9. Porch
Cost per lead: Varies based on project size and location; generally ranges from $5 to $100 per shared lead.
Lead distribution system: Leads are shared among multiple contractors.
Lead source: Porch partners with major retailers like Lowe’s to funnel homeowner inquiries directly to contractors.
Pros:
- Access to a broad network of homeowners through retail partnerships.
- Offers a subscription-based model, providing flexibility in lead acquisition.
Cons:
- Shared leads increase competition among contractors.
- Lead quality and conversion rates can vary.
10. 99 Calls
Cost per lead: Exclusive painting leads cost between $6 and $29.90 per lead.
Lead distribution system: Provides exclusive leads directly to one contractor.
Lead source: Utilizes custom websites, SEO, and online advertising to attract potential clients.
Pros:
- Exclusive leads reduce competition, potentially increasing conversion rates.
- Offers customizable marketing solutions tailored to individual business needs.
- Highly rated lead generation service
- Google Ads Premier Partner