Hi ,

As we head into 2026, expect significant changes in how customers search for tree services, as well as in the marketing strategies, tools, and tactics needed to stay visible, both online and off.

Here's one change we've been tracking closely: Increasing Spam Calls

If you've noticed more spam calls from robodialers over the last 4 to 6 weeks, you're not imagining it. Our data shows that robocalls now account for about 40% of all calls from Google Business Profile (GBP) listings and 24% of "leads" overall.

Recommended Action: For our clients, we're setting up an IVR system that activates only for calls from GBP and requires callers to enter a number before being connected. That will eliminate the vast majority of spam calls because bots can't punch in a number (yet). Many VoIP phone systems can do this, so if you're seeing more junk calls, consider setting it up.

This month's GROWth Report covers:

• There's a big change coming to how ChatGPT will work for most users: ads will soon appear below your conversations.

• Why prospects aren't calling you, and what to do about it (it's not a simple solution, but it will clearly differentiate you from other companies).

• Yet another reason to keep asking customers for a Google review. It's simple to do, yet few companies do it consistently. Maybe this will change that.

• Did you know that Google now asks customers to rate your prices? If you haven't done a good job explaining your prices, how many customers do you think will rate yours as "overpriced"?

• An introduction to our Local SEO Sr. Specialist. If you have questions or problems with GBP (video verification??), Abby's got the magic touch to fix just about anything.

• A quick way to use a simple video to decrease the number of cancelled estimates and increase your close rate. No fancy tech required.

• Two webinars you may have missed, both of which will help set you up for success in 2026.

Keep reading for details!

If you're no longer interested in receiving the GROWth Report, please use this link to unsubscribe - no hard feelings 😊.

ADS ARE COMING TO ChatGPT

Well, it was only a matter of time, and it looks like that time is now. OpenAI just announced that, within the next few weeks, they'll begin testing ads in the free version of ChatGPT, as well as in the recently announced ChatGPT Go (this is a lower-cost version - only $8/mo - that provides more options than the free version). The test won't start for a few weeks; we don't have an exact date yet.

This test will be limited to products or services relevant to the user's current conversation with ChatGPT. The AI ads will be clearly labeled and separated from the organic answers, and OpenAI claims the answers will not be influenced by the ads. At the moment, this is a test-only feature and not available to general advertisers.

OpenAI will use user feedback to refine how ads appear, and if it doesn't have a massive negative impact on user engagement and use of its platform, we can probably expect to see the option to advertise on ChatGPT slowly opening up to more and more types of advertisers. There's nothing to do here yet, but it's something to keep on the radar for later in 2026.

Why Aren't Leads Calling You? [Hint: It's You, Not Them]

By Monica Hemingway, Founder & Visionary

Most companies don't realize that 70% of tree service customer research and decisions happen before they even contact you. There's a major disconnect between today’s tree service customer's research process and the outdated sales and marketing processes used by tree care companies. 

This article is the first in a series that covers the eight critical gaps between tree care industry practices and customer reality. 

CRITICAL GAP #1 – The Invisible Research Phase

• Industry Assumption: Customers will call when they have a problem and will get 2-3 quotes before making a decision.

• Current Customer Reality: Modern customers spend weeks or months in stealth research mode before ever contacting a company, using digital tools and community resources to educate themselves and form preliminary opinions. Even in an emergency situation, customers will do at least some research before reaching out.

Instead of fighting over the same expensive leads as your competitors, learn how to position yourself as the obvious choice BEFORE customers start calling companies.

LSA Leads & Budget: More Review Activity = More Leads & Lower Cost

By Panajota Gushkova, Paid Search Team Lead

Think a higher LSA budget will get more leads? Not necessarily. Instead, Google's LSA ranking prioritizes review velocity over budget. Tree service companies that consistently generate new reviews get more leads at a lower cost.

Google Reviews Now Ask Customers To Rate Your Prices!

By Abby Sexton, Local SEO, Sr. Specialist

There’s now one more reason to ensure that your tree service offerings and associated prices – as well as the unique value you bring to customers – are crystal clear. Google Reviews now asks customers to specify the service they received and rate how they feel about the price they paid for tree work.

The options customers have to rate tree service prices are:

• Great price
• Reasonable price
• Overpriced
• Not sure

This information then appears prominently beneath their review.

Team Spotlight

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