Austin is a city of dreamers, innovators, and entrepreneurs. It’s a place where startups can thrive—if they can get their name out there. But in a city as competitive as this, standing out is easier said than done. That’s where we come in. At Gidds Media, we specialize in helping Austin businesses—like Waterloo Turf—grow through smart, data-driven digital marketing. And today, we’re sharing how we used Google Ads Austin expertise to help Waterloo Turf not only triple their leads but also expand from Austin to San Antonio and eventually launch into a franchise model.
If you’re an Austin business looking to scale, this story is for you.
The Challenge: A Local Startup with Big Dreams
Waterloo Turf started as a small, family-owned turf installation business right here in Austin. They had a great product—high-quality, eco-friendly turf perfect for Texas lawns—but they were struggling to get noticed as frequently as they should. With bigger competitors dominating the market and a limited marketing budget, Waterloo Turf needed a way to reach local homeowners and businesses without breaking the bank.
Their goal? Generate more leads, increase installations, and eventually expand beyond Austin. But they didn’t know where to start. Like many Google Ads for startups clients, they needed a partner who could turn their vision into reality. They had been burned by agencies in the past and needed to start fresh with someone new. That’s when they came to us.
The Solution: A Tailored Google Ads Strategy for Austin
We knew that for a startup like Waterloo Turf, every dollar counted. So, we crafted a Google Ads strategy that was laser-focused on getting results—fast. Here’s how we did it:
- Local Keyword Targeting: We zeroed in on search terms that Austin homeowners were actually using, like “turf installation Austin” and “eco-friendly lawn solutions Austin.” This ensured their ads appeared in front of people ready to buy. In parallel, we also determined which search terms were really expensive and ate up all their budget so they could be removed from the mix.
- Compelling Ad Copy: Austinites value authenticity and sustainability, so we highlighted Waterloo Turf’s local roots and eco-friendly products. Ads like “Transform Your Austin Lawn with Sustainable Turf” spoke directly to the city’s vibe. Waterloo Turf also had a great slogan: “Get Your Saturdays Back” to create uniqueness in their value-proposition.
- Budget Optimization: We set up smart bidding to maximize their ad spend, focusing on high-intent keywords and adjusting bids in real-time to get the best return on investment.
This wasn’t about throwing money at ads—it was about being strategic with PPC for Austin businesses. And it worked.
The Results: From Local Startup to Franchise Success
Within just three months, Waterloo Turf saw incredible growth:
- 3x increase in qualified leads: More homeowners and businesses were reaching out for quotes. This created a 2nd opportunity for us to build some custom automation to qualify some of the leads first before handing them off to Waterloo Turf for follow-up.
- 40% reduction in cost-per-click: We stretched their budget further, getting more clicks for less.
- 25% boost in conversions: Those clicks turned into real bookings for turf installations.
But the story doesn’t end there. With their Austin business booming, Waterloo Turf expanded into San Antonio, using the same Google Ads strategy to break into a new market. The results were just as impressive—leads poured in, and their reputation grew. We also leveraged Google’s Local Service Ads (LSA) to increase the volume even further. And just this year, they took the leap into a franchise model, opening locations across Texas—all thanks to the foundation we built with Google Ads Austin.
This wasn’t just growth; it was a transformation. From a small Austin startup to a franchise powerhouse, Waterloo Turf’s success shows what’s possible with the right digital marketing partner.
Here’s another example of the leads (also called conversions) that our team has generated for a local, service-based business.
Key Takeaways for Austin Businesses
Waterloo Turf’s success isn’t just a one-off—it’s a blueprint for how Austin businesses can use Google Ads to grow. Here are the key lessons you can apply to your own venture:
- Start with hyper-local targeting: Austin is unique, and your ads should reflect that. Use keywords like “Austin [your service]” to reach customers who are searching for local solutions.
- Speak to the Austin vibe: Whether it’s sustainability, innovation, or community, make sure your ad copy resonates with what Austinites care about.
- Maximize your budget: You don’t need a massive ad spend to compete. With smart bidding and keyword optimization, you can stretch your dollars further in a competitive market.
These strategies aren’t just for turf companies—they work for any service-based businesses in Austin looking to grow. PPC for Austin businesses can level the playing field, and we’re here to show you how.
Ready to Start Your Own Success Story?
At Gidds Media, we’re not just about running ads—we’re about delivering results that help Austin businesses thrive. Whether you’re a startup looking to make your mark or an established company ready to expand, we can help you harness the power of Google Ads for startups to reach your goals.
Don’t just take our word for it—see what we did for Waterloo Turf. And if you’re ready to grow, we’re here to make it happen.
Let’s talk about how we can help your Austin business grow with Google Ads. Schedule a free consultation with our team.
