Choosing the right platform to find local leads can make or break a service professional’s business. With so many options available, Thumbtack and Angi remain two of the most talked-about platforms for contractors, handymen, and other home service providers. But which one truly delivers better local leads in 2025? This article dives into the latest data, user experiences, and industry insights to help you decide where to invest your time and effort.
Understanding the Market Landscape for Home Service Leads
The home services market in the U.S. has been growing steadily, with a total addressable market estimated at $657 billion as of 2025. This represents a healthy 10.9% increase from the previous year, signaling strong demand for tradespeople and service providers nationwide. However, the explosive growth seen during the pandemic has started to slow down, as noted by Angi’s Chief Economist, Mischa Fisher. Consumer spending is stabilizing, which means platforms must innovate to keep attracting both professionals and customers.
Despite the market’s size, finding quality leads remains a challenge. Service pros often rely on platforms like Thumbtack and Angi to connect with homeowners, but the experience can be frustrating. Venkatesh Ragala, CEO of InstaService, highlights this pain point: traditional platforms often trap homeowners in a cycle of waiting for quotes, unclear pricing, and uncertainty about whether a provider will even show up. This frustration impacts the entire ecosystem, from lead generation to job completion.
Given this context, it’s crucial to evaluate how Thumbtack and Angi stack up in 2025, especially as Angi recently introduced AI-driven tools to enhance the customer experience. These innovations aim to streamline the process, allowing homeowners to receive instant quotes and connect with service providers in real-time, thereby reducing the anxiety associated with home repairs. Furthermore, the integration of customer reviews and ratings into these platforms has become increasingly sophisticated, enabling users to make more informed decisions based on the experiences of others.
Moreover, the competitive landscape is evolving as new players enter the market, each vying for a share of the lucrative home services pie. Startups are leveraging technology to create niche platforms that cater to specific trades, such as plumbing or electrical work, offering tailored solutions that traditional platforms may overlook. This diversification not only enhances the customer experience but also provides service professionals with targeted leads that are more likely to convert into jobs. As the market continues to mature, understanding these dynamics will be essential for both service providers and consumers navigating the complex world of home services.
Thumbtack’s Reach and User Experience in 2025
Thumbtack continues to be a popular choice among independent service professionals. It offers a straightforward interface where pros can find local leads by bidding on jobs posted by homeowners. This model gives providers some control over pricing and project scope, but it also means competition can be fierce, especially in saturated markets. The platform has introduced features aimed at enhancing user experience, such as improved filtering options that allow professionals to target specific job types or client demographics, making it easier to find the right leads.
In terms of platform traffic, Thumbtack’s reach is significant but still trails behind some competitors. For example, in June 2023, Angi’s platform received 3.9 million hits, while HomeAdvisor’s combined platforms (part of the Angi family) garnered 10.1 million hits, indicating a broader audience reach. Thumbtack’s traffic, while robust, does not match this scale, which can impact the volume of leads available to service pros. However, Thumbtack has been actively working on partnerships and marketing campaigns to boost its visibility, aiming to attract more users and create a more vibrant marketplace for its professionals.
That said, Thumbtack’s strength lies in its simplicity and the ability for pros to directly engage with potential clients. It also appeals to those who prefer a more hands-on approach to managing leads and pricing. However, many service providers find marketing themselves beyond the platform challenging, as social media and brand-building often require additional time and skills outside their trade expertise. To address this, Thumbtack has begun offering educational resources and webinars, helping users learn how to effectively market their services and leverage digital tools to enhance their visibility.
Marketing Challenges for Thumbtack Users
Many independent professionals using Thumbtack struggle with marketing beyond the platform. They often document their work with photos and reviews but don’t repurpose this content to build a broader brand presence. This limits their ability to attract repeat clients or referrals outside the platform’s ecosystem. Additionally, the lack of a cohesive marketing strategy can leave service providers feeling isolated and unsure of how to grow their businesses in a competitive landscape.
For service pros looking to grow organically, tools that help turn daily work into social media content can be game-changers. Campaigns like “Service Pros + Lead Platforms” emphasize the importance of bridging lead platforms with long-term marketing strategies to build sustainable businesses. By integrating their Thumbtack profiles with social media accounts and utilizing customer testimonials effectively, service providers can create a more comprehensive online presence. Furthermore, Thumbtack has started to highlight success stories from its users, showcasing how effective marketing strategies can lead to increased bookings and client loyalty, inspiring others to follow suit and invest in their personal brands.
Angi’s Innovations and Market Position in 2025
Angi, formerly known as Angie’s List, has been a staple in the home services industry for decades. In its 30th year, Angi introduced an “AI Helper” in June 2025 designed to streamline the service request process. This AI-driven feature aims to reduce friction for homeowners by providing clearer pricing and faster responses, addressing some of the frustrations highlighted by industry experts.
Despite reporting a 12% decline in revenue in Q2 2025 compared to the previous year, totaling $278.2 million, Angi remains a dominant player. This dip reflects the market’s normalization after pandemic-driven surges rather than a loss of relevance. The company’s focus on technological innovation and user experience improvements positions it well for future growth.
Angi’s platform also benefits from a vast user base. The combined traffic of Angi and HomeAdvisor platforms outpaces competitors, giving service pros access to a larger pool of potential clients. This scale can translate into more consistent lead flow, especially for those who leverage the platform’s full suite of tools.
Tradespeople Satisfaction and Career Outlook
Angi’s “Skilled Trades in America Report” reveals that 90% of tradespeople are satisfied with their careers, up from 83% since the pandemic. This positive sentiment reflects a stable and growing workforce eager to meet homeowner demand. For service pros, this means a competitive but vibrant market where quality and reliability can set them apart.
However, the challenge remains in converting leads into loyal customers. Angi’s AI enhancements and large market presence help streamline this process, but pros still need to actively manage their profiles and reviews to maximize visibility and trust.
Comparing Lead Quality and Volume: Thumbtack vs. Angi
When it comes to lead quality, both platforms have strengths and weaknesses. Thumbtack’s bidding system allows pros to vet jobs and clients before committing, which can lead to better matches but requires more effort. Angi’s AI-powered interface simplifies the process for homeowners, potentially increasing lead volume but sometimes at the cost of less personalized vetting.
Volume-wise, Angi’s broader reach gives it an edge. More platform hits mean more leads, but also more competition. Service providers on Angi need to be proactive in managing their reputation and responsiveness to stand out. Thumbtack users, while facing fewer leads overall, might find higher engagement per lead due to the bidding and direct communication model.
For many service pros, the choice comes down to their business style. Those who prefer a hands-off approach to marketing and want a steady stream of leads might lean toward Angi. Meanwhile, pros who want more control over pricing and client selection might prefer Thumbtack despite its smaller audience.
How to Maximize Leads Regardless of Platform
Regardless of whether you choose Thumbtack or Angi, success depends on more than just signing up. Effective marketing, timely communication, and reputation management are critical. Many service providers find themselves stuck relying solely on platform leads without building their own brand presence.
Campaigns like “Service Pros + Lead Platforms” emphasize practical strategies to bridge this gap. For example, repurposing job photos and client reviews into social media posts can boost visibility and attract repeat business. AI-assisted content creation tools can save time and help pros maintain consistent engagement without needing marketing expertise.
Building a brand beyond lead platforms also offers more predictability and control over your business pipeline. It reduces dependency on fluctuating platform algorithms and fees, giving you a stronger foundation for growth.
Final Thoughts: Which Platform Gets You Better Local Leads in 2025?
Both Thumbtack and Angi have their merits in 2025. Angi’s scale, AI innovations, and broad market presence offer a high volume of leads and a smoother customer experience. Thumbtack’s bidding system and user-friendly interface provide more control and potentially higher-quality engagements for those willing to invest time in managing their leads.
Service professionals should consider their business goals, marketing skills, and preferred level of control when choosing between these platforms. For many, the best approach might be to leverage both while also investing in brand-building strategies outside these marketplaces.
As the home services market continues to evolve, staying adaptable and proactive will be key. Platforms like Angi are innovating with AI to improve user experience, while Thumbtack offers a straightforward path to connect with local clients. Understanding these dynamics helps you make informed decisions that grow your business sustainably.
Ready to turn your daily work into effective marketing content that attracts more clients? Tools like Postful can help you automate social media posting from your job documentation, making it easier to build your brand beyond lead platforms.
Explore more about Angi’s recent developments and market insights here, and learn about the broader home services market growth here. For a deeper dive into the challenges homeowners face with traditional platforms, check out this expert perspective from InstaService’s CEO here.
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