Questions we get all the time.
Straight answers about working with A&B, our services, pricing, and what to expect.
Working With A&B
What makes A&B Consulting Group different from other marketing agencies?
Two things: responsiveness and specialization. Most agencies treat you like a number. At A&B, you have a dedicated account lead and a team that actually picks up the phone. We also specialize in contractors, distributors, and construction supply chain businesses — industries that most agencies don't understand. We've been doing this for 15+ years across 17 states.
How do you handle communication with clients?
Every client has a dedicated account lead — Adrian or Tanya — who is your main point of contact. We use our proprietary client portal for work orders, approvals, and project updates. You'll never have to chase us down or wonder where something stands.
How quickly do you respond to client requests?
Same business day, always. For urgent issues — a website down, a campaign not running, a storm response activation — we respond within hours. Responsiveness is our core differentiator and we take it seriously.
Do you work with businesses outside of Illinois?
Yes — we serve clients across 17 states including Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, Tennessee, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Connecticut, and New York. Our team is based in Chicago and Mexico City, so we can serve any market remotely.
How do I get started?
Start with a free discovery call. We'll learn about your business, your goals, and your current marketing situation — then we'll tell you exactly what we'd recommend and what it would cost. No pressure, no runaround. You can book directly on our website or call (630) 277-9683.
Pricing & Contracts
How much does a marketing program cost?
We have accessible entry points, but here's the honest truth: marketing works as a system. Social media alone won't grow your business. SEO alone won't either. Our approach is multi-channel by design — the right combination of SEO, paid ads, reputation management, social media, and a converting website working together is what drives real results. We build every program around what your business actually needs to win, and we scale it to where you are in your marketing journey. The best first step is a free discovery call.
Do you require long-term contracts?
We work on month-to-month agreements after an initial 3-month commitment. We believe in earning your business every month — not locking you in. That said, most of our clients have been with us for years because the results speak for themselves.
What's included in your monthly retainer?
It depends on your program. A typical retainer includes consulting, ad management (Google or Meta), local SEO, and either social media or email marketing. We build custom programs for each client — you're not buying a package, you're building a program that fits your business.
Do you offer one-time projects?
Yes — website rebuilds, brand identity, storm response campaigns, and design projects are all available as one-time engagements. We also offer a Brand Equity & Onboarding package for businesses that want to start with a foundation before committing to a full retainer.
Services
How long does it take to see results from SEO?
Local SEO results typically start showing within 60–90 days, with significant ranking improvements in 4–6 months. Google Business Profile optimization often produces visible results in the first 30 days. SEO is a long-term investment — the rankings we build compound over time and don't disappear when you stop paying for ads.
What is Google Local Services Ads (LSA) and how is it different from Google Ads?
Google LSA puts your business at the very top of search results — above regular Google Ads — with a Google Guaranteed or Google Screened badge. The biggest difference: you only pay for real leads (calls and messages), not for clicks. For contractors, LSA is often the highest-ROI paid channel available. We handle the entire setup and verification process.
Can you manage my Google Ads if I already have an account?
Yes. We can take over an existing Google Ads account or build one from scratch. We'll start with an audit of what's currently running, identify what's wasting budget, and rebuild your campaigns around conversions — not clicks.
Do you manage social media for all platforms?
We manage Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube. We recommend platforms based on where your customers actually are — for most contractors, that's Facebook and Instagram. For distributors and manufacturers, LinkedIn is often a priority. We don't create accounts just to have them.
What is a storm response campaign and how fast can you deploy one?
A storm response campaign is a rapid-deployment marketing push that targets homeowners in neighborhoods hit by hail or wind damage. It includes direct mailers, geo-targeted Google Ads, social media posts, and email campaigns. We can activate a storm response campaign within 48–72 hours of a qualifying event.
Do you build websites?
Yes — we build websites at every level. Need a fast, professional 1–2 page site to get online? We offer that starting at $1,600. Need a full custom build — 9+ pages, Next.js, Vercel, GitHub version control, CRM integration, UX design? We do that too. We also have a dedicated UX designer on staff. Every site is mobile-first, SEO-optimized, and built to convert visitors into leads.
What is co-op marketing and can you help me with it?
Co-op marketing is a program where manufacturers reimburse distributors and contractors for qualifying marketing spend. Most businesses leave these funds on the table because managing the compliance paperwork is complicated. We specialize in co-op program management — we build your campaigns to qualify, handle all documentation, and submit claims on your behalf.
Do you offer AI-powered services?
Yes — AI is woven into everything we do. Specifically, we offer AI call answering (24/7, powered by Cira AI), AI-powered reporting dashboards, and an AI sales chatbot for your website. We also use AI internally for content creation, reporting analysis, and campaign optimization.
Industries
Do you specialize in contractor marketing?
Yes — contractors are one of our primary specializations. We work with roofing, siding, exterior, and general contractors across 17 states. We understand the seasonal nature of the work, the importance of Google LSA and local reviews, and how to activate storm response campaigns fast. Several of our contractor clients have seen 3–5x lead growth within the first year.
Do you work with building supply distributors?
Yes — distributors are our other primary specialization. We understand the supply chain, manufacturer co-op programs, and how to market to contractor audiences. We've built programs for distributors with single locations and for regional companies with 60+ branches.
Do you work with medical practices?
Yes — we work with chiropractic practices, dental offices, medical groups, and other healthcare businesses. Our medical marketing programs focus on local SEO, reputation management, Google Ads for high-intent searches, and website design that converts visitors into booked appointments.
Still have questions?
Book a free 30-minute discovery call and we'll answer everything.
Book a Free Call