If you have ever sat staring at your screen wondering, “Who should I reach out to next?” you are not alone.
Outbound can be one of the most profitable growth levers for service businesses, but only when you point it in the right direction.
And that was the heart of this coaching conversation.
Jay wanted to pivot his outbound strategy and start targeting higher-ticket clients.
Smart move.
But choosing who to target is where most people get stuck.
Let’s break down the insights that came out of this session so you can build an outbound strategy that gets attention, sparks conversations, and lands clients who actually value what you offer.
Why Car Dealerships Are a Tough Outbound Target
On paper, car dealerships look perfect.
High-ticket sales.
Large budgets.
Lots of customers.
In reality, they are one of the hardest industries for agencies to serve.
Why? Because dealerships run on deeply embedded software systems that control their CRM, inventory, sales pipeline, website connections, and every automation under the sun.
Many of these systems are locked down and incompatible with outside tools. Meaning, even if a dealership wants your help, the tech stack fights you every step of the way.
So instead of fighting a losing battle, HighLevel recommended going where the doors open easier.
The Better Outbound Target: Service-Based Businesses
Service businesses are the sweet spot for outbound agency work.
Think:
- landscapers
- contractors
- home services
- roofers
- cleaners
- painters
- electricians
These businesses:
- have clear, easy-to-define customer journeys
- rely heavily on local reputation
- often lack a structured CRM
- feel the pain of missed calls and lost leads
- are hungry for customer reviews and automation
And most importantly, they can integrate with your systems without fighting proprietary industry software.
This is the gold zone for outbound.
💬 Why LinkedIn Beats Cold Calling
Jay asked about the best outbound channel, and the answer was clear.
Cold calling is not dead, but it is noisy.
Everyone sounds the same.
Everyone feels like a script.
Everyone wants something immediately.
LinkedIn lets you warm the room before you ever reach out.
The strategy:
- Connect with local service business owners
- Engage with their content
- Post value-driven insights
- Start conversations in the comments
- Move the conversation to messages naturally
Outbound works best when it does not feel like outbound.
The Google Maps Trick That Wins Fast
Corey shared one of the simplest, most effective outbound strategies available.
Open Google Maps.
Search for local businesses.
Look for:
- low star ratings
- very few reviews
- inconsistent NAP data
- outdated photos or listings
Then reach out with a simple message.
“I noticed your reviews are low, and that is hurting your local ranking. If you want, I can help you fix that.”
Reviews are one of the easiest wins for a new agency:
- they improve SEO
- they build trust
- they are simple to automate
- they create quick results clients can feel
You do not need a long pitch. Just a real problem and a real solution.
The Big Lesson: Outbound Should Feel Like Service, Not Selling
The common thread in all these strategies is simple.
Do not chase industries that resist change.
Do not pressure people who are not a fit.
Do not pitch before building connections.
Instead:
- choose service industries that need help
- use channels that build relationships
- start with problems you can solve quickly
- let your value open the door
Outbound is not about reaching more people. It is about reaching the right people the right way.
If you want to streamline your agency and deliver better client results…
It is the fastest way to turn HighLevel into a well-oiled machine with tools, templates, and resources built for agencies that want to grow.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why Car Dealerships Are a Tough Outbound Target?
On paper, car dealerships look perfect. High-ticket sales.Large budgets.Lots of customers. In reality, they are one of the hardest industries for agencies to serve. Why? Because dealerships run on deeply embedded software systems that control their CRM, inventory, sales pipeline, website connections, and every automation under the sun. Many of these systems are locked down and incompatible with outside tools. Meaning, even if a dealership wants your help, the tech stack fights you every step of the way. So instead of fighting a losing battle, HighLevel recommended going where the doors open easier.
What should I know about the Better Outbound Target: Service-Based Businesses?
Service businesses are the sweet spot for outbound agency work. Think: landscapers contractors home services roofers cleaners painters electricians These businesses: have clear, easy-to-define customer journeys rely heavily on local reputation often lack a structured CRM feel the pain of missed calls and lost leads are hungry for customer reviews and automation And most importantly, they can integrate with your systems without fighting proprietary industry software. This is the gold zone for outbound.
What should I know about 💬 Why LinkedIn Beats Cold Calling?
Jay asked about the best outbound channel, and the answer was clear. Cold calling is not dead, but it is noisy. Everyone sounds the same.Everyone feels like a script.Everyone wants something immediately. LinkedIn lets you warm the room before you ever reach out. The strategy: Connect with local service business owners Engage with their content Post value-driven insights Start conversations in the comments Move the conversation to messages naturally Outbound works best when it does not feel like outbound.
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