The Only HVAC Marketing Guide You Need in 2026

Google search just changed, and most HVAC and home service companies are still running a 2023 marketing playbook. In this episode, John Wilson sits down with Sam Preston, CEO of Service Scalers, to break down what's actually working in home service marketing right now. They cover the real HVAC marketing strategy for an AI-first search world: why google business profile optimization is still your highest-ROI channel, how  generative engine optimization is reshaping local SEO for contractors, and where to invest, and where to stop burning budget. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ In This Episode: • Why Google and AI search are changing home service marketing • The biggest marketing opportunities heading into 2026 • Why Google Business Profile is still the highest ROI channel • How AI is reshaping SEO and content strategy • Why Meta and social content are becoming more valuable than ever • The growing importance of Yelp, Reddit, and other high-authority platforms • The marketing metrics every contractor should track weekly • The biggest mistakes HVAC companies are making today • How to prepare your business for the future of AI-powered search ———————————————— 🔗 CONNECT ———————————————— John Wilson →   / johnbwilson1   Sam Preston →   / sampreston   (update if needed) Owned and Operated → https://www.ownedandoperated.com ———————————————— 💰 SPONSORS ———————————————— Comfort Connect Turn one installation into years of repeat business with Comfort Connect. Give homeowners flexible payment options, stay connected after the job, and create new recurring revenue opportunities. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4wGXqSX Yelp Looking for more qualified leads beyond Google? See how contractors are using Yelp to reach homeowners who are ready to book and diversify their lead generation. Learn more: https://business.yelp.com/campaign/ow... ———————————————— CHAPTERS ———————————————— 00:00 HVAC Marketing 2026 Overview 03:24 Rising Costs and New Channels 19:30 Content Brand and Reviews 23:28 Leads Over Branding 27:09 Tracking ROI Metrics 32:06 AI Search Playbook