Top 5 Insights from PestWorld 2024

As we wrap up another incredible PestWorld conference in Denver, it's clear that the pest control industry is rapidly evolving in its approach to technology and selling pest services online.

As we wrap up another incredible PestWorld conference in Denver, it’s clear that the pest control industry is rapidly evolving in its approach to technology and selling pest services online. Here are some key takeaways from this year’s event.

1. Selling Services Online is Being Actively Embraced

The industry’s changing attitude toward online sales was the most exciting and striking shift we observed this year. Gone are the days when pest control operators (PCOs) feared showing prices online. Instead, the conversation has matured significantly, with company owners and marketing professionals actively seeking solutions for selling pest services online.

What we found particularly interesting is how the discussion has evolved from “Should we sell online?” and “What if my competitor sees my pricing?” to “How can we better package our services to sell them online?” and “How could we use a click to buy solution to expand our offerings, opportunities, & marketing strategies?” More pest control companies are starting to see the value of meeting customers where they are, understanding that a LOT of people don’t want to call/talk with someone, selling commission-free pest control services around the clock is like “free money”, and creating seamless customer experiences that don’t rely heavily on traditional sales teams. PCOs are seeing how a sophisticated “click to buy” solution can evolve the traditional estimate request process and complement the other engagement channels like calling & chatting.

2. DIY Solutions Aren’t Cutting It

Many PCOs we spoke with have experimented with building their shopping cart system to sell pest control services, most with mixed results. Using tools like Shopify and WooCommerce or attempting custom development projects. While admirable, these efforts consistently hit similar roadblocks because these platforms were designed for product sales, not service-based businesses. In addition to missing many critical features included in Click to Buy (e.g., sqft lookups, qualifying questions, and smart links, to name a few), these approaches could also not account for free service requests.

The key lesson? Service-based industries need service-specific solutions. You wouldn’t use a hammer to turn a screw, so why use a product-based platform to sell services?

3. AI: Not the Magic Bullet

Artificial Intelligence was definitely buzzing at PestWorld, but with a healthy dose of skepticism. While AI tools are proliferating in our industry, successful operators understand that technology should enhance, not replace, the human element of pest control services.

The winning approach? Using AI strategically while maintaining an empathetic, customer-focused business model. Companies that prioritize genuine customer understanding over technological shortcuts are seeing the best results.

4. Integrations & Flexibility are King

One of the loudest messages from PestWorld was the demand for better technology integration. PCOs are tired of dealing with siloed systems that don’t communicate with each other. The future belongs to open, flexible solutions that can connect through platforms like Zapier, allowing companies to automate workflows and create efficient, seamless operations. More and more PCO’s are becoming familiar with Zapier and the power it has to bridge the gaps between systems.

Perhaps the most crucial insight from PestWorld 2024 is the reaffirmation that every pest control company is unique. Each business has its own “secret sauce” – whether it’s its service approach, pricing strategy, or customer communication style. Successful digital solutions must be flexible enough to accommodate these individual differences while maintaining operational efficiency.

5. Recapturing Abandonments is Epic

Over and over again, we heard that Click to Buy’s new cart abandonment functionality was a game-changer. With the new cart abandonment functionality it not only removed a lot of fear with selling services online, but also solve reservations created by sales teams who were resistant to an online sales solution. With Click to Buy, those abandoned leads can now be funneled directly to sales teams with all of the pertinent customer information required to effectively follow-up and recapture potentially lost sales.

Looking Ahead

The pest control industry is at an exciting crossroads as the shift to e-commerce grows. The companies that will thrive in the coming years are those that embrace this type of “buy on demand” channel while staying true to their unique value propositions. They’ll choose technology partners who understand the nuances of service-based businesses and offer flexible solutions that can adapt to their specific needs.

Whether you’re just starting to explore online sales or looking to upgrade your current digital presence, the key is finding solutions built specifically for service-based businesses. The future of pest control sales is digital, but it needs to be done right.