You’ve probably come across Local Marketing Vault while searching for ways to make money online or start your own online business. Maybe you’ve seen the ads or heard the buzz that left you wondering, “Is it really worth it, or is it just another hyped-up program?”
Well, you’re in the right place.
In this review, I’ll give you my findings—what’s good, what’s not-so-good, and what you should keep in mind before making any decisions.
Before we start…
In a hurry and just want to know if LMV is legit? Yes it is!
Local Marketing Vault is my no.1 recommendation for making money online.
This is the best business to start online in my opinion.
Go here to watch the free training from James Bonadies!
^^^^free training^^^^
Key Takeaways
- Local Marketing Vault (LMV) is an online training program focused on teaching individuals how to run successful ad campaigns for local businesses using platforms like Google Ads and Facebook.
- The program provides step-by-step instructions on how to start your own agency, provides pre-built resources, and teaches you how to acquire clients and long-term partnerships.
- The program focuses primarily on paid advertising
- VERDICT: LMV is legitimate and it’s also my no.1 recommendation for making money online and starting an online business.
Go here to watch the free training video on LMV
What is Local Marketing Vault?
Local Marketing Vault (LMV) is an online training program designed to teach you how to run successful ad campaigns for local businesses using platforms like Google Ads and Facebook.
Think about all those small businesses in your area—plumbers, electricians, hair salons, landscaping services—who rely on customers from their local community to stay in business. These businesses need a steady flow of leads to grow, and they’re often willing to pay someone to help them generate those leads.
With the help of Local Marketing Vault, that’s where you come in.
The whole premise of LMV is simple: you learn how to use paid advertising to drive high-quality leads to these local business owners. The program teaches you how to create and manage ad campaigns tailored specifically to local businesses’ needs.
Whether it’s using Facebook ads to attract customers for a neighborhood gym or running Google ads to help a roofing company show up in search results, LMV equips you with the tools and strategies to make it happen.
It gives you step-by-step instructions and pre-built resources to get started quickly. For example, they provide you with landing pages built using tools like ClickFunnels. These aren’t just generic templates—they’re designed to work with the lead generation model you’ll be implementing for your clients. You don’t have to start from scratch.
The program also emphasizes the importance of securing clients and building long-term partnerships. They don’t just teach you how to run ads; they also guide you on how to prospect for clients, pitch your services, and close deals.
The idea is that once you show a local business you can deliver results—by bringing them more customers or increasing their visibility—they’ll want to keep working with you on a monthly basis. This creates a recurring income model.
Why focus on local businesses, you might ask?
Well, many of them lack the expertise or time to handle their own online marketing. They’re busy running their day-to-day operations, so outsourcing to someone who knows what they’re doing is an attractive for them. Plus, local marketing is a growing industry, especially as more small businesses recognize the importance of having an online presence.
The program markets itself as a great opportunity for beginners or anyone who wants to step into the online business world. The skills you learn aren’t just applicable to the lead generation business model—they’re foundational digital marketing skills that can open doors to other opportunities in the future.
Who is Behind Local Marketing Vault?
James Bonadies
James Bonadies began in the education field as a high school Business Education teacher. From there, he went on to earn an MBA in Administration and Supervision, which eventually led to a leadership role as a Vice Principal. On paper, this seemed like a logical progression in the education sector, but for James, it wasn’t enough.
You see, James realized something that many people in traditional careers eventually do: the financial rewards just didn’t align with his ambitions. He wanted more than just job security—he wanted financial freedom. That’s when he decided to dive into the world of online business and money-making ventures.
Like many, he spent years testing different methods and looking for the right niche. But everything changed in 2014 when he joined Dan Klein’s Job Killing program, a coaching initiative focused on lead generation.
Lead generation proved to be not only a lucrative business model but also something he could scale effectively.
But James didn’t stop there. He saw an opportunity to help others replicate his success. Together with his business partner Jason, he started a coaching program aimed at teaching people how to master paid advertising.
Outside of digital marketing, James has also branched into real estate. He reportedly owns rental properties valued at around $7 million—a side hustle that aligns well with his focus on building long-term wealth.
While many people in the online business space come across as too flashy or unrelatable, James has built a reputation for being grounded and professional.
Jason McKim
Jason’s journey into entrepreneurship wasn’t smooth sailing. He gave it a solid go—put in the time, effort, and probably a fair share of sleepless nights—but things just didn’t pan out.
That’s where Jason found himself. He had to pivot and turned to financial consulting, a space where his experience, even the failures, could be valuable.
Now, as a financial consultant, Jason helps others navigate their financial challenges, drawing on those years of hard lessons. He’s someone who’s been in the trenches—not just reading about challenges from a distance but living through them.
How The Local Marketing Vault Works
If you want to join Local Marketing Vault, you can watch their video tutorial. This video isn’t just fluff; it’s designed to give you an overview of what the Local Marketing Vault teaches.
They’ll break down some key concepts, like their “2 Page Sites” and the “Pin Method.” These are techniques they say have helped their students land clients and make money as digital marketing consultants. The video also touches on how businesses are spending more than ever on digital marketing and how you can carve out a piece of that pie.
Here’s the important part: watching the video is just the first step. To actually join, you’ll need to book a call with one of their coaches. They have specific time slots available, so you’ll pick a time that works for you.
This call is more than just a formality; it’s where they assess whether you’re a good fit for the program. They’ll likely ask about your background, your goals, and why you’re interested in digital marketing. It’s also the point where they go over the payment details and any other logistics for signing up.
During the call, they’ll also dive deeper into what the program offers. They’ll explain things like how their “Pin Method” helps you attract clients or why their “2 Page Sites” have been so successful for other students.
They’ll probably touch on their advertising strategies and how they’re tailored to meet the needs of local businesses. The idea is to show you how the program can help you tap into what they call the “billion-dollar online gold rush” by working as a digital marketing consultant for local businesses.
What is Included in The Local Marketing Vault
When you join in Local Marketing Vault, you’re stepping into a program designed to teach you how to run your own marketing agency.
The idea is pretty simple: you learn to help local businesses grow by managing their online advertising campaigns. In return, they pay you for those services. But it’s not just about running ads—it’s about running the agency.
Now, before you even think about launching a campaign, you’ll need to tackle one of the most crucial parts of this business: prospecting.
This is where you reach out to business owners—people you’ve likely never spoken to before—and convince them to trust you with their marketing. It’s not as easy as it sounds.
You’ll need to grab their attention, show them the value you bring to the table, and ultimately persuade them to hire you. The program spends a good chunk of time teaching you exactly how to do this effectively.
You’ll also learn how to close deals over the phone. This can be a little nerve-wracking at first, especially when you’re asking for someone’s credit card information, but the program aims to equip you with the skills to do this confidently and ethically.
Once you’ve secured a client, that’s when the technical work begins. Local Marketing Vault dives into how to run ads for local businesses, primarily on platforms like Google AdWords and Facebook.
You’ll be taught how to set up and manage campaigns that actually drive results for your clients—whether that’s more customers, more leads, or more phone calls. You’ll also learn how to structure deals and scale your agency, so you’re not just stuck with one or two clients forever.
There are a few specific strategies and challenges built into the program to push you forward. For example, you’ll learn about Craigslist lead automation, which can be a way to drum up leads quickly.
There’s also something called the 10 Call Challenge, where you dive into cold calling potential clients, and the 25 Email Challenge, which focuses on cold emailing. These are practical exercises to get you out of your comfort zone and start building your client base.
On top of that, they’ll touch on email marketing, a tool that can help you nurture relationships and keep your pipeline full.
However, it’s worth pointing out that Local Marketing Vault focuses almost exclusively on paid ads.
While that’s a big piece of the puzzle for many local businesses, it’s not the only piece. For instance, the program doesn’t go deep into local SEO, which is a major component of digital marketing.
SEO is all about helping businesses rank on Google organically, and that’s something you’d need to learn elsewhere if you wanted to offer it as a service.
Module 1: Introduction to Local Marketing Vault
To kick things off, you’re introduced to the entire Local Marketing Vault program in this foundational module.
The aim is to familiarize you with what local marketing vault offers, what resources are available, and how the platform is structured. Jason takes the reins here, walking you through each tab on the website.
He explains in detail how to navigate the training platform so you’ll know exactly where to find what you need and how to make the most of it. This is where you’ll start building your understanding of the system.
Module 2: Getting Clients
Acquiring clients is often the toughest part of any business, and this module focuses entirely on that challenge.
You get a daily checklist as a practical tool to keep you accountable. It’s designed to help you build consistent habits, especially around prospecting for clients.
The idea here is to develop a structured routine so you’re always working toward bringing in new business. By the end of this module, you’ll have a clear process in place to help you find and secure clients effectively.
Module 3: The Vault Mindset
Success in any business requires the right mindset, and this module dives into cultivating that. Jason emphasizes three key traits: consistency, persistence, and patience.
He highlights why steady action over time is crucial and prepares you to handle the inevitable challenges of entrepreneurship. The goal here is to help you build resilience and focus on long-term success, even when things get tough.
Module 4: Vault Marketing Strategy Training
This module shifts gears toward helping you acquire clients and generate leads for them. You’ll learn about the Value Ladder concept, which involves starting with smaller, low-risk services and gradually introducing more profitable offerings as you build trust.
It’s about creating a win-win situation where you provide increasing value to your clients while boosting your own revenue. By the end of this module, you’ll have a strategy for guiding clients through a path of growth, ensuring both their success and yours.
Module 5: Vault Services Training
Here, the focus is on categorizing and delivering your services. The LMV model is about helping small businesses generate leads, increase sales, and drive profits.
Jason breaks these services into three categories—Brand, Customers Now, and Customers Later—to simplify how you present your offerings to clients.
You’ll also be introduced to Dashclicks, a tool that handles reporting and outsourcing for tasks like SEO and social media management. This module aims to streamline your service delivery and make it easy for clients to see your value.
Module 6: Vault Sales Strategy Training
Sales are the lifeblood of any business, and this module dives into how to close deals effectively. You’ll learn how to approach client conversations by understanding their needs instead of pushing your agenda.
Techniques like “yes” questions, open-ended inquiries, and offering bundled services are explored. Jason also introduces the Six Circle Close method, a structured way to present and sell your services using visual aids. Whether it’s downselling to hesitant clients or offering trial periods, this module equips you with practical tools to navigate sales conversations successfully.
Module 7: Building Your Agency
In this module, Local Marketing Vault shows you how to legally set up your business. Jason provides guidance on starting as a Sole Proprietor before transitioning to an LLC and shares tips for minimizing out-of-pocket costs when acquiring resources.
You’ll also get advice on naming your agency in a way that aligns with your brand and appeals to your target audience. By the end of this module, you’ll have a clear roadmap for establishing your agency as a legitimate and professional entity.
Module 8: Done For You Value Ladder Training
This module expands on the Value Ladder concept introduced earlier. It dives deeper into how to use it as a framework for identifying client needs and tailoring your offerings.
The goal is to help you pinpoint the starting point for potential clients and build trust by delivering exactly what they need. This strategy not only helps you land clients but also positions you as a reliable partner for their long-term growth.
Module 9: Funnel 101 Training
Funnels are a big part of LMV’s strategy, and this module covers everything you need to know. You’ll get access to pre-made funnels tailored to specific industries, allowing you to hit the ground running.
Jason walks you through using ClickFunnels, including domain setup and form creation with Wufoo. He also introduces CallFire, a tool for managing calls and texts. By the end of this module, you’ll have a fully functional funnel ready to generate leads for local businesses.
Module 10: Funnel Automation Training
Automation is key to scaling, and this module focuses on streamlining your marketing processes. You’ll learn how to set up notifications for real-time lead alerts, implement autoresponders for follow-ups, and craft “welcome” emails to engage new leads.
The idea is to create a system that runs smoothly with minimal manual intervention, allowing you to focus on growing your business while keeping leads engaged.
Module 11: Vault Software Training
Finally, this module introduces two powerful tools: Howde and TruReview. Howde automates follow-ups with leads, ensuring no potential customer slips through the cracks, while TruReview focuses on gathering and managing customer reviews.
Both tools are designed to make your business operations more efficient, whether it’s nurturing leads or maintaining your online reputation. With these resources, you’ll have a solid foundation to grow and sustain your agency.
Bonus Features
The LMV Partnership Program
The LMV Partnership Program is where you can team up with LMV-approved partners who complement your skills. Let’s face it, nobody excels at everything.
If your strength lies in sales and you’d rather avoid dealing with the technical aspects of running an agency, this program lets you partner with someone who’s a pro in that area. They’ll handle the tech side, freeing you up to focus entirely on what you’re good at—closing deals and growing your client base.
On the flip side, if you’re great with technical work but find selling a challenge, the program connects you with sales experts. Together, you form a team that plays to each other’s strengths, creating a more efficient and effective agency operation.
The LMV Partnership Program is essentially about collaboration—finding the right people to balance your skill set and make your business run smoother.
The LMV Accelerator
The LMV Accelerator is designed to fast-track your success by focusing on one key goal: getting clients as quickly as possible, ideally within six weeks.
This feature is an optional add-on and comes with a price tag of $997, but it offers exclusive one-on-one training with top vault coaches.
Part of this accelerator includes access to AdZombies, run by Ken “Spanky” Moskowitz. If you’ve struggled with creating high-quality ad copy, AdZombies has you covered. You can outsource your copywriting to them and receive professional, compelling content for your clients’ campaigns.
With personalized coaching and specialized services like AdZombies, the Accelerator equips you with the tools and guidance to land clients quickly and build momentum early in your local marketing journey.
Access to the Private Facebook Group and Live Coaching
LMV includes access to a private Facebook group with over 3,000 members. This isn’t just any group; it’s an active, thriving community where you can connect with like-minded individuals, share insights, ask questions, and even find solutions to challenges you face.
On top of that, you’ll have access to weekly live coaching calls. These sessions are run by industry experts who can provide tailored advice, answer your questions, and guide you through any roadblocks.
Pre-Built ClickFunnels Landing Pages
The program includes pre-built ClickFunnels landing pages for over 50 different niches. These templates aren’t just generic—they’re optimized for conversion, with persuasive copy and appealing designs that can help you turn traffic into leads and clients.
You won’t need to start from scratch, saving you time and effort. Plus, these pages are designed with paid traffic campaigns in mind, so you can plug them into your workflow and focus on running ads that deliver results.
The 10K Club
The “10K Club” is an exclusive program to celebrate members who’ve managed to hit $10,000 in revenue. If you’re one of those members, you get a t-shirt and a plaque to commemorate your achievement.
The t-shirt and plaque are symbolic, but the real question for you is whether this $10K milestone is actually achievable within their system. It’s definitely possible, especially if you put in the work and follow their process, but it’s worth remembering that not everyone hits these kinds of numbers.
Local Marketing Vault Cost
If you’re considering LMV, you should know that it comes with a significant upfront investment. The program costs $3,994, and you have the option to pay it all at once or break it into monthly installments.
If you choose the installment plan, the overall cost will end up being a bit higher.
This price tag includes access to their training, the “vault” of ad templates, and the community of other LMV members. Whether that’s worth it depends on what you’re looking to get out of it.
The Refund Policy
LMV does offer a refund policy, but it’s pretty short-term. You have 72 hours after making your initial payment to request a refund. That’s a very small window to evaluate whether the program is right for you. Realistically, you won’t be able to dive deeply into the training in just a couple of days. So, while the refund policy is a nice gesture, it’s not exactly a robust safety net. Make sure you’re confident in your decision before you pay.
Is Local Marketing Vault Legit?
Yes, based on my experience, Local Marketing Vault is legit.
First off, LMV offers ongoing support and live coaching sessions. These aren’t just generic Q&A calls—they’re run by people who’ve actually built successful businesses in the digital marketing space. That’s a big deal. You’re learning from folks who know the ropes, not just someone who’s read a few articles and decided to create a course.
But you still need to show up, put in the work, and take advantage of what’s being offered. That’s where a lot of people stumble—they think paying for the course is all it takes to succeed. Trust me, it’s not.
Another aspect of LMV’s legitimacy is its focus on results. The methods they teach are practical and revolve around paid advertising, specifically on platforms like Google and Facebook. These are proven strategies, not outdated tactics or scams. If you follow what they teach and apply it correctly, you can see results—especially once you land your first few clients. But here’s the catch: landing clients isn’t a walk in the park.
Let’s be real here—getting clients takes time, effort, and a willingness to hear a lot of “no’s” before you start hearing “yes.” You’ll be prospecting, setting up meetings, and pitching yourself to business owners who might not even know what a digital marketing agency does. That can be intimidating, especially if you’re new to this kind of work. And let’s not forget the challenge of delivering results once you’ve secured a client.
Then there’s the cost. LMV isn’t cheap, and that’s worth considering. The upfront investment might feel steep, but the idea is that the potential return on investment is much higher if you stick with it and land clients. Once you’ve got a few businesses booking your services regularly, the income can sustain your agency and make that initial expense feel worthwhile.
Having said that, I acknowledge that skepticism around programs like LMV is pretty common, and for good reason. There’s no shortage of courses out there that promise the world and deliver very little. But in this case, LMV does offer real value for people who are genuinely committed to building a paid ads agency.
Can You Make Money with LMV?
Yes, you can. The core of LMV’s approach is paid advertising for local businesses. You run Facebook or Google ads for your clients, which brings in leads for them.
A good chunk of the revenue goes straight to the ad platforms, of course, but you earn a management fee for handling everything. Typically, this is around 15% to 20% of the ad budget.
Let’s say your client spends $3,000 a month on ads. At a 15% management fee, you’d make $450 for that client each month. Scale that up with a few more clients, and you could start seeing some serious income.
But keep in mind, the workload grows as your client list does. You’re responsible for ensuring their ads perform well, which can take time and expertise.
The Pros of Local Marketing Vault
- One of the biggest advantages of LMV is that you don’t need a lot of upfront capital to get started. As a paid ads agency, your clients foot the bill for the actual ad campaigns. This means you’re not putting your own money on the line to test ads or generate results.
- Now, if you’ve got a knack for sales, this could be a great fit for you. LMV emphasizes marketing services that are designed to help you land clients quickly. For someone who’s good at pitching and closing deals, this could translate into fast income.
- Another positive is that the program focuses on paid ads rather than SEO. Let’s be honest—local SEO can be a beast to master. Paid ads, on the other hand, tend to be more straightforward. Plus, they often deliver faster, measurable results for your clients, which can make your service more attractive to business owners who want quick wins.
The Cons of Local Marketing Vault
- One of the biggest hurdles is client retention. When you’re working with small businesses, there are always risks. Clients might leave if they don’t see a return on investment (which sometimes isn’t your fault—it could be their sales team failing to close leads).
- Another potential drawback is sales itself. If you’re not experienced in sales or if the idea of cold calling business owners makes you uncomfortable, this might feel like a tough hill to climb. And let’s face it—there’s a lot of competition out there.
- Paid ads can be unpredictable. For example, if other agencies are running similar campaigns in the same area, the cost per lead could skyrocket due to increased competition. When lead costs climb too high, your clients might start questioning the value of continuing their ad spend.
Local Marketing Vault Verdict
Based on my experience with the Local Marketing Vault, I can confidenttly say that it is an excellent program if you want to start an agency dealing with local marketing or start your own lead generation business.
Why do I say this?
The program is run by Jason and James, two entrepreneurs who’ve not only found success in local marketing but also decided to share their methods with others. They’re not just teachers—they’re practitioners.
That’s an important distinction because it means they’re actively using the strategies they teach, not just regurgitating theories or trends they’ve read about.
Local marketing itself is an often-overlooked way to make money online. While e-commerce, Amazon FBA, and similar models tend to grab the spotlight, local marketing offers a unique opportunity. The internet has fundamentally changed how businesses operate, and local businesses, in particular, need help navigating the online world.
Their course is designed not just to tell you what works but to show you step-by-step how to replicate their success. With over 5,500 students already enrolled, their methods clearly resonate with people looking to get into the local marketing space.
But let’s talk about whether it’s worth it for you. One of the biggest appeals of local marketing is its scalability and relatively low barrier to entry. Whether it’s improving their Google rankings, running Facebook ads, or setting up a lead generation funnel, these are skills you can learn and apply to a wide range of clients.
Their course isn’t based on outdated ideas or guesswork but on strategies they actively use. That’s a big selling point, especially in an industry where so many courses are created by people with no real-world experience.
So, is Local Marketing Vault worth trying out? If you’re interested in building an agency that helps local businesses thrive online, it certainly has the potential to be.
Before you leave
Local Marketing Vault is my no.1 recommendation for making money online.
This is the best business to start online in my opinion.
Go here to watch the free training from James Bonadies!
^^^^free training^^^^