As a contractor, you spend most of your time working directly with clients on various projects. However, it’s crucial to understand that your business may struggle in the future if you don’t have an effective marketing plan in place.
In the past, you could count on people telling their friends about your business or using regular ads to get new projects. But now, things have changed. More and more people are using the internet to look for services, check out reviews, and find different choices.
This means digital marketing for contractors is no longer a nice to have. It’s something you absolutely need if you want to continue generating leads. Keep reading this guide to learn how you can build a strong online presence.
Marketing jargon can get overwhelming. Especially if you’re just getting started. However, getting familiar with a few key terms can help alleviate confusion. Before we move forward, here are some marketing terms you should know:
Having a well-designed website enhances your credibility and helps build trust with future customers. Your website serves as a virtual storefront. It’s crucial to make a positive first impression.
When creating or updating your website, consider including essential elements that provide value to your visitors. A portfolio section showcasing your past projects can give them a glimpse of your work quality and style. Your contact information should be front and center so it’s easy for interested parties to get in touch.
63% of Google searches begin from a smartphone. This means it’s really important to have a user-friendly website that works well on mobile. That way people can easily move around and find what they’re looking for when they visit your site.
Consider whether you want to build your website yourself or hire a professional web designer. The latter can ensure a polished and functional site that meets current web standards.
SEO is a valuable tool for your contracting business. It’s all about making sure that when people search online for the services you offer, your business shows up near the top of the list. This way, you have a better chance of generating leads.
When it comes to SEO quality content is key. Content marketing not only attracts the right visitors but also keeps them engaged. SEO is great for local marketing efforts as well.
76% of people who look up a local business on their smartphone visit within 24 hours. By targeting location-specific keywords, your business can appear in local searches as well.
Online reviews also contribute to your SEO efforts, so encourage satisfied clients to leave positive feedback.
Paid search marketing, (also known as Pay-Per-Click (PPC) advertising) is a highly effective strategy for contractors. This method involves bidding on keywords related to your contracting services. Your ads are then shown at the top of search engine results pages like Google and Bing.
One big plus of paid search marketing is how fast it works. Once your campaign is set up and launched, your ads can start driving traffic to your website. This is particularly helpful if you want to get new customers fast in a crowded online market.
Social media provides a straightforward way to talk to potential customers and display your work. To make the most of social media, it’s crucial to pick the right platforms for the people you want to reach.
If you want to show off your projects through pictures, platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are great choices. If you’re a contractor who deals with commercial properties, LinkedIn can be a helpful tool.
Maintaining a steady presence on social media is crucial for effective marketing. You should regularly share interesting content that showcases your skills and the high quality of your work. This can include sharing pictures of your projects, testimonials from satisfied clients, and information related to your industry.
It’s important to engage with your audience regularly. Respond quickly to comments and messages. This consistency will help you build a strong online presence and connect with potential customers.
Paid advertising on social media can also boost your visibility. Facebook Ads and Instagram Ads allow you to target specific demographics. This helps ensure your content reaches potential clients who are more likely to be interested in your services.
Video marketing is the best way to showcase your brand and quality of service. These videos can range from project tours that showcase completed work to tutorials that demonstrate your expertise.
YouTube is an excellent platform for hosting your videos, and you can share them across various social media channels as well. Additionally, using relevant keywords and descriptions can help potential clients find your videos more easily.
Studies show that over 90% of people are interested in seeing more video content from brands. By incorporating video marketing into your strategy, you can provide deeper insight into your services and build trust with potential clients.
Remember, people buy from people they trust. Even in the digital market.
To sum it up, effective digital marketing for contractors involves using a variety of strategies. Because the contracting business is very competitive, it’s important to have a strong presence on the internet.
These methods allow you to set up a balanced marketing experience that guarantees long-lasting success. Which is vital in a constantly changing and competitive market.
Interested in learning how we can help your company grow? Fill out our contact form and one of our specialists will reach out to discuss your marketing goals.
Aaron Hockel is a Partner and the VP of Digital Marketing at AltaVista Strategic Partners. A University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) alumnus, Aaron expertly crafts digital marketing strategies that drive success for clients, leveraging his deep industry knowledge and innovative approach.