9 Best Contractor Marketing Ideas to Grow Your Local Business

Let’s be honest: finding new clients isn’t easy. You’ve known for a while that it is essential to use some sort of marketing strategy to reel in new jobs, but where do you start? Which ones will get you the most bang for your buck?

With a jungle of contractor marketing ideas out there, it's easy to feel lost. In my 10+ years of helping countless contractors find tens of thousands of new jobs at AdeptPlus, I've witnessed contractors ride the waves of marketing success, and I'm here to share what truly works!

Successful Marketing For Contractors Made Simple: 9 Core Marketing Ideas

So, how can you get more customers for your local contractor business? Well, we’ve made it easy for you! In this post, we are going to target the major problems and solutions for the best contractor marketing ideas to grow your local business. We will cover the following topics:

• Create a modern and mobile-friendly website

• Use Google Business Profile

• Leverage search engine optimization

• Invest in Google ads

• Distribute yard signs

• Obtain truck decals

• Focus on niche referrals

• Utilize Facebook ads

• Social media marketing efforts

Let’s dive in!

1. Create A Modern and Mobile-Friendly Website

Problem: In today's digital age, as a contractor, you might have the best tools in the shed, but if your online "shopfront" – your website – feels stuck in the dial-up era, potential clients might just hammer the back button.

We get it. You’d prefer to focus on dealing with concrete, wood, and bricks, not code, pixels, and mobile responsiveness. But here’s the point: a staggering number of customers now search for local services using mobile devices. You might lose business if your website looks cluttered on mobile phones or takes ages to load. 

Solution: A modern, mobile-friendly website is no longer a luxury; it's a necessity. With a fresh coat of digital paint, you'll not only make a great first impression but will likely see an uptick in inquiries and business.

Finding a reputable web design company that can handle all of that for you is one of the best decisions you can make. You won’t have to lift a finger—just sit back and relax; your new website will bring in fresh job opportunities.

2. Optimize Google Business Profile

Problem: Many contractors overlook Google Business Profile (GBP), assuming it's primarily for retail or restaurant businesses. This misconception leads to missed opportunities to be prominently featured when potential clients search for local services.

For local contractor businesses, Google Business Profile is a game-changer. It puts you on the map, literally, allowing nearby customers to find you with ease. Plus, with GBP, client reviews and your latest projects are showcased front and center, building trust with potential clients right from the start. Today’s Google Business Profile is yesterday's Yellow Pages.

Solution: Claim and optimize your Google Business Profile listing. Make sure your business details are accurate, add high-quality photos of your work, and gather reviews from satisfied customers. The more comprehensive and positive your listing is, the more likely it'll show up when local homeowners search for contractors.

One of the single best ways to show up on top of search results is by having reviews and a high ranking. Getting reviews isn’t easy; consider using NiceJob's automated review campaigns to systematically request reviews. Plus, customers will be more likely to trust you before they even reach your website since they see you have a high reputation.

3. Leverage Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Problem: A beautifully designed website is pointless if potential clients can't find it. Many contractor websites are buried deep in search results due to poor SEO.

Using SEO ensures that when people in your area search for contracting services, your business pops up at the top. Essentially, it's like having a bright neon sign in the digital world, directing local clients straight to your door. You can see how keyword optimized this concrete forming contractor website is.

Solution: Invest in SEO by optimizing your website’s content for relevant keywords. This may involve crafting engaging blog posts, improving website loading speeds, and optimizing for mobile. Remember, the top results in search engines get the lion's share of clicks.

With strong SEO, you increase the chances of homeowners finding and choosing your services.

4. Invest in Google Ads

Problem: Traditional advertising methods can be expensive and often target a broad audience, meaning many who see your ad aren't interested in your services.

You can give yourself a competitive edge with Google Ads. By investing in these targeted ads, you can appear right at the top when locals search for the services you offer. It's a direct way to boost visibility and attract potential clients when they're looking for your expertise.

Solution: Google Ads allows you to target specific locations and keywords, ensuring your ads are seen by those actively searching for contracting services. While there's a cost associated, the return on investment can be significant, especially when ads are optimized effectively.

One of the primary reasons why we use Google Ads heavily is it allows you to quick ramp up or down. If your pipeline is looking light, then you can ramp up the budget for a week or two to fill the pipeline.

5. Distribute Yard Signs

Problem: In the digital age, some contractors believe traditional advertising methods, like yard signs, are outdated and ineffective.

For local contractor businesses, especially, yard signs are like mini billboards in the neighborhoods they serve. When people pass by and see a sign showcasing your work, it immediately boosts brand awareness. Plus, a sign in a satisfied customer's yard is a powerful, wordless endorsement of your services.

Solution: Yard signs placed at current job sites showcase your work in real time to the local community. They act as a testament to your craftsmanship and can pique the interest of neighbors. They're a cost-effective way to advertise and can lead to word-of-mouth referrals.

Ensure your signs are professionally designed and prominently display contact information.

6. Truck Decals

Problem: Trucks are often viewed simply as tools of the trade, and their advertising potential is frequently overlooked.

I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve sat at a traffic light and looked over to see a contractor truck and jotted their number down for a point of reference. Utilizing this easy and passive advertising will give you the leads you need.

Solution: Transform your fleet into mobile billboards. Truck decals catch the eye, especially when designed with striking graphics and clear messaging. As you travel from job to job or during daily errands, your business is continuously advertised, reinforcing brand awareness within your community.

And, similarly to yard signs, they serve as billboards in specific neighborhoods.

7. Focus on Niche Referrals

Problem: Broad advertising can often miss the mark by attempting to appeal to too wide an audience, which dilutes the message.

Niche referrals are gold. By connecting with specialized businesses in related fields, local contractors can tap into a pool of clients already interested in home improvements or specific services. It's like having a trusted friend introduce you to someone who needs exactly what you offer.

Solution: Collaborate with businesses in related niches for referrals. For instance, if you're a home renovator, forge connections with real estate agents who might refer clients needing pre-sale renovations. Similarly, a landscaper might connect with pool installation companies. This strategy ensures you're reaching clientele already interested in related services.

8. Utilize Facebook Ads

Problem: With numerous social media platforms available, it's challenging to determine where your advertising dollars are best spent.

Facebook Ads can be a ticket to reaching more potential clients. With Facebook's precise targeting, local contractors can display their services directly to local homeowners or those interested in renovations. It's a smart way to connect with a relevant audience right where they spend much of their online time.

Solution: Facebook Ads is one of the most versatile platforms, allowing for detailed audience targeting. You can define your audience based on demographics, location, and even interests. This ensures your ads reach the most relevant viewers, be it homeowners, property investors, or those interested in home improvement.

Couple this with visually compelling content, such as before and after pictures of your projects, and you have a recipe for success.

9. Social Media Marketing Efforts

Problem: Looping back to the contractor marketing idea, creating a website, what good is it if people aren't going there?

People think platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok are a waste of time. But it's all in how you use it to your advantage.

Solution: Social media marketing allows you to share your business with other people. This could look like before-and-after pictures of your jobs, educational how-to videos that show your contractor business in action, positive reviews from happy customers, and more! And don't forget to use #hashtags related to the geographic areas that you service.

Lastly, measure results, analyze, and iterate your marketing efforts

I get it, juggling all these contractor marketing ideas can feel overwhelming. Here's the golden tip: pick 1-3 strategies that are easily accessible for you or have shown promise instead of stretching yourself thin doing it all.

By focusing on your strengths, you’ll likely see a significant uptick in results. And always remember, keeping track of your efforts is key. With the right data in hand, you'll make smarter business choices and set your contracting business on a path to real, measurable success.

Start putting your contractor marketing ideas into action

Let's keep it simple: every marketing tool has its highs and lows. Your job? Make them work in your favor. Whether you're just kicking off or refreshing your local contracting business game, the tools mentioned can pave your way to success.

Think about it – each project you nail is a chance to wow the next customer. So, use these tools, get noticed, and let your work shine!

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