If you’re a home service pro such as a general contractor in Vancouver, Toronto, or another city across Canada, you’ve likely recognized that homeowners conduct the majority of their research online when looking to hire a home pro. Contractors should be marketing and advertising their contracting business online to reach their target audience daily to get maximum exposure. Online advertising for general contractors will continue to flourish for years to come, so get ahead with these top marketing ideas for contractors like you.
Create a Website That Elevates Your Contracting Business
A well-thought-out, up to date website shows homeowners that you take your business seriously and helps your business build immediate credibility and trust. According to Webfx, 94% of first impressions are related to your site’s web design, so it’s extremely important to create a website that works as hard as you do.
The copy on your website should be consistent and reflect your brand’s tone of voice and brand colours. Branding elements such as your logo and tagline should be placed in the most visible areas so homeowners can become acquainted with your business and remember you.
If feasible, hire a web designer who focuses on your industry, and they can create a useful, user-friendly website that will influence more leads for your business. This can include strategic placing of your phone numbers, reviews, licensing, awards and other important information that will help you stand out from the competition.
Learn About Search Engine Optimization for Contractors
Homeowners are taking their searches online more than ever before. They’re typing in keywords that are related to the service they need near them like “general contractor in Surrey” for example, or searching for validation items to help them in the research journey like “general contractor reviews”.
Homeowners will be provided with search engine results that consist of organic results, paid results, and other items dependent on the search query like maps, knowledge panels, and more. Google puts an emphasis on making the first page of results as useful and relevant as possible for quick information and immediate results. This is why having your business shown on the first page of a specific search query makes a huge impact, as most homeowners will not go further than the first or second page of results.
With that being said, there are a few simple ways that you can boost SEO and your chances of being discovered on the first page of Google.
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- Choose the right keywords. Understand what type of language a homeowner will use to search for services like yours, and use these words in your website copy, HomeStars profile description, and review responses.
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- Claim your Google My Business listing. This free advertising for contractors really makes a big impact when homeowners are searching locally for home service pros. When someone does a search for a “general contractor near me”, the results will include local Google My Business listings relevant to the search. Having an up to date listing will help your business get closer to ranking on the first page.
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- Join HomeStars for an easy SEO boost. You’re not alone if SEO feels like an overwhelming task, and that is why so many contractors rely on HomeStars to provide them with exposure and visibility online. Given HomeStars’ trusted reputation and 8 million homeowner visits annually, HomeStars ranks high in homeowner project search queries, meaning our general contracting pros get plenty of exposure to project-ready homeowners via search engines.
Use Free Advertising Platforms for Contractors
There are plenty of complimentary online platforms that you can utilize, get familiar with and leverage before taking the plunge and upgrading to paid versions to maximize results. Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn are free platforms that you can leverage to build an immediate following. Similar to these channels, HomeStars encourages general contractors to sign up for a free profile, to collect reviews and get exposure to hiring homeowners. Once comfortable and you’re ready to grow your business, you can upgrade your HomeStars listing to increase exposure in HomeStars search results, unlock access to more homeowner leads, and the ability to customize your profile.
Collect Reviews for Your Business
Reviews are incredibly valuable not only to researching customers, but also for local SEO, used as helpful closing tools, and more. Plus, reviews and responding to reviews = more keywords.
HomeStars reviews can also be synced to your Google My Business listing, providing homeowners with additional trust and help to strengthen your online reputation and build trust with prospects.
Using various advertising strategies, you can generate buzz for your general contracting business online and increase awareness. When starting out, think about hiring a web designer to create a professional website, or determine where you can improve your current one. Understand the language homeowners are using when turning to Google for research and build this into your web copy. Opt for more free advertising avenues, and collect reviews to stay relevant and up to date online. Once you’re ready you can take each of these avenues one step further by hiring a web designer, SEO specialist or take your online exposure to new heights by joining HomeStars.
