When you’re in the construction business, you know that building dream homes or transforming outdoor spaces is your expertise, but there’s always that lingering question – How do I grow my construction business? Whether you specialize in the renovation of homes or fixer-uppers or even building new homes, effective construction marketing strategies can make all the difference in your business’s success. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore essential marketing concepts that can help both new and established construction companies flourish in today’s digital landscape.
1. Develop a Professional Website
In the digital age, having a professional website is paramount for marketing for construction or any other business. Homeowners and potential clients frequently turn to the Internet when looking for home improvement services. A well-designed website not only serves as a virtual storefront but also acts as a showcase for your best work. Consider using platforms that offer free domains and customizable templates, allowing you to tailor the site to your business needs. Optimize your website with compressed images, user-friendly navigation and a streamlined design to maximize your site’s return on investment. Include a portfolio of completed projects, share your experience, and highlight customer testimonials to build credibility and attract potential clients.
2. Claim Your Google My Business Listing
Google is the go-to search engine for most people, and having a strong online presence on this platform is a crucial part of marketing for construction companies. By claiming and optimizing your Google My Business listing, you can ensure that local homeowners can easily find your business when searching for services in construction. Provide accurate contact details, website links, and other essential information. Encourage satisfied clients to leave positive reviews, as these Google reviews can greatly influence potential clients’ decisions.
3. Utilize Social Media Marketing
Social media platforms, such as Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, offer excellent opportunities to showcase your construction projects and engage with your target audience. Pick the platform most frequented by your business’s target audience and create a business profile to share industry news, project photos like before and after shots, and blog content (if you have one!). Create a social media strategy that focuses on sharing high-quality visuals of your completed projects. Use before-and-after images, videos, and behind-the-scenes content to demonstrate your skills and the transformation you bring to homes and spaces. Also take this opportunity to showcase your team and its experience, so people find your business reliable and credible. Establish a consistent posting schedule, and interact with followers to build a loyal community around your brand.
4. Develop an SEO Strategy & Implement Local SEO
Developing an SEO (search engine optimization) content strategy for your construction business works wonders in helping to improve your website’s rankings. Integrate SEO strategies on both your website and through blog content for the best results for your business.
- SEO For Your Website
Identify the best keywords for your home improvement business using Google Trends and incorporate these terms into your website content to help boost your business’s search engine visibility. - SEO Through Engaging Blog Content
Start a blog for your construction business and share useful information like how-to’s, industry trends, your latest safety protocols or reviews on popular building materials. You’ll broaden your homeowner reach with helpful informative content, and potentially achieve better search engine rankings. Win-win!
Local search engine optimization (SEO) is essential for reaching potential clients in your area. Use location-specific keywords throughout your website’s content to improve your visibility in local search results. Ensure that your business’s name, address and phone number is consistent across all online platforms. Acquiring local backlinks, optimizing Google Maps, and being featured in local business directories can further enhance your local SEO efforts, making it easier for local clients to find you.
5. Invest in Content Marketing
Content marketing for a construction company is a powerful tool for demonstrating expertise and attracting potential clients. Create informative blog posts, videos, infographics, and other valuable resources that address common construction-related questions and concerns. Sharing your knowledge not only positions you as an industry expert but also helps build trust with potential clients. You don’t have to be a professional writer to create impactful content; various online tools can help you refine your pieces before publishing. By consistently producing valuable content, you’ll not only position yourself as a trusted industry authority but also improve your website’s search engine optimization (SEO), making it more credible to search engines and potential clients alike.
6. Harness the Power of Email Marketing
Email marketing is an effective way to stay in touch with past clients, promote special offers, and keep your construction business top-of-mind. Create an email list and segment it based on client preferences or project types. Send regular updates about completed projects, industry news, and useful tips for homeowners. Personalize your emails to address specific client needs, and consider offering exclusive promotions or discounts to encourage repeat business. Email marketing is also a powerful way to stay in touch with previous clients to generate more work when the time comes – you can target this list with seasonal promos, holiday greetings and other such themes.
7. Network Within The Industry
Networking is essential in the construction industry. Attend industry events, trade shows, and local business gatherings to connect with potential clients and other professionals in your field. Building relationships with architects, interior designers, real estate agents, and other contractors can lead to valuable referrals and collaborations on projects. Also make sure to stay in touch with other contractors that you may have worked with in the past, as they can provide referrals and also vouch for your work to potential clients.
8. Establish A Robust Referral System
Completing a project for a happy client doesn’t have to be the end of the road. Maintain a strong relationship with previous leads and past clients to help encourage repeat business.
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Ask for referrals
Referrals from satisfied clients can be a significant source of new business. Impress your clients with your quality of work, professionalism, and courteous service to increase the likelihood of them referring your services to friends, family, and neighbours. Consider offering referral incentives, such as discounts or referral codes, to motivate clients to spread the word about your construction business. Furthermore, if you have collaborated with subcontractors or worked in conjunction with other service providers, this network can become a valuable resource for referrals, leading to more business opportunities.
If you haven’t developed a referral plan for your business, you are missing out on a highly effective marketing strategy. In addition to nurturing a loyal customer base, by turning happy clients into your business’s best advocates, you’ll acquire quality leads without even lifting a finger. And best of all, they’re virtually free!
- Let Your HomeStars Reviews Be Your Digital Referral
Let your moderated, HomeStars reviews do the talking for you! Collect reviews frequently, and direct new customers to your growing portfolio of reviews and let your past clients help you win more jobs! Get started and request a review on HomeStars today.
9. Implement Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Construction Advertising
Digital advertising is increasing becoming popular to help grow your construction business. Target your homeowner audience through digital ads to help grow your bottom line. Pay-Per-Click (PPC) advertising allows you to target specific keywords and reach potential clients actively searching for construction services in your area. If you have the resources, you can manage your PPC campaigns, or you can hire an agency or part-time digital marketer to handle them. Select keywords that are highly relevant to your business, and create ad campaigns that specifically target homeowners in your region. During seasonal promotions or discount periods, consider running targeted PPC ads to maximize your reach.
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Facebook & LinkedIn Marketing
Social media platforms offer a ton of free advertising tools for businesses, and great value in their paid options as well. Get in front of millions with a paid ad on Facebook, or through sponsored content on LinkedIn.
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Remarketing Banners
Investing in remarketing banners helps keep you front of mind with your audience, long after they’ve exited your website. Improving your lead generation and maximizing your ad spend at the same time.
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PPC Ads
While SEO is great for your construction business’ long game, PPC (pay-per-click) is a great addition to your marketing strategy. Your business can potentially hit the top of search results immediately when investing in pay-per-click (PPC) advertising. By bidding on targeted keywords related to your construction business you can gain exponential brand awareness and drive lead generation. Learn how PPC works and what it takes to see concrete results for your business.
10. Monitor and Respond to Reviews and Testimonials
Managing your online reputation is crucial in the digital age. Potential clients often check online reviews and testimonials before making a decision. Regularly monitor reviews on platforms like Google, social media, and industry-specific directories. Address both positive and negative reviews promptly and professionally. Demonstrating that you value customer feedback and are willing to address concerns can significantly impact your reputation and client perception.
Positive reviews from clients are an effective tool to build a reputable and trustworthy construction business. They provide potential customers with the peace of mind needed to rely on your services now and into the future.
- Benefit Of Moderated Reviews On HomeStars
Not all online review sites are created equal! While virtually anybody (customers or not) can leave negative reviews on your business through Google My Business or your Facebook profile, HomeStars is proud to moderate all reviews helping you build and maintain a trusted online reputation. Helping you keep your best foot forward, one happy customer at a time.
11. Leverage the Power of Video Marketing
Video marketing is gaining prominence in the online world, thanks to platforms like Instagram’s reels, TikTok, and YouTube. Videos provide an engaging way to showcase your best work, share construction tips, and give clients a glimpse into your construction process. You don’t need expensive equipment to get started. A tripod for your phone and some basic editing skills are sufficient. Consider creating time-lapse videos of projects, virtual tours of completed homes, or insightful videos explaining construction concepts. Transparency and authenticity in your videos can help you connect with potential clients.
12. Showcase Your Work On Online Platforms
Online directories dedicated to construction contractors can be a valuable starting point when you’re looking to bolster your online presence. These directories allow you to register your business and gain increased visibility among homeowners searching for construction services. Even if you’re not listed, clients who have experienced your services may list your business and leave reviews, further enhancing your online reputation. It’s essential to proactively monitor the platforms where your business is listed to respond to reviews and address any negative feedback promptly. Before committing to an online directory, research its reputation, popularity, user base, customization options, ease of management, and the level of customer support it offers to ensure you’re making the most of the platform.
13. Connect with HomeStars for Tailored Solutions
HomeStars is an excellent platform for construction professionals looking to connect with more homeowners and expand their business. By joining HomeStars, you gain access to a comprehensive profile that allows you to showcase your services, licenses, and completed projects. The profile customization options help you tailor your offerings to match homeowners’ needs, increasing the chances of attracting the right clients.
HomeStars offers trust metrics, including the Star Score, a rating system that communicates your business’s reputation and the likelihood of homeowners recommending your services. Additionally, the Verification Badge provides assurance to homeowners that your business has been vetted by the HomeStars team, building trust and credibility. HomeStars’ customer reviews are manually vetted, protecting your profile from unsolicited negative reviews and further enhancing your reputation.
You can also qualify for the annual Best of Awards from HomeStars, an accolade achieved by only the top 2% of service professionals, that significantly boosts your profile’s visibility and increases the likelihood of being chosen by homeowners. The Best of Award is a highly coveted title that sets you apart from the competition.
14. Download the HomeStars for Pros App
As a busy business owner, you need tools that help you manage your business efficiently. The HomeStars for Pros app is designed with convenience in mind. It allows you to create and manage your profile, respond to leads, accept jobs, request more information, and even send automated replies when you’re occupied with ongoing projects. With the HomeStars for Pros app, you can stay connected with homeowners and seize new opportunities even when you’re on the go. It’s a valuable marketing tool that ensures you’re always accessible to potential clients, enhancing your business’s visibility and responsiveness.
15. Explore Traditional Construction Advertising
While digital marketing is essential, it’s important to not overlook traditional advertising methods, which can complement your online efforts. An easy way to market your construction business is by simply having well-designed signage at your job sites or throughout your neighbourhood. Displaying signage such as lawn signs on a job site like a new home build is a great way to improve your business’s visibility, showcase the scope of work you tackle and promote your services. Make sure to keep the content simple. Commuters or passersby by won’t have time to take down a lengthy email address.When you join HomeStars, you gain access to Verified Badge stickers, lawn signs, and other merchandise that you can use to market your business locally. Additionally, consider distributing flyers in your neighbourhood or areas where you typically work. These traditional methods help spread the word about your construction services and create local brand awareness.
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Direct Mail
Design and deliver attractive flyers to local residents to help grow your residential construction business. Don’t forget to use a compelling call-to-action statement to drive your audience to take the next step. Direct mail is a quick way to generate new leads for your construction company.
16. Invest In Community Involvement Programs
Whether it’s sponsoring your local hockey team or participating in charities or projects, gaining visibility in your neighbourhood can help bolster your business’s reputation and showcase your expertise in the construction business. You can also volunteer to help out the local community by doing minor repairs or renovations, which can create a strong reputation and help with your word-of-mouth marketing. Community involvement creates an emotional connection between your business and the community members. People appreciate businesses that genuinely care about the local area and its residents. This emotional connection can lead to long-term customer loyalty and repeat business.
In a competitive market, community involvement sets your construction business apart from the competition. It’s a unique aspect of your brand that can make potential clients choose your services over others. When homeowners see that your business is actively engaged in the community, it adds a compelling dimension to your value proposition.
17. Utilize Your Work Vehicle For Marketing
Your work vehicle can serve as a moving billboard for your construction business. While you’re parked at job sites or driving around town, your vehicle can attract attention and generate brand recognition. HomeStars offers vehicle decals that feature your Verified Badge, ‘Read Reviews,’ and Best of Award winner stickers, among other options. Additionally, you have the creative freedom to customize your vehicle’s appearance, whether it’s through eye-catching paint patterns, logo decals, or even a mini landscaped garden on a trailer. The possibilities are limitless when it comes to using your work vehicle as a marketing tool.
18. Deliver Exceptional Quality Of Work
Ultimately, the foundation of successful marketing for your construction business lies in the quality of your work. Impressing your clients with your craftsmanship, professionalism, and attention to detail results in positive reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations. Consistently delivering exceptional results not only satisfies your current clients but also enhances your online reputation. Positive reviews and glowing testimonials attract more clients who are confident in your ability to meet their needs. Prioritize client satisfaction in every project, and your reputation will become a powerful driver of business growth.
Gain Exposure to Millions of Homeowners Through HomeStars
Whether you’re looking to grow your existing business or just launching your construction business now, HomeStars offers a range of tools and business marketing strategies customized to suit your specific needs. To learn more about how HomeStars can help you connect with more homeowners, boost your online presence, and enhance your business growth, reach out to one of our dedicated business development experts.
With HomeStars as your partner, you’ll have access to a platform designed to showcase your services, build credibility, and secure valuable projects in the highly competitive construction business market. The support, resources, and trust HomeStars provides make it a valuable asset for any construction professional seeking to thrive in the industry. Take the next step in growing your construction business by partnering with HomeStars today.
