If you're a contractor or builder, you know how important word-of-mouth and social proof are to marketing your business. Many small business owners are under the impression that digital marketing is time-consuming and costly. We’re here to reassure you it doesn’t have to be that way! A few simple, proven strategies can help enhance your online presence, build and protect your reputation, and grow your customer base. Here’s a guide to easy marketing tips to set your business up for success.

1. Optimize Your Google Business Profile (GBP)

When you search for a local business, you’ll often see a Google Business profile in search results. This profile provides everything a potential customer might need to evaluate your services. 

Get Started: If you haven’t set up a GBP yet, go to Google.com/business and click on “Manage now” to begin creating your profile. Google will guide you through a series of prompts to complete your profile. Make sure to include photos and keep your business and holiday hours up to date! 

2. Encourage Reviews and Referrals

After a job well done, ask your satisfied customers to leave a review on Google. Make it easy by providing a business card with a QR code linking directly to your review form on Google. You can also display a sticker or plaque with the QR code in your office or workspace.

Respond to All Reviews: Respond to positive reviews with gratitude and address negative ones promptly to show your audience you’re dedicated to customer satisfaction. After you finish your project ask your satisfied client if they can leave a review on Google to help support your company.

Ask for Referrals: If you’re working in a neighborhood, ask customers if you can place a sign in their yard during the project. Including a QR code on your sign allows neighbors to quickly access your details.

3. Leverage Social Media

Social media can amplify your reach and foster new connections, and planning ahead makes it feel less daunting! Coordinate social posts with jobs you already have on your calendar, and try to post 2-3 times a week. 

Share Project Photos: Post before-and-after images of your projects to demonstrate your expertise and let them follow your progress. People love to follow a story

Post Testimonials: Capture a quick screenshot of positive feedback from emails or Google reviews.

Share Video Content: It’s okay if it’s not a professionally produced video– often, a quick smartphone video adds authenticity! Take short video clips of work-in-progress to showcase your process. Documenting “a day in the life” can help demonstrate your style and skill. Take horizontal videos for Facebook and LinkedIn feeds and vertical ones for Stories, Reels, or TikTok. 

Partner with Other Local Businesses: Connect with other non-competing businesses on social media. For example, team up with a local painter, landscaper, or interior designer to cross-promote each other’s services.

4. Give Back

Sponsoring local events is a great source for affordable marketing and getting involved in your community. Look for nonprofit fundraisers or school sports teams. Hosting a booth at an event can introduce you to potential customers in a setting that’s relaxed and friendly. 

5. Check Out the Competition

Observing competitors can help you identify areas of improvement or different methods for attracting customers while adding your own unique style. Notice the type of content they share and how they interact with customers online. Using an SEO tool like Moz or Ahrefs can even help you learn how your competitors measure up in search results. 

Small business digital marketing doesn’t have to be complex or expensive. With some planning and dedication, you can increase visibility, showcase your best work, and attract customers to build and maintain a solid reputation in your service area. Talk to Metabo HPT about how we help contractors and builders Get To It.

Disclaimer: Please note that MetaboHPT is not affiliated with Google in any way. This article is not professional advice, but for informational purposes only.