8 Surefire Ways to Generate Contractor Leads

Finding quality leads is important for any industry, though it’s especially crucial for general contractors. Why?

Construction (most often) is not a residual field. Projects are usually one-and-done, so finding new leads is key to maintaining a solid revenue stream.

If you’re ready to take an active approach in finding new customers and projects, keep reading. We’re here to provide some valuable lead-generation tips to those in a field traditionally reliant on word-of-mouth marketing and referrals.

Leverage Reviews

Your average contracting project is more expensive than a haircut or auto detailing service. So understandably, people will rely on reading a number of good reviews before choosing a contractor to renovate  their homes, offices, or property.

In fact, 86% of consumers read reviews before turning to a local business.

The best review platforms to focus on for a contracting business are Google, Yelp, Angie’s List, and the Better Business Bureau. The better rating and customer feedback you can generate across these pages, the more success you’ll have in converting prospective clients into referring customers.

There are plenty of helpful (and free) review tools at your disposal that allow you to automate review requests. Tools like Google Reviews and get reviews make it easy to get a quick rating as they let you request immediate feedback from satisfied customers after you perform services.

Create a Google My Business Listing

Google My Business (GMB) is the Google entity responsible for listing local businesses online. This directory is the main engine for local search and is what populates website results and information when you type something like “pizza parlor near me” into Google.

Having a GMB account is non-negotiable when it comes to professionalizing your business and making it easy for new customers to find out more about you. A GMB listing will broadcast your business’s location, hours, phone number, and other important information to help customers get a hold of you. You can also direct users to your website directly from your GMB listing.

If you don’t currently have a business account with Google, it’s not too late to get started. Simply visit Google’s business page or view these step-by-step instructions on how to create a GMB. Once you create a listing, don’t forget to verify your account and follow GMB best practices. An account that isn’t verified will not appear on Google’s search results.

Contact Previous Customers

One way to recapture existing contractor leads is by setting up a call or email sequence to reach out to previous customers. This touchpoint can act as a follow-up to ask about the work you performed—while also opening the conversation to see if they have any new project needs you could take on. Just make sure you personalize your communications to each client and avoid spamming with too many calls or emails.

Flaunt Your Website

You’ve surely put a lot of time and effort into creating an aesthetic and functional website. Now it’s time to broadcast it as your company’s portfolio. Incoming clients will either discover you through a website search or look up your page once hearing about you elsewhere. Needless to say, it’s important that your site is self-serving and offers easy-to-find information about business.

Treat your website as its own construction project. Onlookers will equate your website quality with your contracting abilities, so take your time and be thorough. Meanwhile, don’t forget to update it regularly with photos of your most recent projects and positive testimonials from your happy customers.

For industry-leading website (and social media) trends in 2021, check out the helpful guide below!

Start Blogging

As the saying goes, content is king! One thing that can help exponentially in your hunt for leads is creating quality written content that will help you get found more easily online.

When someone goes to Google looking for “ways to find a good general contractor” or “home remodeling tips” you want an article by your company to pop up first. If you have the time and resources, blogs are an effective way to position your business as a go-to resource for all things contracting.

Touch Base With Neighbors

Neighbors will be the first to notice a large project going on over the fence. Take advantage of the attention by delivering business cards or postcards to other homes or commercial properties in the area you’re working in. Odds are high that someone else has their own remodeling or renovation needs that your outreach may encourage them to finally pursue.

Use Facebook to Your Advantage

Do you currently have a Facebook business page? If not, it’s time to get one.

Having a Facebook page for your business is an incredibly effective (and manageable) way to reach a large audience, show off your talents, and communicate with existing and future customers. Creating a page is extremely easy and can really boost your brand recognition—especially locally.

Here are some specific tricks to enhance your contracting business’s Facebook page:

• Upload current and high-resolution photos.
• Post regularly.
• Respond to customer comments and messages.
• Be detailed in your “about” section.
• Upload a high-quality cover photo.
• Include calls to action (CTAs).
• Promote your page to gain followers.

Start a Referral Program

A referral program is a tried and true way to get more customers. By implementing one, you encourage your clients to recommend your services to friends and family.

The schematics of your program may vary as you choose how, when, and who to reward. For example, the reward itself may be a discount, gift card, or special offer. Meanwhile, you’ll want to decide who gets the reward: Will you grant it to the referring member or both parties?

Regardless of how you set it up, incentivizing referrals is a surefire and hands-off way to get more clients.

Running a contracting business is difficult enough without worrying about the backend mechanics like requesting reviews and creating a self-serving website. Let us help you out!

Sign up for a free account with GoSite and start putting these lead-generating tips into practice.