The thing about being a contractor is that we are too busy running our projects that we forget other crucial aspects of growing our business - like marketing. The myth behind it is that trade contractors can survive solely by word of mouth, or that marketing is too expensive.

While marketing can sound daunting and expensive, there are options out there to help you get started at almost zero cost. In this blog post, you will learn five easy ways to market yourself as a trade contractor and more so how you can start implementing them today, most of which will even work while you are asleep.

This is highly valuable.

Let's dive in, shall we?

1. Build a Strong Online Presence

You see, technology has revolutionized how we do business, and for trade contractors, a strong online presence is not just a nice to have – it's a necessity. Today, consumers conduct extensive online research before making any purchasing decisions.

Let's be honest, building a website can feel daunting for many trade contractors. The effort involved, the potential for costly mistakes with agencies – it can be overwhelming. But a strong online presence is no longer a luxury, it's a necessity in today's digital world.

But how do I implement a strong online presence?

Before we dive into the "how," let's address a common misconception: a professional website is too expensive. While you can certainly invest heavily in a custom-built site, there are more affordable options that still deliver impressive results.

Here's how to implement a strong online presence for your trade contracting business:

Create a Website That Works

A professional website is your online storefront. It should showcase your expertise, highlight your services, and make it easy for potential clients to contact you.

If DIY isn't your forte, consider partnering with a value driven marketer. We offer a unique approach – we build your website and you only pay once you are happy with how it looks, functions, and delivers. We handle design, compelling copy, and even onboard you on your site for the first 45 days.

Optimize for Search Engines

Don't just build a website; build a website that people can find! Optimize your site for search engines (SEO) by using relevant keywords, creating valuable blog content, and ensuring your contact information is accurate and easy to find. Look at optimizing as using tactics that help your already built website get found on the web.

Secure Your Online Identity

A professional domain name is essential for establishing credibility. The cost? Around $25 CAD per year – less than your budget for a large double double every month.

Level Up with a Professional Email

A dedicated business email instantly adds professionalism to your business. For as little as $9 CAD per month, you can ditch the generic email address and project a more polished image to your clients.

Building a strong online presence takes time and effort, but the rewards are significant. Increased visibility, more leads, and ultimately, a thriving business.

2. Network Offline

Many people think networking is all about attending networking events and paying for expos. But we like to look at it as an opportunity to interact with a community. This could be a community of other contractors, your neighborhood, a farmers market, or even attending a job fair designed for contractors.

Networking helps you meet other people that pursue the same journey as you. It helps you interact with the community you are trying to serve, and most importantly presents you the opportunity to market yourself as a contractor.

To effectively leverage offline networking, start by researching and planning your attendance at relevant trade shows, community events, and industry seminars. Prepare a concise and compelling elevator pitch to introduce yourself and your services to others - you never know when the opportunity arises.

Always carry professional business cards - old school but works like magic.

During events, be approachable, engage in meaningful conversations, and actively listen to others. After connecting with someone, follow up with a brief email or LinkedIn message. Building genuine relationships takes time and effort, so be patient, persistent, and focus on building authentic connections that will scale your business.

3. Leverage Social Media

I interviewed six trade contractors. For the purposes of this blog, I will only focus on the four who didn't have a social media presence for their businesses. I asked three major questions:

1. Why don’t you have social media for your business?

2. How many times do you scroll through social media whether at work or at your own free time?

They all had different but similar responses. Their answers sounded something like, managing my business online sounds like too much work and complicated. But I scroll through social media on average six times a day I'd say, and more on the weekends when I am relaxing at home.

When I asked the third question, they were all mind blown!

3. What if every time you scrolled through social media, you posted something really cool about your business?

It's that easy, but what is easy to do is also easy not to do. What these four trade contractors are doing is scrolling through social media and consistently seeing inspiring posts showcasing the incredible work of other businesses. And it is captivating!

The good news is, you can be that captivating business! Social media is an incredibly powerful (and free!) tool to showcase your expertise and engage with your audience. Share captivating project updates, stunning before-and-after photos, and glowing client testimonials. Don't forget to leverage relevant industry hashtags to expand your reach. You'd be amazed at how quickly your brand can gain visibility and attract new clients. Easy marketing.

4. Word-of-Mouth Referrals

Who would you trust more – a flashy ad or a recommendation from a friend? Studies show that a whopping 92% of people trust recommendations from friends and family over any other form of advertising. That's a powerful statistic!

So, how do you tap into this powerful force?

Charity begins at home. Start by tapping into your inner circle. Let your family and friends know about your business and the services you offer. Be sure to emphasize your expertise and what sets you apart. Next, delight your clients with exceptional service that goes above and beyond their expectations.

This builds strong relationships and encourages them to become enthusiastic advocates for your business. Make it easy for them to refer you by including a simple referral program on your website or providing clients with easy-to-share referral cards. Show your appreciation for referrals by offering small incentives like discounts.

Word-of-mouth marketing is free, authentic, and incredibly effective. By cultivating strong relationships with your clients and making it easy for them to refer your business, you can unlock the power of this powerful referral network.

5. Create a Google Business Profile - Local SEO

As a trade contractor, having a Google My Business is crucial. Think of this as your business on Google Maps and Search. When potential clients search for "plumbers near me" or "roofing contractors in Lethbridge," your Google My Business profile plays a crucial role in determining whether they find you.

To truly maximize your visibility, first, ensure your profile is complete and accurate. Include your full address, phone number, service areas, and hours of operation. Don't forget to add high-quality photos and videos that showcase your expertise. Think stunning before-and-after shots of recent projects, videos of your team in action, or even short testimonials from happy clients.

Secondly, encourage your satisfied customers to leave reviews. Positive reviews build trust and significantly impact your local search rankings. And finally, engage with your audience. Respond to customer reviews promptly and professionally, whether they're positive or negative. This demonstrates excellent customer service and builds a strong online reputation.

By actively managing your Google My Business profile, you can significantly market yourself, improve your local search rankings, attract more leads, and ultimately grow your business

Conclusion: How to market yourself as a contractor.

Marketing yourself as a contractor is not just an option—it's a necessity. Without effective marketing, you risk being overshadowed by competitors, missing out on potential clients, and stunting your business growth.

So, which strategies are you excited to try? How do you currently market yourself, and what challenges have you faced? After all, the key to success lies in not just knowing how to market yourself as a contractor, but in continuously learning and adapting to the ever-changing market landscape.

My name is Foster, and I am a value driven freelance copywriter dedicated to helping trade contractors grow their businesses online. My services include website design, web copy, social media marketing, email marketing, google business profile optimization. Reach out today and let’s grow your business together.