Written by Zach Hansen
It’s tough out there for contractors and sometimes it can feel impossible to find construction job leads. No matter how long you’ve been in the industry, things are always changing and staying on top of finding new leads can feel like a daunting task. As the industry continues to evolve, the methods you once used to find construction leads may not be working for you anymore. As a contractor, you should be focusing on the best methods to land new leads.
We’ve been there, we get it. It’s tough and may require a little extra work, but with these methods, you will be able to find construction leads for free.
Create a Website
It’s safe to say we’re in the digital age and it’s easier than ever for people to find information. One of the best ways to generate free leads is through a website. When people are looking for pros in their area, one of the first things they’ll do is conduct a google search. Having a website allows future customers to learn about your business and services quickly and provides them with all of the information they need in one easy location. Even better, having a website allows you to use digital marketing strategies to better target your customers. Through search engine optimization you can increase your placement on google searches and target customers specifically to your area.
Send Out a Newsletter
Building a solid connection between you and your customers is one of the most effective ways to keep and gain new customers. One of the best ways to build this connection is through an email newsletter. An email newsletter helps your customers feel connected and in the loop of what’s happening at your business. It provides a voice for the customer to align with and a more personal connection. It doesn’t have to be fancy or a lot of information. Keep it simple and most importantly keep it true to you. If you’re a specialist in your field, share some of that knowledge. If you have tips, project ideas or new trends in your trade, these are all great topics to include in your newsletter.
Sending out a weekly or monthly newsletter not only keeps people in the loop of your business but it serves as a reminder of your company. Keeping your business at the forefront of people’s minds can be one of the most effective ways to generate free construction leads. And, if you are connected to a service like Mailchimp you can gain insights into who your customers are and how to better reach them.
Ask for Reviews & Referrals
Word of mouth is one of the best ways to get construction leads and guess what, it’s completely free! Anytime you finish a job ask your customers to give a review or send a referral. If you have an online presence through a website, or other service like yelp, ask them to give you a review. Even better, ask if they’ll refer you to other customers who may have similar projects they need help with. Having reviews from previous customers gives new customers an idea of the service they will be receiving and helps you to gain their trust. After all, trust is a huge part securing your leads.
Get on Social Media
Keeping your customers engaged in your business is the key to finding free construction leads. As we said earlier, you want to keep your business on the forefront of your customers minds. Social Media is a great way to do so. It can serve as a daily reminder of your business and allow you a different angle for people to engage. While your website may be focused on more business details, your social media accounts are your way to show your business on the day-to-day. This is your way to start a conversation with your customers and allow them a direct way to engage with your brand. As with your website, social media is also a great way to learn more about your customer base and use targeted marketing.
Network in Your Own Community
Last but not least, start back in your own community. Many small businesses rely on the network of people around them to support and spread the word. The people in your own community can be the best way to find free construction leads. They’re more likely to want an experienced professional they trust from their own community. And, if you do an amazing job on one project it’s pretty likely, the neighbors will hear all about it. Considering joining a neighborhood app like Nextdoor which allows you to join as a business in your community and gain reviews from others in the neighborhood.
Conclusion
There are many ways to find free construction leads. While it may seem daunting, with just a little bit of extra effort you will find it’s worth it. Using a multi-array of methods you should be able to get your business to your desired amount of leads in no time.