I get it – blogging might sound like some nerdy online thing, but hold up! This isn’t your average “Dear Diary” gig. We’re talking about a turbocharged marketing tool that can skyrocket your business and actually bring in some valuable leads. In 2019, there were 830,000 contractors in the US, so the need to stand out is greater than ever.
Worst case scenario, it increases your online visibility and makes you more popular, even if it doesn’t bring in local customers.
You might think, “OK, but I’m a general contractor, I don’t have time to write blog posts, I’m too busy with my projects.” That’s where we come in. If you think having a contractor blog is a waste of time and resources, let me explain just what it can do for your business.
Image Source: Riverview Decks
What is a Contractor Blog?
Imagine your contractor blog as the dynamic heart of your contracting business—a virtual hub where you get to speak directly to your audience, share your expertise, and build lasting relationships with potential clients.
A contractor blog is an online platform where you can publish regular articles, insights, and updates about your business, services, and industry.
- Sharing Your Expertise
- Addressing Client Pain Points
- Attracting the Right Clients
- Simplifying the Sales Process
A contractor blog is one of the pillars of your contracting empire—an authentic, informative, and engaging space where you connect with your audience, grow your business, and leave a lasting impact on your clients.
Understanding the Power of SEO for the Construction Industry
In the fast-paced digital world, having a contractor blog can strengthen your online presence, helping potential clients find you amidst the vast construction landscape.
SEO (short for “Search Engine Optimization”) plays a vital role in building a functioning blog, ensuring that search engines like Google display your blog when relevant queries are made (a.k.a. when people search for stuff on the internet).
1. Attracting Ideal Clients: Targeting the Right Keywords
General contractors in the construction industry must know the keywords potential clients use when searching for their services. By strategically incorporating these keywords into your blog posts, you increase your chances of ranking higher in search results.
2. Showcasing Expertise: Highlighting Your Projects
3. Catering to Local Clients: Tapping into Local SEO
For most general contracting businesses, local clients are crucial. Incorporate local contractors and bathroom remodeling keywords, coupled with your location, to target clients in your area. This way, you can boost your local SEO and have your blog attracts clients looking for services within their community.
Image Source: Deck Bros
4. Engaging with Your Audience: Content on Current Trends
Blogs allow you to discuss current trends in the construction industry, offering your readers insights into the latest technologies, designs, and materials. By addressing topics that appeal to your target audience, you establish your blog as a reliable source of information and encourage readers to return for more valuable content.
Example: If you’re an interior painter, you can cover the latest trends in interior design colors, discuss about Pantone’s Color Of The Year, or keep your readers informed on the latest low-VOC paints.
5. Building Trust: Addressing Concerns and Offering Solutions
Blogs Have Limitations, So Be Realistic
Geographic Limitations
One of the most significant limitations of a contractor blog is that it can attract readers from all over the country or even the world.
While this might seem like a positive aspect at first, it can become a drawback when you offer services exclusively in a specific location.
Not all blog readers will become your clients, especially if they are located outside of your service area.
Long Sales Cycles
The contracting business often involves long sales cycles, with potential clients taking their time to research, plan, and make decisions.
While a blog can generate interest and trust, it may not lead to immediate conversions.
Be prepared for a more extended nurturing process, as potential clients may visit your blog multiple times before committing to your services.
Competing for Attention
With so much content available, capturing and maintaining your audience’s attention can be challenging.
At Contracting Empire, we extensively research what homeowners want to read to make our client’s blogs stand out.
We tap into the curiosities of the target market, while focusing on the specific client niche for each client.
Limited Control over Actions
A blog can attract readers, but it has limited control over their subsequent actions.
While some visitors may convert into clients, others might leave without taking any action.
Your blog is just one part of the overall marketing strategy, and it’s essential to incorporate other means of engagement and conversion, such as calls-to-action and contact forms, on your website.
No Guarantee of Immediate Results
Building an audience and gaining traction with a blog takes time and consistent effort. Being patient and understanding that results may not be immediate is essential.
Consistent posting, valuable content, and strategic SEO efforts are crucial for long-term success.
Limited Personalized Interaction With Readers
While a blog can foster engagement and communication, it’s not a substitute for personalized interactions with potential clients.
Clients may still have questions or concerns requiring direct interaction with your team.
Image Source: KHB Flooring
Engaging Your Audience: Top Topics for Your Contractor Blog
- Home Remodeling Trends
- Case Studies and Success Stories
Share real-life success stories of completed construction projects. Highlight the challenges, solutions, and final results, showcasing your expertise and building trust.
- Materials and Designs
- Home Additions and Expansions
- Construction Project Spotlights
- Tips for Homeowners
- Commercial Projects
- Safety and Best Practices
- Home Repairs and Maintenance
- Demystifying Industry Jargon
- How to Make the Right Choice
- The Growing Demand for Construction
Contractor Blog FAQs
Blogs allow businesses to showcase their expertise, knowledge, and insights. By providing valuable and relevant content, businesses can establish themselves as industry leaders, gaining the trust and credibility of their audience.
Well-crafted blogs can lead to increased lead generation and conversions. When businesses consistently create valuable and engaging content, they draw in their target audience, keeping them interested and coming back for more.
Unleash the Power of Blogging to Elevate Your Contracting Empire
As your partner in success, Contracting Empire offers cutting-edge online marketing services. With our expert guidance, we’ll navigate the limitations of blogging, tailor your content to target the right audience and showcase your contracting excellence with focused and proven local SEO techniques. Reach out to us to schedule a 1-on-1 consultation.
Theo Grigore, Copywriter @ Contracting Empire
Because of her marketing degree and her 14+ years of experience as a writer, Theo loves understanding marketing psychology and turning it into words people actually want to read.
When she’s not crafting compelling copy, you can find her strategizing over online & board games, watching a good thriller, or getting creative with scrapbooking.