5 Quick Ways to Boost Your Contractor Business Online

You don't need a marketing degree to improve your online presence. You just need to do a few things consistently and do them well. Here are five changes you can make this week that will help potential clients find you, trust you, and choose you.

1. Update Your Google Business Profile (And Actually Use It)

Your Google Business Profile is often the first thing people see when they search for contractors in your area. If it's outdated or incomplete, you're losing jobs before anyone even calls.

Do this now:

• Add recent photos of completed projects (aim for 10-15 quality images)

• Update your hours, service area, and contact information

• Write a clear description of what you do and who you serve

• Respond to every review, good or bad, within 48 hours

Most contractors set up their profile once and forget about it. Post project updates monthly and watch your visibility climb.

2. Show Your Work in Progress, Not Just the Finished Product

Clients want to see that you know what you're doing. Behind-the-scenes content proves your expertise better than any polished marketing copy.

Share photos of:

• Precision measurements and layout work

• Problem-solving moments (foundation issues, tricky angles, custom solutions)

• Quality materials and proper installation techniques

• Your crew working safely and professionally

Caption these with brief explanations of what you're doing and why it matters. This builds trust and educates potential clients about what quality work actually looks like.

3. Get Specific About What You Do

"General contractor" doesn't tell people if you're the right fit for their kitchen reno or their commercial build-out. The more specific you are, the easier it is for the right clients to find you.

Instead of vague descriptions, try:

• "We specialize in whole-home renovations for 1960s-70s bungalows"

• "Custom deck builder serving [your city] for 15 years"

• "Commercial tenant improvements and retail fit-outs"

When you're clear about your specialty, you attract clients who value exactly what you're good at, and they're usually willing to pay accordingly.

4. Make It Easy to Contact You

It sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised how many contractor websites bury their phone number or only offer a contact form. People want to call you.

Your contact info should be:

• On every page of your website (header and footer)

• Clickable on mobile (tap to call)

• Listed with your service area and typical response time

• Paired with multiple contact options (phone, email, text if available)

Bonus: Add a line like "We return all calls within 24 hours" and then actually do it. This simple promise sets you apart.

5. Ask Happy Clients for Reviews (And Make It Simple)

Reviews are social proof that you deliver on your promises. But most satisfied clients won't leave a review unless you ask them directly and make it effortless.

Right after project completion:

• Send a text or email thanking them and asking for feedback

• Include a direct link to your Google Business Profile review page

• Make it personal: "We'd love to hear about your experience with the deck project."

Timing matters. Ask within a week of finishing, when the positive experience is fresh in their mind. Five recent reviews matter more than 50 old ones.

The Bottom Line

You don't need to overhaul your entire marketing strategy overnight. Pick one or two of these tips and implement them this week. Then add another next month. Small, consistent improvements compound over time. If you want more marketing support or someone to take over these tasks and more, give Mia a call today and let's get started!