Home improvement is big business. The industry is worth over $300 billion in the US annually. And with so much money up for grabs, it's no wonder there's stiff competition among contractors.
If you're in the home improvement business, then you know that generating leads is essential to your success. After all, without leads, you won't have any customers to work with.
You can generate leads for your home improvement business in several ways. In this article, we'll give you some top marketing tips to help you get more leads and grow your business.
How to Generate Leads for Home Improvement Contractors
These days, generating leads is all about being visible online. Here are some tips on how to generate leads for your home improvement business:
1. Use The Right CRM
Taking advantage of a good CRM is a great way to make sure your marketing efforts are streamlined and efficient. Be sure to check out this blog where we talk about the eight best CRMs we've come across that are built specifically for the home improvement industry.
2. Get Listed on Lead Generation Sites
There are a variety of lead gen sites dedicated specifically to home improvement contractors. Getting listed on these sites is a great way to get your business in front of more potential customers. You can review our list of top lead agg sites here and then be sure to use Hatch Speed-To-Lead to engage those leads instantly. Pro tip: Sign up for more than one site! It really pays off in the end.
3. Build Online Advertising Campaigns
Online advertising is a popular method of generating leads for your business. You can use multiple platforms for advertising your business, including Google AdWords, Facebook Ads, and LinkedIn Ads.
4. Use Direct Mail
Direct mail is a traditional yet effective way to reach potential customers with your marketing message. You can employ direct mail to send postcards, flyers, or even letters to potential leads.
5. Host a Webinar
Hosting a webinar can provide valuable information to potential customers and build trust with your audience. Homeowners will flock to DIY webinars put on by experts like you. The good news is that you can promote your services during the webinar...leading to extra leads.
6. Optimize Your Google Business Profile
Google Business Profile is a free feature that allows businesses to manage their online presence across Google, including in Search and Maps. By taking the time to complete your profile, you can increase your chances of showing up in local search results. Download our free Google My Business playbook here.
7. Get Listed on Directories and Review Sites
One way to generate leads is to ensure your home improvement marketing materials are listed on relevant directories and review sites. People seeking a contractor in your area are likely to search on these sites.
8. Generate Leads with LinkedIn
You can use LinkedIn Ads to target people based on their job titles, company sizes, or other factors. It’s also easy to use LinkedIn's Publisher platform to publish articles your target audience will see.
9. Develop a Campaign Using Google AdWords
Google AdWords lets you target people based on their search terms and demographics. You can use Google AdWords' call extension feature to get your phone number in front of more people who are interested in your company.
In addition, Google's keyword research tools are helpful when generating home renovation advertising ideas.
10. Aggregate and Publish Your Online Reviews
Posting reviews on your website builds social proof and generates leads. Displaying reviews from happy customers is a great way to earn the trust of potential leads.
11. Leverage Word of Mouth Marketing
When your customers are satisfied with your work, they will likely tell their friends and family about you. This exposure is an effective method of generating leads from people who are already interested in your services.
12. Create a Referral Program
Offer your current customers a reward for referring new customers to you. Referral programs work well because potential leads already trust the party presenting the referral.
13. Optimize Your Website for Lead Generation
Make sure your site is optimized for finding new leads. Include clear calls to action, forms that are easy to fill out, and compelling content that will encourage visitors to contact you.
14. Use Social Media
Social media lets you connect with potential customers and generate leads. Use platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to post helpful content and engage with users who could become leads.
15. Generate Leads Through Content Marketing
Creating helpful and informative content is one of the best ways to find new customers. Write blog posts, create infographics, and produce other types of content to help you connect with people.
16. Employ Lead Capture Forms
Try lead capture forms on your website and in your email signature to collect contact information from potential leads. This setup lets you follow up and get new customers. You can connect your website forms to Hatch for automatic (and immediate!) outreach.
17. Generate Leads Through Events
Hosting or sponsoring an event builds relationships, attracts media attention, and promotes your business.
18. Leverage PR to Grow Your Business
Getting featured in the news presents your business to a wider audience and helps you generate leads. You can work with a PR firm or submit newsworthy items to local publications.
19. Explore Telemarketing
Telemarketing is a direct way to reach potential customers and generate leads. You can use telemarketing to make cold calls or follow up with people who have expressed interest in your business.
20. Create an Email Marketing Campaign
Email marketing lets you connect with potential customers. You can use email marketing to send helpful information, coupons, or invitations to events.
21. Develop a Lead Nurturing Strategy
A lead nurturing strategy helps you stay in touch with people who have expressed interest in your business. You can use email, social media, or other methods to nurture your leads and turn them into customers.
Hatch Sales Follow-Up will automate the conversion of unsold quotes into paying customers. This streamlined system drives results and gets a response 85% of the time.
22. Optimize Your Website for Search Engines
Search engine optimization (SEO) encompasses several practices designed to help your website to rank higher in search engine results. Using SEO best practices will put your company in front of people looking for businesses like yours.
23. Generate Leads Through PPC Advertising
Pay-per-click (PPC) advertising is paid advertising that lets you place ads on search engines and other websites. These ads present your services to large numbers of people who can be targeted based on specific criteria.
24. Run a Contest or Giveaway
Contests and giveaways are excellent ways to find new leads. You can use social media, email, or a website to promote your contest. Make sure to offer a prize that is relevant to your business.
Use These Strategies to Find New Customers
Phew! That may seem like a lot of things to do, but no worries! You can simply choose one or two and get started. Generating leads from your home improvement marketing can be challenging, but it's not impossible. You can use many different methods to find potential customers, and the ones we've listed here are some of the most effective.
Want to optimize your sales process after getting all of those new leads? Read our step-by-step playbook, "The Contractor's Sales Follow-Up Guide" now.