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Getting a construction / restoration company new business - Advice needed.

by justmerob
14 replies
I landed a local construction / restoration guy through craigslist looking to have some SEO work done on his site. Well that's turned into him wanting an entire new site built and the SEO done too.

The site it up and SEO is going to be ongoing of course, but I'm looking at other ways to get leads for this client. Anyone with experience in this field willing to share some tips? I've thought about optimizing his CL ad, getting him into the local directories, G+ Places, etc. Just looking to see if I'm missing something here that could help him out.

*Side Note: Judging from his attitude of the SEO, this client seems to think this and this alone will gain him new leads. Thoughts / opinions?

Thanks in advance to all!
#advice #business #company #construction #needed #offline advertising #restoration
  • Profile picture of the author linkmetro
    In this field you have to get him in #1 for he's keyword or industry (residential construction+city+State) plus at least 2 more variation of that kw. Beside that small business card type ad works in local paper.

    Joe
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    • Profile picture of the author justmerob
      Originally Posted by linkmetro View Post

      In this field you have to get him in #1 for he's keyword or industry (residential construction+city+State) plus at least 2 more variation of that kw. Beside that small business card type ad works in local paper.

      Joe
      Thanks Joe for the advice! That's exactly what I'm shooting for with this guy. His budget is not at all what I would like but saw someone post about doing a percentage of sales off folks like this... Might be a way to do this, and I say MIGHT very highly LOL

      He just wants results, period (don't they all). So I'm thinking of doing some targeted landing pages for him using targeted domain names, keywords and linking to his main site? I see alot of potential for this. Thoughts?
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      "There are no magic wands, no hidden tricks, and no secret handshakes that can bring you immediate success, but with time, energy, and determination you can get there."
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      • Profile picture of the author rob19028
        Angies list is great for contactors! Once they get testimonials on their company you can place ads on Angies list. Give customers incentives to post good reviews about you. I offer a 10% discount for an honest review on Angies list and a Video Testimonial for You tube.
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  • Profile picture of the author bob ross
    I'm not a PPC expert but that's something you really need to bring to his attention as he can see results much faster than SEO.

    I own a remodeling company (windows & siding) and direct mail can help him see results immediately as well. But he's gotta put the money into it. Can't keep the fire going without shoving wood in.
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    • Profile picture of the author justmerob
      Originally Posted by bob ross View Post

      I'm not a PPC expert but that's something you really need to bring to his attention as he can see results much faster than SEO.

      I own a remodeling company (windows & siding) and direct mail can help him see results immediately as well. But he's gotta put the money into it. Can't keep the fire going without shoving wood in.
      Bob your right on target as always

      I've offered the DM & PPC route and got the "down the road" answer to it.. I don't like to down talk my clients but this one is being cheap... So to that end, I'm just doing what "he" wants and if he doesn't want to take my advice, then that's on him... I'm sure his competitor will listen when I call tho
      Signature
      "There are no magic wands, no hidden tricks, and no secret handshakes that can bring you immediate success, but with time, energy, and determination you can get there."
      -- Darren Rowse, Founder - Problogger
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    • Profile picture of the author IMguy123
      Originally Posted by bob ross View Post

      I'm not a PPC expert but that's something you really need to bring to his attention as he can see results much faster than SEO.

      I own a remodeling company (windows & siding) and direct mail can help him see results immediately as well. But he's gotta put the money into it. Can't keep the fire going without shoving wood in.
      I concur with the PPC idea but also for another reason. PPC can give you insight into what keywords to target for SEO. It is not always obvious depending on the business location. You can't always trust Google's keyword tool. So try using Google engage for some free PPC to get him some traffic and keyword insight.
      $50/mo....Oh man!
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  • Profile picture of the author Anthem40
    When I used to work with contractors I had to be very confident in telling them when they were wrong. 75% of them think they are hot shit, and when you come back at them with the same attitude they give you, it often times helps build rapport and trust. If you think he needs a better understanding and better expectations of new leads coming in, then tell him that, as an expert.
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    95% of IM'ers have great relationships with clients who also advertise offline and with other people. Stop missing out on that cash and leverage into it. PM me if you are an established marketer and want to find out how.
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    • Profile picture of the author justmerob
      Originally Posted by Anthem40 View Post

      When I used to work with contractors I had to be very confident in telling them when they were wrong. 75% of them think they are hot shit, and when you come back at them with the same attitude they give you, it often times helps build rapport and trust. If you think he needs a better understanding and better expectations of new leads coming in, then tell him that, as an expert.
      This guy is surely that 75%! And I have done the direct approach with him as well. Got his budget amount and dear lord... Don't laugh guys... $50/month! That's as of today, now per him: "If we get more business then I can spend more"

      Hard to do much on apple peels and orange rinds.... But I'm trying
      Signature
      "There are no magic wands, no hidden tricks, and no secret handshakes that can bring you immediate success, but with time, energy, and determination you can get there."
      -- Darren Rowse, Founder - Problogger
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  • Profile picture of the author RedShifted
    If you want leads I definitely recommend CL. I have ads up for remodeling every single day and they're always bringing in new business.

    Its all about how you're writing your ads, what time of day you post, and thats it. Having more accounts helps, but its definitely not needed. I try to keep less accounts so I focus more on my copy. CL is free, and I really can't recommend it enough for this type of work.
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    • Profile picture of the author justmerob
      Originally Posted by RedShifted View Post

      If you want leads I definitely recommend CL. I have ads up for remodeling every single day and they're always bringing in new business.

      Its all about how you're writing your ads, what time of day you post, and thats it. Having more accounts helps, but its definitely not needed. I try to keep less accounts so I focus more on my copy. CL is free, and I really can't recommend it enough for this type of work.
      Agreed as well, CL is a huge part of this and with it being free.. You can't beat it. Thanks for the reaffirmation of CL tho
      Signature
      "There are no magic wands, no hidden tricks, and no secret handshakes that can bring you immediate success, but with time, energy, and determination you can get there."
      -- Darren Rowse, Founder - Problogger
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    • Profile picture of the author justmerob
      Originally Posted by RedShifted View Post

      If you want leads I definitely recommend CL. I have ads up for remodeling every single day and they're always bringing in new business.

      Its all about how you're writing your ads, what time of day you post, and thats it. Having more accounts helps, but its definitely not needed. I try to keep less accounts so I focus more on my copy. CL is free, and I really can't recommend it enough for this type of work.
      @RedShifted: Hey man, just caught your sig there. Shoot me a email if you don't mind: roblogan03 @ gmail dot com. Or hit me up on Skype if you have it. Thanks!
      Signature
      "There are no magic wands, no hidden tricks, and no secret handshakes that can bring you immediate success, but with time, energy, and determination you can get there."
      -- Darren Rowse, Founder - Problogger
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  • Profile picture of the author HostWind
    50 Dollars is pittance. You may try through adcenter but there is no budget there to pay you.
    Does this guy expect you to pay him or something? I am guessing a single client is worth more than 50 bucks!
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    • Profile picture of the author justmerob
      Originally Posted by HostWind View Post

      50 Dollars is pittance. You may try through adcenter but there is no budget there to pay you.
      Does this guy expect you to pay him or something? I am guessing a single client is worth more than 50 bucks!
      Sadly it's helping a friend of a friend type of a deal. I've told him over and over how great of a deal he is getting and when things pick up... my prices go up too. If that works or not, that's to be seen LOL

      We have quite a few areas in town here that seem to be fairly untapped in the local searches so this $50/mth guy just bought a targeted site to that area of town for $100 Funny how when they like an idea the money shows up magically...
      Signature
      "There are no magic wands, no hidden tricks, and no secret handshakes that can bring you immediate success, but with time, energy, and determination you can get there."
      -- Darren Rowse, Founder - Problogger
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      • Profile picture of the author mbrady44
        Hi, I have done marketing for construction companies in the past as well and I would just like to reiterate the big three ways to attract leads:
        - Craigslist (especially if your contractor does residential)
        - Angieslist (truly a goldmine, just make sure that your contractor receives good reviews)
        - PPC one of my marketing campaigns was in a hotly contested market, where PPC was expensive however, often acquiring a customer represents a huge cash flow opportunity for contractors so it is normally ok for the cost to acquire a new customer to be high.

        I would stick with craigslist for now, an then tell your client to reinvest the profits from clients he acquires through craigslist into a PPC campaign.
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