This Podcast Is Episode Number 492, And It's About The Top Construction Company Marketing Blueprint Construction contractors like you are primarily in the "Hurry Up" and "Wait" zone. Hurry up and answer the call from the customer.  Wait to make the appointment.  Hurry up and get to the job.  Wait for the customer to come home, to be available.  Hurry up and create the proposal.  Wait for a decision.  When the client says "Yes," it is - wait for the Job Deposit. Wait to Start The Job This Hurry Up and Wait for activity makes it hard for the contractor to schedule other jobs. Many contractors only hold a place open for the client once a job deposit has been received.  Unless your construction company has lots of work stacked up, there will be times when there is nothing to do, and that is the best time to think about Strategic Marketing and following the adage: "Dig your well before you are thirsty" You won't build a loyal client base if you can't earn your visitors' trust, which is why companies value social proof highly. Proving your construction business's value online takes a unique skill set, but boosting it during your downtime is a great practice.  While waiting for something to happen, here are a few strategies that can help you generate leads: 1. Build credibility quickly Just started? Why should people hire a new business? Your first challenge is quickly overcoming their doubts by building trust and credibility. Some tips: Promote your skills and experience, plus those of your staff and associates. Join your industry or professional organization and start building a profile. Commission a writer to produce articles using your ideas. Feature customer feedback and projects completed on your website. Gain a market foothold by offering a service or product at less than full price in return for an endorsement you can use. (Regard this as an advertising expense.)   2. Focus on solving pain points Identify and then focus sharply on solving the customer's challenge, whether it is a problem, a desire, or a fear. Be specific and monetize your solution if possible. Try building a story around your service that the customer can relate to. For example, how much does double glazing save an average house in heating costs? Wrap the story of the saving around other payoffs, like a more comfortable and healthy living experience – warmer in winter, cooler in summer. Service businesses often have a reputation for being late. If you offer services, can you guarantee to arrive on time? Look for the 'hidden' pain points in your industry. 3. Promote your point of difference Boil down your client solutions into a compelling point of difference that will overcome customer hesitation. Refine this competitive advantage into a memorable slogan or a few short sentences at most. Run the result past your advisers and some small business owners. Once they approve, vigorously promote your point of difference on your website and in all your marketing material. Make sure staff can also confidently communicate it to customers. 4. Develop a strong website A website can be a powerful marketing tool. Some priorities: Make sure customers can find you. Get expert advice to improve your search engine ranking. Make the website fast and user-friendly. Get outsiders to test the site without prompting and fix what frustrates or baffles them. Include credibility-enhancing Frequently Asked Questions, Customer feedback, or Projects Completed sections. People often browse a website to build their confidence in your business before they buy. Include social media buttons to help readers spread the word. Encourage people to sign up for a newsletter in return for a discount or other incentives. Give people a reason to return by featuring hot deals and new information on the home page. 5. Use low-cost promotions first Try the low-cost tactics first. Direct mail and telemarketing can still be cost-effective for...