Launching a new contracting business is exciting, but getting those first customers can be challenging. This checklist will help you build a strong marketing foundation to start generating leads right away—without wasting money on ineffective tactics.
✓ Foundation Elements (Week 1-2)
Before spending a dollar on advertising, ensure these fundamentals are in place:
- Choose a memorable, search-friendly business name
- Keep it simple and descriptive
- Include your trade if possible (e.g., Smith Plumbing vs just Smith)
- Check domain availability before finalizing
- Secure consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone) across all platforms
- Use a local phone number, not toll-free
- Consider a virtual office address if working from home
- Use the exact same format everywhere
- Create a simple one-page website with essential elements:
- Clear description of services
- Service area information
- Licensing/insurance details
- Contact information
- About section with your experience
- Mobile-friendly design
- Set up Google Business Profile
- Verify your business
- Complete every section
- Add minimum 5 photos
- Select proper primary and secondary categories
✓ Local Visibility (Week 3-4)
Now that your foundation is set, establish your local presence:
- List your business in top directories:
- Yelp
- Angi (formerly Angie’s List)
- HomeAdvisor
- BBB
- NextDoor
- Relevant trade-specific directories
- Create social profiles (focus on these first):
- Google Business Profile (most important)
- Facebook Business Page
- Instagram (if your work is visually appealing)
- NextDoor Business Profile
- Develop basic content:
- 5-10 project photos (before/after if possible)
- Brief description of your background and expertise
- Service descriptions for your top 3 services
- Initial pricing information or starting rates
✓ First Customer Acquisition (Week 5-6)
With your online presence established, focus on getting your first customers:
- Leverage your existing network:
- Announce your business to friends/family
- Offer discounted services to friends for reviews
- Contact former colleagues or employers for referrals
- Join local Facebook groups for your community
- Implement a small Google Ads campaign:
- Start with a $500 monthly budget
- Focus on 2-3 specific services only
- Target a small geographic radius (5-10 miles)
- Use call-only ads for immediate contact
- Create strategic partnerships:
- Connect with complementary trades (electricians partner with HVAC, etc.)
- Reach out to real estate agents
- Contact property managers in your area
- Join a local BNI or chamber of commerce
✓ Review Building (Ongoing)
Reviews are critical for new contractors to establish credibility:
- Create a simple review generation system:
- Set up review shortlinks for Google, Facebook, etc.
- Add these links to your email signature
- Text links to customers after job completion
- Create business cards with QR codes to review sites
- Incentivize first 10 reviews:
- Offer a small discount for honest feedback
- Provide exceptional service to first customers
- Follow up personally to ask for reviews
- Respond to every review you receive
✓ Budget Allocation for New Contractors
For your first six months, allocate your marketing budget this way:
- Google Business Profile optimization: 10%
- Google Ads (local service ads if available): 40%
- Website improvement: 20%
- Social media content: 10%
- Directory listings (paid features): 10%
- Printed materials (yard signs, truck magnets): 10%
✓ Key Performance Indicators to Track
From day one, measure these metrics:
- Cost per lead by source
- Lead-to-customer conversion rate
- Customer acquisition cost
- Revenue per customer
- Review generation rate
- Google Business Profile views and actions
Need help implementing this marketing checklist? Natural Reach specializes in helping new contractors establish a strong local presence and generate leads from day one. Our New Contractor Marketing Package includes everything on this checklist with expert implementation. Contact us to get started!
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