How to Grow a Contractor Business

You’ve started a small general contractor business and are ready to see it grow. That’s great! It takes hard work and a good strategy to grow a construction company. But if you’re willing to put in the work, your efforts may soon lead to more clients and increased revenue.

To help you get started, here are eight tips for growing a contracting business.

1. Build a strong online presence

Having a strong online presence is crucial for any business in today’s digital age. People expect contractors to have a website and some social media business profiles. If you’re not online, this could make it harder for clients to find your business and turn off the ones who do.

However, building an online presence takes more than just setting up a website and a Facebook account. You’ll need to maintain and update both regularly to see long-lasting results. This might mean creating a content calendar, blogging about construction industry topics, and setting aside time to respond to customer messages.

Pro tip: You don’t need a profile on every social media site. Instead, focus on posting quality content to just one or two platforms.

2. Build a network

An online presence is great, but building your real-life network is still essential! Networking with architects, real estate agents, suppliers, and other industry professionals can benefit your business. They may be able to send referrals your way.

Contractors can network in person at industry events, like design and renovation expos. You might also join a local group for small business owners or industry associations. Of course, leads can come from anywhere. Joining hobby groups and attending community events could also help you connect with people looking for a reliable contractor.

Pro tip: Keep a few business cards on you wherever you go. It’s a quick and professional way to share your business contact details with others.

3. Offer excellent customer service

Wowing your customers is a powerful way to create repeat clients and find new ones. Happy clients are more likely to hire you again the next time they need a contractor. They may also feel confident recommending your contracting business to others looking for the services you provide.

There are many ways for contractors to provide excellent customer service. Responding promptly to emails, calls, and messages helps set the right tone from the beginning. Delivering high-quality work that meets a client’s expectations—on time or ahead of schedule—is also essential. Providing accurate quotes, wearing clean clothing, and leaving worksites in better condition than you found them are small touches that can make a huge impact on a client.

Pro tip: Consider hiring an office assistant to help you quickly respond to calls and messages and follow up with clients.

4. Expand your services

Offering new services could help you better meet your client’s needs. This might include maintenance and repair services that complement the ones you already provide. You might also provide full-service packages, such as complete kitchen remodels that include construction and appliance installation.

New services could also help you reach different types of customers. For example, if you currently offer residential roofing services, you might expand into commercial roofing as well. Before offering a new service, you should confirm that you have the necessary training, experience, and license to provide these services.

Pro tip: Doing your research before expanding your service offering could help you understand which services may be needed in your area.

5. Stay up to date with industry trends

Knowing the latest industry trends can also help you attract new customers. If your website and social media accounts are full of dated-looking projects, clients might be hesitant to hire you. They might start to doubt your abilities and question whether you’re current with applicable building rules and regulations.

There are several ways to stay up to date with the latest trends and innovations in the industry. Attending trade shows and conferences, reading industry publications, and taking courses can help you stay ahead of the competition.

Pro tip: Review your website at least once a year to update images, services, and products so they reflect current design and building trends.

7. Outsource work when needed

Hiring extra hands could help your contracting business grow. During busy periods, trusted subcontractors might be an excellent way to take on more and larger projects. Their added labor could be helpful for meeting deadlines without sacrificing the quality of work you’re delivering.

Outsourcing the day-to-day running of your business could also be helpful. Hiring office professionals, even part-time or on a freelance period, can help you focus on the contracting side of your day. Accountants, marketing specialists, and other experts may also have recommendations for improving your systems, how to advertise your small construction business, and increasing revenue.

Pro tip: Many contractors hire apprentices to work for their businesses. This can be a great way to get the help while mentoring new industry talent.

8. Consider contractor business insurance

Protecting your business accounts with insurance is another way to grow your contractor business. The different policies available to contractors can create a crucial safety net for your finances.

Accidents, lawsuits, and other unplanned expenses take money away from your business. Without insurance, you’d need to foot the bill yourself. That’s less money to invest back into your contracting business, as well as potentially blowing your budget and eating into your profits.

Pro tip: Contractors often consider multiple types of insurance to cover different risks. Popular coverage includes Public Liability and a Business Owner’s Policy.

Add BizInsure to your toolbox

Growing a contractor business takes time and effort, but your hard work may soon pay off. With the right strategies in place, you could help your small business become something bigger.

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