25 Innovative Digital Marketing Ideas for Local Contractors to Reach New Customers and Stand Out in a Crowded Market.

March 27, 2023

From Collaborating with Local Influencers to Utilizing Augmented Reality Technology: A Comprehensive Guide to Cutting-Edge Digital Marketing Strategies for Local Contractors.

25 Cutting-Edge Digital Marketing Ideas for Local Contractors to Expand Reach and Generate Leads


Digital marketing has transformed the way businesses promote themselves, and contractors are no exception. With the help of digital marketing strategies, local contractors can reach new audiences, generate leads, and grow their business. In this blog post, we'll explore 25 cutting-edge digital marketing ideas that local contractors can use to expand their reach and tap into resources that most other businesses overlook. From collaborating with local influencers to utilizing augmented reality technology, we'll cover innovative ways to showcase your work, build trust, and stand out in a crowded market. So, whether you're just starting your contracting business or looking to take it to the next level, read on to discover the digital marketing strategies that can help you succeed in today's competitive landscape.


1. Collaborate with local influencers to promote your services through sponsored posts and videos on social media platforms.

Working with local influencers can be a powerful way to get your message in front of potential customers. Influencers often have large followings and can lend credibility to your brand. By sponsoring their posts or videos, you can reach a new audience and get your message in front of people who may not have otherwise discovered your business. Just be sure to choose influencers who align with your brand and messaging.


2. Use geofencing and location-based targeting to reach potential customers in specific neighborhoods.

Geofencing is a technology that allows you to set up a virtual "fence" around a specific area. When someone enters that area with their mobile device, you can deliver targeted ads to them. This is an effective way to reach potential customers who are in the market for your services but may not have heard of your business. You can also use location-based targeting to show ads to people who live in specific neighborhoods or zip codes, further refining your targeting and increasing the likelihood of conversions.


3. Offer virtual consultations or assessments through video conferencing tools like Zoom or Google Meet.

With the rise of remote work and virtual meetings, virtual consultations and assessments have become increasingly popular. By offering this service, you can reach customers who may not be able to meet with you in person, whether due to scheduling conflicts or distance. This is also a great way to build trust and establish authority with potential customers by showing them your expertise and answering their questions directly.


4. Utilize augmented reality technology to show potential customers what their home or project could look like with your services.

Augmented reality (AR) technology can help potential customers visualize what their home or project could look like with your services. By using AR, you can overlay digital images onto real-world environments, giving customers a sense of what the finished product will look like. This can be a powerful selling tool and can help potential customers make informed decisions about whether to hire your business.


5. Create a YouTube channel where you share tutorials, tips, and project showcases to establish authority and trust.

Creating a YouTube channel can help establish your authority and expertise in your field. By sharing tutorials, tips, and project showcases, you can provide value to potential customers and build trust. YouTube is the second largest search engine after Google, so having a presence on the platform can also increase your visibility and help you reach new audiences.


6. Use Facebook and Instagram ads to target people who have recently moved to your area.

Targeting people who have recently moved to your area can be a great way to reach new customers who may not be familiar with local businesses. By using Facebook and Instagram ads, you can target people based on their location and behavior, such as recent moves. You can also use ads to promote your business as a one-stop-shop for all their contracting needs.


7. Offer a referral program to incentivize current customers to refer their friends and family.

Word-of-mouth referrals are a powerful way to grow your business. By offering a referral program, you can incentivize current customers to refer their friends and family to your business. This can be done through discounts, free services, or other incentives. Referral programs can help you generate new business and increase customer loyalty.


8. Partner with local home builders or real estate agents to offer joint promotions and cross-promote services.

Partnering with local home builders or real estate agents can be a great way to reach new customers and increase your visibility. By offering joint promotions or cross-promoting each other's services, you can tap into each other's customer bases and build a mutually beneficial relationship.


9. Leverage the power of Google My Business to optimize your listing for local search.

Google My Business is a free tool that allows businesses to manage their online presence across Google, including in search results and on Google Maps. By optimizing your listing for local search, you can increase your visibility to potential customers who are searching for contracting services in your area. This can include adding photos, updating your business hours, and responding to customer reviews.


10. Use chatbots on your website to engage potential customers and answer their questions.

Chatbots are a type of artificial intelligence that can be programmed to answer customer questions and provide support on your website. By using chatbots, you can engage potential customers in real-time, providing them with the information they need to make an informed decision about your services. Chatbots can also help you save time and resources by automating routine customer service tasks.


11. Create interactive quizzes or assessments to engage potential customers and provide personalized recommendations.

Interactive quizzes or assessments can be a fun and engaging way to provide value to potential customers while also collecting valuable data. By creating a quiz or assessment that asks questions about their home or project, you can provide personalized recommendations based on their specific needs. This can help build trust and establish your authority as a contractor.


12. Host webinars or virtual events to educate potential customers about your services and build trust.

Hosting webinars or virtual events can be a great way to educate potential customers about your services while also building trust. By providing valuable information and answering their questions, you can establish your expertise and authority in your field. You can also use webinars and virtual events to showcase your work and provide inspiration for potential customers.


13. Use retargeting ads to reach people who have visited your website but didn't convert.

Retargeting ads are a type of online advertising that allows you to target people who have previously visited your website but didn't convert into a customer. By showing them targeted ads based on their behavior on your website, you can remind them of your services and encourage them to come back and convert.


14. Create and share informative and visually appealing infographics on social media platforms to showcase your expertise.

Infographics are a powerful tool for showcasing your expertise and providing value to potential customers. By creating visually appealing graphics that present information in a clear and concise way, you can educate potential customers about your services and establish your authority. Infographics can also be easily shared on social media platforms, increasing your visibility and reach.


15. Use voice search optimization to optimize your website for voice search queries.

Voice search is becoming increasingly popular, especially with the rise of smart speakers like Amazon Echo and Google Home. By optimizing your website for voice search queries, you can increase your visibility to potential customers who are searching for contracting services using voice commands. This can include using natural language and long-tail keywords in your content.


16. Create a podcast or video series where you interview satisfied customers and share success stories.

Creating a podcast or video series where you interview satisfied customers and share success stories can be a powerful way to build trust and social proof. By sharing real-life examples of your work and how it has helped your customers, you can demonstrate the value of your services and showcase your expertise. This can help potential customers feel more confident in choosing your business over competitors.


17. Utilize customer reviews and testimonials on your website and social media channels to build trust and social proof.

Customer reviews and testimonials are a powerful tool for building trust and social proof. By showcasing positive reviews and testimonials on your website and social media channels, you can demonstrate the value of your services and establish your authority in your field. This can help potential customers feel more confident in choosing your business over competitors.


18. Offer a free tool or resource on your website that potential customers can use to make informed decisions.

Offering a free tool or resource on your website can be a great way to provide value to potential customers and build trust. This could include a cost estimator tool, a project planning template, or a guide to choosing the right contractor for their needs. By providing this information for free, you can demonstrate your expertise and establish yourself as a trusted resource for potential customers.


19. Use LinkedIn to reach out to local business owners who may need your services.

LinkedIn is a powerful tool for reaching out to local business owners who may need your services. By using LinkedIn's search features, you can find and connect with business owners in your area who may be in need of contracting services. You can also join local business groups and participate in discussions to increase your visibility and establish yourself as an authority in your field.


20. Offer virtual reality or 360-degree tours of your completed projects to give potential customers a sense of what you can do.

Virtual reality and 360-degree tours can be a powerful way to showcase your completed projects and give potential customers a sense of what you can do. By creating immersive experiences that allow potential customers to explore your work, you can provide a level of detail and engagement that traditional photos and videos can't match. This can help build trust and establish your authority as a contractor.


21. Utilize Instagram and Pinterest to showcase your work and provide inspiration for potential customers.

Instagram and Pinterest are visual platforms that are ideal for showcasing your work and providing inspiration for potential customers. By posting high-quality photos and videos of your completed projects, you can demonstrate your expertise and inspire potential customers to hire your business for their own projects. You can also use these platforms to share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your work and to engage with potential customers.


22. Create a Facebook group where potential customers can ask questions and engage with your brand.

Creating a Facebook group can be a powerful way to build a community around your brand and engage with potential customers. By creating a space where people can ask questions, share their experiences, and connect with others who are interested in your services, you can build trust and establish your authority as a contractor. You can also use the group to promote your services and share valuable information with members.


23. Use email marketing to nurture leads and keep current customers engaged with your business.

Email marketing is a powerful tool for nurturing leads and keeping current customers engaged with your business. By sending regular newsletters and promotions to your email list, you can stay top of mind with potential and current customers, and provide them with valuable information and resources. You can also use email marketing to personalize your messaging and segment your list based on specific interests or behaviors.


24. Use Google Ads to target specific keywords related to your services and location.

Google Ads is a powerful tool for targeting specific keywords related to your services and location. By using relevant keywords in your ads, you can increase your visibility to potential customers who are searching for contracting services in your area. You can also use location-based targeting to show ads to people who are within a certain radius of your business.


25. Use SMS marketing to send targeted messages and promotions to potential customers.

SMS marketing is a powerful tool for sending targeted messages and promotions to potential customers. By collecting phone numbers and permission to send text messages, you can reach potential customers directly and provide them with valuable information and promotions. Just be sure to use SMS marketing sparingly and always provide an easy way to opt-out of messages.


In conclusion, digital marketing offers local contractors a wealth of opportunities to reach new customers, build trust, and grow their business. By implementing the innovative strategies outlined in this post, contractors can showcase their work, engage with potential customers, and establish themselves as authorities in their field. From leveraging the power of social media and influencer marketing to utilizing emerging technologies like augmented reality and virtual reality, the possibilities are endless. So, don't be afraid to try new things and experiment with different approaches. With the right digital marketing strategies, local contractors can succeed in today's competitive market and take their business to new heights.

How to Build a Local SEO Strategy for Your San Diego Business: A Focus on Google Business Profile Optimization

December 18, 2024
Building a strong Local SEO strategy is essential if you're a San Diego small-business owner looking to attract more local customers. Local SEO ensures your business shows up when people search for products or services "near me" or within your specific area. Your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is at the heart of any effective Local SEO strategy. Step 1: Claim and Verify Your Google Business Profile The first step in optimizing your Google Business Profile is to claim and verify it. Visit Google Business and sign in with your Google account. Search for your business name. If it appears, claim it; if not, create a new profile. Complete the verification process. Google typically sends a postcard to your business address with a verification code, though other options, such as email or phone verification, may be available. Why This Matters: Verification signals to Google that you are the legitimate business owner, giving you control over the profile. Step 2: Fill Out Every Section of Your Profile A complete profile increases your chances of ranking higher in local search results. Ensure all information is accurate and detailed. Business Name: Use your official business name. Category: Select the most relevant category (e.g., "Coffee Shop," "Landscaper"). Address: Provide your physical address if you serve customers on-site. Service Area: Define the areas you serve if you operate remotely or provide delivery. Hours: Keep your operating hours accurate, including holidays. Phone Number: Add a local, trackable phone number. Website: Link to your website or a relevant landing page. Pro Tip: To boost local relevance, include your San Diego neighborhood or region (e.g., "North Park," "La Jolla," etc.) in your profile. Step 3: Write an Optimized Business Description Your business description is a chance to introduce yourself, explain your offerings, and why customers should choose you. Use relevant keywords naturally, like "San Diego landscaping services" or "best tacos in Gaslamp Quarter." Focus on what makes your business unique. Keep it concise (750-character limit) and engaging. Example: "Located in the heart of Hillcrest, our San Diego coffee shop offers organic, locally roasted coffee and freshly baked pastries. We’re proud to be a community hub for locals and visitors alike!" Step 4: Upload High-Quality Photos and Videos Visual content helps your profile stand out and gives customers a better understanding of your business. Add photos of your storefront, interior, team, and products/services. Include a logo and a professional cover image. Upload short videos showcasing your services or testimonials. Pro Tip: Geo-tag your images before uploading them. This adds location data, which can improve local search rankings. Step 5: Collect and Respond to Reviews Customer reviews are critical for Local SEO and building trust with potential customers. Ask for Reviews: Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews. For example, after a completed service, send a polite email or text with a direct link to your Google profile. Respond to Reviews: Thank customers for positive feedback and address negative reviews professionally and constructively. Pro Tip: Use responses to subtly reinforce keywords. For instance, "Thank you for choosing our San Diego HVAC services! We’re thrilled you were satisfied with the quick repair." Step 6: Use Google Posts to Engage Your Audience Google Posts allow you to share updates, promotions, events, and news directly on your profile. Keep posts brief but engaging, and include a clear call to action (CTA) such as "Learn More," "Call Now," or "Book Today." Update posts regularly to keep your profile fresh and relevant. Example Post: "🌞 Summer Special! Get 10% off landscaping services in San Diego this July. Book your appointment today and transform your outdoor space! Call us now." Step 7: Add Products and Services For businesses offering products or services, listing them on your Google Business Profile can provide additional visibility. Include detailed descriptions for each product or service. Use relevant keywords (e.g., "pool cleaning in San Diego"). Set competitive pricing if applicable. Example: Service: "San Diego Pool Cleaning" Description: " Our professional pool cleaning services ensure your pool stays sparkling clean and safe all year round." Step 8: Keep Your Profile Updated An updated profile can help your credibility and ranking. Regularly update your profile with: New photos or videos Changes to business hours Upcoming promotions or events Seasonal offerings Step 9: Monitor Insights and Adjust Your Strategy Google Business Profile provides valuable insights into how customers find and interact with your business. Search Queries: See what keywords people use to find your business. Customer Actions: Track how many people call, visit your website, or request directions. Photo Views: Analyze which photos resonate most with your audience.  Use this data to refine your profile and improve engagement. Why Focus on Google Business Profile? Optimizing your Google Business Profile is one of the most effective ways to boost your Local SEO efforts for a local business in San Diego. In a competitive market like San Diego, this strategy ensures you stand out in local search results, attract more customers, and build long-term trust. Start optimizing your profile today, and watch your business climb the local rankings while drawing in more San Diego customers. Would you like an expert team to handle this for you? Contact GoBeRewarded today and ask about our Off-Page SEO package .

The Beginner's Guide to Analyzing Google Ads Data for Your San Diego Business

October 21, 2024
Google Ads is one of the most powerful tools for businesses looking to boost their visibility and drive traffic. But once your campaigns run, how do you make sense of the data you're seeing? Whether you’re a small San Diego business owner or just getting started with digital marketing, understanding how to analyze Google Ads data is key to refining your marketing strategies and improving your return on investment (ROI). This beginner’s guide will explain essential metrics to monitor and provide actionable tips for improving campaign performance.  1. Start with the Basics: Key Metrics to Watch Before diving into the complex details of Google Ads reporting, it’s important to understand the key metrics that give you insight into how your ads perform. These are the building blocks for improving your campaigns. a. Impressions Impressions tell you how often your ad is shown. It’s a useful metric for understanding the reach of your campaign. For example, if your ad for a San Diego home improvement service appears in front of 10,000 users, you’ve earned 10,000 impressions. However, impressions alone don't tell the full story, as your ad may be shown without being clicked. How to Use This Data: High impressions but low engagement (clicks) could indicate your ad isn’t resonating with your audience or that your targeting needs adjustment. b. Clicks The number of clicks your ad receives is one of the most direct indicators of interest. Clicks show how many people were intrigued enough by your ad to learn more. How to Use This Data: Many clicks are a good sign, but ensure you're driving quality traffic. If you get a lot of clicks but not many conversions, it may be time to refine your ad copy, landing page, or audience targeting. c. Click-Through Rate (CTR) CTR is the percentage of people who clicked on your ad after seeing it. It’s calculated by dividing the number of clicks by the number of impressions. How to Use This Data: A low CTR means many people see your ad but aren’t clicking. You may need to improve the ad copy, adjust your keywords, or revise your audience targeting. For example, if you're a San Diego café offering seasonal specials and see a low CTR on ads promoting them, it might be time to refresh your message or update your imagery. d. Conversion Rate Conversions happen when someone completes a desired action after clicking your ad, such as purchasing, signing up for a newsletter, or filling out a contact form. How to Use This Data: A low conversion rate could signal that your landing page isn’t effective. Ensure that the landing page reflects the ad's promise, is user-friendly, and has a clear call to action (CTA). e. Cost Per Click (CPC) CPC shows how much you’re paying for each click on your ad. This metric helps you gauge the cost-effectiveness of your campaigns. How to Use This Data: A high CPC might indicate you're in a competitive market or targeting highly sought-after keywords. If your budget drains quickly without enough conversions, consider refining your keyword strategy or adjusting your bids. f. Cost Per Conversion This is the average cost of acquiring one customer or lead from your ads. It's calculated by dividing the total cost of your ads by the number of conversions. How to Use This Data: If your cost per conversion is too high, you might need to narrow down your audience, optimize your landing pages, or rethink your keywords. 2. Audience Insights: Who’s Clicking on Your Ads? Understanding who engages with your ads is as important as the number of clicks. Google Ads provides detailed audience insights, which can help you refine your targeting. a. Demographics Check the age, gender, and location of users interacting with your ads. For instance, if you’re a local San Diego business, you’ll want to ensure that most of your clicks come from users within your geographical target area. How to Use This Data: If you notice most of your ad spend is going toward out-of-area clicks, adjust your location targeting to focus solely on San Diego and nearby cities. Similarly, if your services cater to specific demographics, such as seniors or young professionals, use the data to refine your ads for those groups. b. Device Performance See whether users are clicking from mobile, desktop, or tablet. This can offer insight into how your ads are performing across different devices. How to Use This Data: If most of your clicks come from mobile users but your conversion rate is low, it may be time to optimize your landing pages for mobile devices. For example, a San Diego restaurant may need to ensure its menu is easily read and navigated on smartphones. 3. Improving Your Campaign Performance Now that you understand the core metrics, let’s examine how to improve your Google Ads performance using the data you've gathered. a. Refine Your Keyword Strategy Keywords are the backbone of your Google Ads campaigns. Analyze your Search Terms Report to see which keywords drive clicks and conversions, and identify any that are wasting your budget. Actionable Tip: If certain keywords have high impressions but low CTRs, consider pausing them or adjusting your ad copy to match the search intent better. For instance, if you run a San Diego landscaping business and notice that “landscape design San Diego” leads to more conversions than “landscape San Diego,” focus more on the specific terms yielding results. b. A/B Testing Ads Running different versions of ads (A/B testing) allows you to see which ad copy, headlines, or images work best. Actionable Tip: Try different messaging for your San Diego business. For example, a local HVAC company could test ads focusing on “quick service” versus ads promoting “affordable rates” to see which resonates more with potential customers. c. Optimize Your Landing Pages If your CTR is high but your conversion rate is low, the issue might be your landing page. Ensure that it aligns with your ad’s promise, loads quickly, and provides a seamless experience. Actionable Tip: Use tools like Google Optimize to experiment with different landing page layouts, CTA buttons, or offers. A smoother user experience often leads to better conversions. d. Adjust Bids for High-Performing Keywords If certain keywords or demographics consistently deliver good results, consider increasing your bids to capture more traffic from those segments. Actionable Tip: For a San Diego retail store, if ads targeting “San Diego summer sales” perform well during certain months, raise your bids for these terms to capture more seasonal traffic. 4. Conclusion: Turning Data Into Decisions Analyzing your Google Ads data is the key to refining your marketing strategies and improving your overall performance. By focusing on key metrics like CTR, conversion rate, and cost per conversion, and continuously refining your keyword strategy, ad copy, and landing pages, you can significantly improve the effectiveness of your campaigns. For San Diego businesses, leveraging Google Ads data helps you stay competitive in a crowded market. It allows you to allocate your budget efficiently and get the best possible return on your marketing investment. Start analyzing your Google Ads data today, and watch your business thrive!

Maximizing Your Marketing Budget: PPC vs. SEO for San Diego Small Businesses

September 25, 2024
For small businesses in San Diego, crafting an effective digital marketing strategy involves making critical decisions about where to allocate limited resources to achieve the best results. Pay-Per-Click (PPC) advertising and Search Engine Optimization (SEO) are two of the most prominent strategies. Each has its unique benefits and challenges, and understanding these can help San Diego business owners make informed decisions that maximize their marketing budgets. Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Advertising What is PPC? PPC is a model of internet marketing in which advertisers pay a fee each time one of their ads is clicked. It's essentially a way of buying visits to your site, rather than attempting to “earn” those visits organically. Google Ads is one of the most popular PPC platforms. Benefits: Immediate Traffic: Unlike SEO, PPC ads can drive traffic to your website immediately after the campaign starts. This is particularly useful for new businesses looking to gain quick exposure or for seasonal promotions. Targeted Audience: PPC campaigns can be finely tuned to target specific demographics based on location, browsing habits, and more. For San Diego businesses, this means ads can be specifically directed at local audiences or tailored to visitors in the area. Measurable ROI: PPC advertising offers clear metrics that allow you to see the exact cost of each click and how much you are spending compared to the revenue generated. This makes it easier to measure ROI directly and make adjustments in real-time. Challenges: Cost: Costs can escalate quickly in competitive sectors. Since you pay for each click, inefficient campaigns can consume a budget rapidly without delivering proportional returns. Skill Required: Effective PPC campaigns require good strategy and constant management. Keyword research, ad copywriting, and ongoing campaign adjustments demand time and expertise. Temporary: The traffic from PPC is tied directly to the campaign. Once you stop paying, the traffic drops. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) What is SEO? SEO is the practice of increasing the quantity and quality of traffic to your website through organic search engine results. It involves optimizing your website and content to appear higher in search engine rankings for specific keywords. Benefits: Cost-Effective: Over time, SEO can be more cost-effective than PPC. While it requires an upfront investment in content creation and site optimization, it does not incur costs per click, and well-ranked sites continue to attract traffic over time without additional spending. Long-Term Benefits: SEO efforts can lead to sustained traffic growth. High rankings can provide ongoing brand visibility and credibility without needing continuous direct investment. Quality Traffic: SEO attracts users who are actively searching for your products or services, which can lead to higher conversion rates as the traffic is more relevant. Challenges: Time-Consuming: SEO results take time. It can take months to see the results of SEO efforts, which can be frustrating for businesses looking for immediate results. Complexity: SEO involves multiple factors, from on-site content to technical SEO to backlinks. The complexity of these elements requires expertise and ongoing learning as search algorithms evolve. No Guarantees: Search engines' ever-changing algorithms can make achieving and maintaining high rankings unpredictable. Competitor actions and updates can also affect your site's performance. Making the Right Choice for Your Business San Diego small businesses should consider their specific needs, budget, and timeline when choosing between PPC and SEO. For immediate results or short-term campaigns, PPC might be the best choice. SEO may be more appropriate for long-term investment in your brand’s visibility and organic growth. Often, a balanced approach that utilizes both strategies in different proportions can be the most effective way to maximize returns from your digital marketing budget. In conclusion, both PPC and SEO offer valuable opportunities for growing your business's online presence. By understanding the strengths and limitations of each, San Diego small businesses can better plan their digital marketing strategies to fit their unique goals and budget constraints.
Share by: