Contractor Marketing Tips

Getting Started On Using Pinterest For Business

Dano Hart — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 18:49:35 +0000

Let me tell you of a social network this is blowing up right now and continues to grow every day. And when a website catches on like this, trends arise quickly. And one of these trends is home improvement.Pinterest is place where you can “pin” images you find on the web and set them in categories that are called “boards” that you set up. Many people are sharing ideas for new bathroom remodels, or kitchen renovations, or images of what they want their bedroom to look like in the future. This is a great opportunity for home construction contractors to jump in and join the conversation.

Here are some advice in getting into using Pinterest for your company.

Spend A Little More Time With This One

Pinterest is new to most, take a little time to look around and see how other people are using it. And use the search feature to see what people are posting, or “pinning” as it’s called. Take some time to create boards and keep them organized. Users have the ability to follow either everything you pin, or just certain boards that you create and pin to. And if you’re confused by these terms I’m saying like “pin” and “repin” and “boards”, if you spend some time with Pinterest, you’ll understand what I mean.

Don’t Keep It All Business

To entertain the followers, it’s OK to throw in some personality along with displaying your photos of your latest remodeling project. Pin things that you enjoy, favorite music, places to visit, or some food recipes(there’s alot of that on Pinterest) that you’ll want to look up later. But, something you can do to cross business with personal, is to post images taken around the office or jobsite of you or your employees. That gives the follower a sense that there is a person behind your company and they will feel more connected with you.

Socialize, It Is A Social Network After All

Find interesting people to follow, repin their posts, comment on their posts, get your company name out there. There are many people talking about services that you offer right now. People are creating boards of what they want their future kitchen to look like….give them some tips on how to get there and what they should start with. The search feature will help out with finding people, and you can connect your personal facebook profile, or twitter account to see if your friends have already signed up.

Boost SEO Efforts To Your Site

A great feature of the site, is when you pin something that is on your website, to one of your pinterest boards, it creates a link to your website that other pinterest users can click and go straight to your company site. And what’s even better is when someone really enjoys what you have pinned, that they’ll “repin” it to their followers. That creates another link to your site to other people that you haven’t met yet. This is one big reason to meet new people and socialize like I mentioned above.

But you will need an invite to get in….

Pinterest is currently invite-only, but have no worries, just send me an email at dano@footbridgemedia.com and I will send you an invitation so you can be on your way to promoting your website on 2012’s fastest growing social site.

Footbridge Media Launches Google PPC Management Service

Aaron — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:53:30 +0000

For many years now clients have been asking if we knew anyone who can do this for them. Over the years I have recommended a few, but over time I felt uncomfortable, not knowing if my clients were receiving the best ROI and service from these referrals or any other PPC management service. For the past 12 months, our consultants have been beta testing our own Google adwords campaigns with some of our clients, and we believe we now are able to offer this service to our clients with superior results.

Pay per click (PPC) advertising is one of the easiest and fastest ways to generate traffic to your website. Google Adwords is Google’s PPC platform and due to Google overwhelmingly dominate share of Internet search, the largest platform to operate a PPC campaign within.

You can learn more about this comprehensive Google Adwords Management Program following the links below:

Why Choose Footbridge Media Has Your PPC Management Provider: Footbridge Media’s PPC Program differs from most other PPC management services in some very significant ways that not only save you money, but time and effort.

What Is Display Advertising and How It Works? Display Advertising is the use of graphical advertisements to market your company across the Google Display Network. No doubt you have seen graphic ads for companies placed throughout website you visit while on the Internet.

Remarketing and How It Helps Increase Leads: Retargeting (or remarketing as Google refers to it) allows you to show ads to users who’ve previously visited your website as they browse the Internet. It is a very power tool to keep your brand in front of people who have previously visited your website.

Learn more and sign up today.

Two Simple Facebook Marketing Tips

Dano Hart — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 18:10:21 +0000

If you have friends and supporters of your company that have befriended you on your personal Facebook profile, you most likely have thought on how to get them to move over to your official company page. Here’s just two quick tips on letting them know about your Facebook page. Some of you have already been doing this, but for those that aren’t sure how to get the word out of your Facebook page, this is for you.

Share your company page with your entire friend list

Towards the bottom of the left column of your company facebook page is a little “share” link that can be very useful in promoting your page to your friends. Clicking that will open a box that you can type something up about your company page, and encourage your friends to like and support your company. This way, you can give very specific instructions to like your page and will be a great way to advertise your page to people that do not know you have a company facebook representation.

Share a story from your company page with your friends

This, I find the most effective way to draw people on your company page, as it feels a little more subtle. For every status, link, article, note, or anything else that is posted on your company facebook page, there is a “share” link underneath it that you can click. You’ll be able to share specific content from your company page to your friends. And maybe you can let them know that information is posted on this page that you’re sharing from often….letting your readers understand that your company page is not only being updated often, but it’ll also be updated with information that they would be interested in.

I want to mention before I end, that it’s important not to “overshare” as I like to call it. Sharing every single update from your company page to your personal facebook friends can have bad consequences. For one, it can come off as being too self-promotional, and two, it gives people a reason to not like your company facebook page, because they can get the same information from you, as they can your company page. About 1-3 times a week would not be oversharing, but a good balance for you and your friends.

Also, get your employees to do this. They have friends and family that would benefit from your services when they need it, right? It’s very helpful to have employees that believe in the work you all do everyday so let them know what they can do to help.

Google+ Now Incorporated Into Search: What Are You Doing?

Aaron — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:56:06 +0000

Google is going all-in with social, and you have to wonder how this will affect your home improvement business. In the past few months, I have warned that this day would be coming and have been encouraging our clients to create their own Google+ pages or join our social media management program. Google has deepened its commitment to mix personal content into its algorithmic search results early last year and now is incorporating its own social network to mingle with its algorithmic search results. The new “Search, plus Your World” feature looks through your Google+ profile for relevant things shared with you, things your friends shared, or other relevant pages and profiles, and integrates them into your search results even if they’re privately shared only with you.

The issue is that we have discovered that you will begin to see search results, of Google+ people you may not have associated with but who have selected you as someone that may be interested in their posts. (This may be a glitch that will be fixed in the future). For now I am telling you if you are currently not in Google+, please do so today.

Here are some links to help you create a Google+ Page
Social Media Examiner

Google+ Page

Webpro News

Once you create your personal profile and your company page, please post your page on our facebook page or make sure to follow our Google+ page.

We will discuss in future posts how to promote your Google+ page and target actual search results.

Increasing Social Media Interaction with Contests

Aaron — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:41:55 +0000

In our last blog post we discussed ROI within social media and what to actually use in tracking results in your social media management. Well, we will begin providing you with suggestions on how to encourage interaction which will help with your actual ROI (Return on Investment) when it comes to your social media campaigns. One marketing tool is to create contests. Much like a referral program, instituting contests forces integration, interest and participation with your home improvement company.

Now we are not saying you need to give out free services, but simple contests will help with your social media marketing plan. This will not only give people a reason to keep on checking your social media pages, but it will also increase the exposure and interaction of your home improvement company and excite new fans of to join your page.

Here are some prizes that are cost effective in running a contest:

A company hat, shirt, bumper sticker, etc
Gift certificate to a local restaurant
Gift card to the local home improvement outlet/store

Basically the same referral prizes you use, can be used in a social media contest. Now what type of contests can you run? Here are some ideas:

1) Photo Contests – Have people display photos on your social media pages, of the Worst Kitchen, Furnace, Bathroom, etc. Reward people for the “Worst” photo. Or have people post a photo of them with your truck in your service area and reward them a certificate or reward.

2) Tag Marketing – Simply post a picture of your truck or a latest remodeling project on a weekly or monthly basis and ask your fans to tag themselves in various parts of the picture for a chance to win either the items tagged or some other prize.

3) Trivia/Puzzle Games – Having weekly trivia contests can excite fans and increase participation. Another idea is to post a photo of a local landmark, or local celebrity and have people guess what is in the photo.

4) Scavenger Hunt – This contest will surely work for the more dedicated from your fan base-those who will be lured by a challenge. You may post a small list of things for your fans to find on your website. Then announce a small prize for the person who is the first person to post the URL (s) containing the items that you listed.

If you have any other contest ideas that have worked for you, please feel free to share on our Facebook page or leave a comment below.

2011 Referral Reward Contest Winner Is?

Aaron — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 15:51:38 +0000

We want to thank Jeremy Swanson of Lazer Electric for his constant support of our marketing program, and being the 2011 Referral Rewards Client of The Year. For winning this contest, Lazer Electric has received 2 full years of marketing service from Footbridge Media a savings of $3000 as well as a 1 year free of our social media management program!!!

What Lazer Electric Says About Footbridge Media

“We have been using Footbridge now for over 2 years and could not be happier with them. As a small business owner I work with a lot of different vendors, very few of which operate at the high level of service Footbridge does. Nearly every change request we have ever submitted for our website has been completed within 24 hours, most are done in just a few hours. It amazes me every time we contact them how quickly they get back to us, it’s almost like we are their only customer and yet I know they have thousands.

Lazer Electric is always in the top 3 of a Google, Yahoo, or Bing search – Organically! In fact we find links to our site all over the internet, it’s amazing. The site is regularly updated with fresh content and we do not even have to ask for it. Set up was easy, they sent us a questioner, then a template, we sent them some images, we went back and forth on the right layout until we got it right (we were never rushed) and just like that we had a website that is at least 50 pages deep.

If anyone reading this is on the fence about having someone manage your site, making a decision between website providers, or unhappy with your current site I highly suggest you select Footbridge – TODAY! Don’t be like me and wait a year……had I only known. It should also be noted that I rarely take the time to write testimonials or refer people to vendors because my reputation is on the line every time, with Footbridge I do not even think twice, in fact I go out of my way to let other contractors know how great they are! I could go on and on about how great they are, but I won’t because you should be filling out the sign up form now.” – Jeremy Swanson, Lazer Electric

Thanks to Lazer Electric and all the referrals you have sent for Footbridge Media! And to all of our clients who sent referrals to us. It was your support that continues to make our company grow!

Get Started On Our 2012 Referral Contest>>

Why Are Contractors So Obsessed With ROI In Social Media?

Aaron — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 20:13:50 +0000

Since we launched our social media management program, I have been torn about the pricing, management and how to measure the success of the program for our clients. It is easier with our other programs, as I can tell how many leads are getting and what we are doing. This becomes difficult when it comes to social media. Through all my research, I have discovered there is no simple tool to measure ROI (Return on investment).

Instead of fretting over the ROI of your social media activities you need to look at a better metric that display the actual success of the marketing tool. For example, you need to look at conversions and action that appears when you engage within social media. For example:

How many people are responding to your posts?
How many LIKES or +1, retweets, etc do you receive for each post?

If you are able to track this information, then you have enough data to allow you to see what type of posts or action generates the best results or conversions. You can then track conversions to possible leads.

Don’t fall into the trap that the number of followers equals the success of your social media marketing. Successful social media is about interaction and engagement with your past and future clients.

5 Things Every Contractor Should Do For 2012

Aaron — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 19:08:01 +0000

As the last few days of 2011 come upon us, I am hoping that all of our clients as well as readers of our blog are ready for the 2012 season. As owner of a home improvement company, regardless if you are one-man handyman shop or a complete custom home builder, listed below are things you need to complete in order to compete in the 2012 market.

1) Get Personal. Get Social
This is a personal issue of mine that I will be doing in 2012. If you own your business, you are already well aware that your life is 99% your business. In order to succeed you need to become personal with your clients, as well as potential clients. Homeowners want to connect with people. Not businesses. You, as the owner of the company need to be more personable not only when you are speaking with homeowners, but also in social media. If you do not have a social media plan for 2012, then please check out our social media program, which can be an asset for your 2012 marketing.

2) Eyes Are The Window To Belief: Use Video
You need to shoot more video. Regardless if you are shooting before and after videos of projects, testimonials with clients, or even a short Do-It-Yourself tip, shoot more video. Video cameras are cheap nowadays, and with smartphones that video capabilities there is no reason that you should NOT be shooting video on a regular basis. Once you have shot your video, email it to service@footbridgemedia.com and we will help implement it online for you. Video allows homeowners to not only see your actual work, but also know you personally.

3) Create Your Referral Program
I am so tired of hearing that “Word of Mouth” is the best marketing solution, but contractors are unable to explain what they do to generate “word of mouth” referrals. You need to create a solid referral program to maximize the amount of referrals. If you are sending out our contractor newsletter, or creating your own email blasts, or postcard mailings, you need to be in constant contact with your client. Create your referral program today to maximize your leads for tomorrow.

4) Establish Your Lead Cost
How much do you spend per lead? If you do not know this, then make 2012 the year that you know exactly how much each lead costs for your company. This will allow you to know where your marketing is beneficial and where you are getting the highest return on investment. You can do a simple Google search on Lead cost and how to develop your own. But by the end of the year, I will asking each of our Footbridge Media clients, what is their average lead cost.

5) Drop the Yellow Pages
Anyone who knows me knows that I am not a fan of the Yellow Pages, or Yellowbook, AT&T, DEX, etc.. or any guy who stops by your office to try to close you on some “latest and greatest” marketing venture. In my opinion, the yellow pages failed, when they did not capitalize on the internet. If you are spending big dollars with them, and are seeing a low return on your investment there are better avenues for you to spend that marketing dollar. The amount of money you spend on yellow page advertising, should be spent on another form of marketing that will generate a higher ROI (return on investment). Footbridge Media will be launching our own Google Adwords Management Program next month, but if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

Did we miss anything? If so, please feel free to leave your feedback on our client comments section below or visit our facebook page to discuss.

Why Should You Even Blog?

Aaron — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 15:16:29 +0000

Lately we have noticed many of our clients have begun participating on their own blogs as well as other blog sites like Ask-A-Pro. Though I try to encourage our clients to blog/write if possible, I do understand that all contractors may not have the time, skill or desire to write on a regular basis. Please understand, that if you do not have anything important/valuable/pertinent that will benefit your clients and potential clients, then do not even bother posting. Blogging is an informational resource that allows you to share with your clients important information that they are searching for. Do not try to make your posts focus on search engine optimization. Write for your audience, allow Footbridge Media to worry about the SEO part.

Be The Expert You Are

You would not be an owner of your own company, unless you were an expert at your craft. So you need to share that expertise with your audience. While providing your expertise “for free” may not sound like something that will convert to sales directly it can have a profound impact upon those reading your blog and your business in the long term. Solve a problem for someone and when they next are looking to for home improvement sercices they might just come knocking on your door. Meet a need for someone and they might just share that information with their friends.

Try To Be Professional

Maintaining good grammar, spelling and fluid expression is a simple way to show potential clients you’re an intelligent and a professional contractor. The more informal your writing looks the less professional you and your home improvement business will appear. Each blogging platform as well as your computer are installed with spell check and grammar check, so please make sure to use them.

Be Interactive

With every blog post you write, request comments, or ask a question that people may be able to respond to. Interaction with your blog is a win-win, as it allows you to communicate with your clients and understand their needs.

Over the next week will be writing on how to properly set up each blog post, as well as suggestions for topics to write on.

5 Quick Social Media Tips Contractors Should Be Doing

Aaron — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 19:37:00 +0000

As we continue to provide our social media program, I am always aware of other home improvement contractors who are managing their own social media presence and find it disconcerting on how it is being utilized. Some contractors understand that they “must” use social media, but seem to not understand “how” to use it properly.

Social Media is more about customer service and education, then it is about marketing. Of course you are going to want to see leads generated, but it is a cost effective way to educate your clients and handle any problems you may have.

Listed below are five quick tips on how you can utilize your social media presence better.

1) Showcase your completed projects with video. Do not simply display photos, but describe in detail what was needed on the project. You can end the video with the homeowner describing their experience as well. Not only is this beneficial as a marketing tool, but you can get a testimonial and help potential clients understand the ordeal of a project.

2) Educate your homeowners with photos. Starting with a BEFORE photo and ending with a FINISHED photo walk your social media audience through each project. DO NOT just throw up photos. Describe what is in each photo and what you are currently doing.

3) Engage Your Audience. Ask questions, provide surveys, try to get information from your clients. This will allow you not only to provide good customer service, but also information directly from the source that will help your company do better in marketing and customer service.

4) Educate Your Audience with News. Is there a new energy efficient product? A cool new bathroom feature? You should always be on top of your industry, so why not share with your audience the latest and greatest. You will not believe how many homeowners may be interested in the latest news in the home improvement industry.

5) Get Personal. I know that this is the most difficult part, and trust me, as someone who has to manage our own social media markets, this can be quite difficult. It is beneficial to be personal about your company. You do not always have to post projects, specials, or actual “home improvement” information. Share with your client what is going on with your company, your personal life, etc. This is the true essence of social media. Write posts about things that interest your target audience. One good thing is to take the news articles that we provide in our monthly newsletter and share that information directly to your social media sources.

If you have any other tips or ideas that are working for your social media presence, please share with our other clients on our Facebook page, or even better our Google+ page.