You're a roofer. You know what it means to work hard, battle the elements, and get the job done right. Roofing is a craft, but your business needs more than just skill to thrive. You've built your reputation on hard work and skill, but are you finding it harder to get those quality leads that match your dedication? Are you looking for more than just word-of-mouth to grow your business? This guide provides practical strategies for attracting customers and building a lasting business, moving you beyond just completing jobs. We’ll talk about real-world marketing that respects your time and delivers results.
While digital tools have their place, don't underestimate the power of tried-and-true methods. In your local area, these strategies build immediate trust and visibility, turning neighbors into customers.
Imagine your "free roof inspection" flyer landing in the hands of homeowners right after a hailstorm. Direct mail targets specific neighborhoods, delivering your message directly to potential customers. This is important because it allows you to get your services in front of the people who need them right when they need them.
How to Get Started (Easier than you think): Instead of compiling address lists yourself, leverage the expertise of local publications. Local magazines and direct mail services already have established distribution networks. Simply reach out to your local magazine's advertising department or explore services like Valpak (go to their website, and they will help get your ad in front of the local audience). They'll handle the design and delivery, allowing you to focus on what you do best. Design a simple, eye-catching ad with a clear call to action and a limited-time offer or value proposition. Check local publications for ad space and pricing.
Picture yourself offering a quick roof assessment to a homeowner whose shingles are clearly missing, broken and falling off. Door-to-door marketing allows for direct, personal interaction to build instant relationship. This is important because it allows you to quickly build a relationship with a potential customer and show them that you are a local expert.
How to Get Started: Focus on neighborhoods with older homes or homes recently affected by a storm. Prepare a short script, and carry business cards. Always be respectful and professional.
Think of attending the local home builders association meeting and meeting a general contractor who needs a reliable roofer. Networking builds partnerships and opens doors to consistent referrals, which is important because these people can provide you with consistent work.
How to Get Started: Join local business associations, attend community events, and connect with other people in the industry.
Hundreds of families could see your company's banner at the local high school football game. Sponsoring schools builds goodwill and brand visibility within your community. This is important because it shows that you are a part of the community and that you care about the people who live there.
How to Get Started: Contact local schools or sports leagues to inquire about sponsorship opportunities. Design a clear, professional banner with your company logo and contact information.
Every time your truck pulls up to a job site, it's a moving advertisement. Clear signage and branded vehicles reinforce your professionalism and attract attention. This is important because it turns your everyday work vehicles and job sites into moving billboards.
How to Get Started: Ensure your company name, logo, and contact information are prominently displayed on all vehicles. Invest in durable, professional yard signs for job sites. Reach out to car-wrap companies in your local area.
Your online presence is just as important as your work on the roof. These tools help you reach a wider audience and build credibility with potential customers searching for reliable roofers online.
Imagine a homeowner searching 'roof repair near me' and landing on your website, only to find it's hard to read or navigate on their phone. A well-optimized website ensures potential customers can easily find your services and contact you, no matter what device they're using. This is important because if your website isn't easy to use and informative in today's market, customers will simply go to your competition.
How to Get Started: Ensure your website is mobile-friendly and has fast loading times. Include clear service descriptions, contact information, and high-quality photos of your work. Consider adding customer testimonials and a blog with helpful roofing tips.
Imagine your business appearing at the top of Google search results when someone searches for 'roofing contractors in [your city].' SEO helps you get found by potential customers actively searching for your services. This is important because most customers now use search engines to find local service providers.
How to Get Started: Research relevant keywords (e.g., "roof repair," "shingle replacement") and incorporate them naturally into your website content. Optimize your Google My Business profile, build local citations, and focus on generating positive online reviews. These efforts not only improve your traditional search ranking but also enhance your visibility in AI-driven search results.
You know that Facebook and Instagram are just as important as your website, but are you struggling with creating graphics or finding the time? In a snap, Canva will build eye-catching designs using AI and templates. It’s easy-to-use and could save you money and time. Think of showcasing stunning 'before & after' photos of your projects on Instagram, created with professional-looking templates in Canva. Canva helps you create visually appealing content that grabs attention and builds brand recognition. This is important because it allows you to showcase your work in a visually appealing way and build your brand online.
How to Get Started: Create a Canva account and explore their templates for social media posts. Use high-quality photos and videos of your work, and maintain a consistent brand aesthetic (font, color palette, etc.). Use AI tools in Canva to improve photo quality and create background images.
Imagine targeting homeowners in specific neighborhoods with ads for your roofing services during storm season. Paid advertising allows you to reach potential customers with targeted messages at the right time. This is important because it enables you to get your message in front of a very specific audience.
How to Get Started: Set up a Google Ads or Facebook and Instagram Ads and Instagram Ads account and define your target audience. Create compelling ad copy and visuals, and set a budget. Track your ad performance and adjust your campaigns as needed.
A potential customer finds glowing reviews of your roofing services on Google, Angi, or even their neighborhood Facebook page. Online reviews build trust and credibility, influencing potential customers' decisions. This is important because those reviews are often the first thing a customer sees, significantly influencing their decision.
How to Get Started: Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews on Google, Yelp, Angi (formerly Angie's List), Houzz, HomeAdvisor, Contractor Foreman, Procore, and relevant platforms like closed neighborhood Facebook pages and the Nextdoor app. Respond to reviews promptly and professionally, and address any negative feedback constructively. Make sure your business profile is consistent across all platforms.
You could provide a customer with a detailed, high-resolution drone inspection of their roof, highlighting potential issues. Drone technology showcases your expertise and provides added value to your services. This is important because it allows you to provide a service many competitors may not offer and do safer and more efficient inspections.
How to Get Started: Research FAA regulations for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and to find out the rules in your local area. Invest in a quality drone and learn how to use it effectively. Create compelling visuals and videos to showcase your drone inspections.
It's not just about getting the job done but building lasting relationships. These strategies help you create satisfied customers who will return and refer you to others.
Exceptional customer service means going the extra mile, turning potential problems into opportunities to build trust. This is important because word-of-mouth spreads fast, and happy customers are your best marketing tool.
How to Get Started: Answer calls promptly, communicate clearly, and be transparent about timelines and costs. Address any concerns with empathy and professionalism. Train your team to prioritize customer satisfaction.
Post-project follow-up shows you care about your customers' experience and provides valuable feedback. This is important because it keeps you top-of-mind and provides opportunities for future business or referrals.
How to Get Started: Instead of complex surveys, simply email or text your customers asking for feedback and a Google review, making it easy for them to provide it all in one place. Also, make sure you have covered maintenance recommendations with them and that they know how to access warranty documentation, maintaining trust and integrity.
Sharing a short video on your website explaining the different types of shingles and their benefits builds trust by educating your customers and demonstrating your knowledge. This is important because customers want to work with experts they can rely on.
How to Get Started: Create informative content, such as blog posts, videos, or infographics (charts or diagrams used to represent information or data), explaining roofing processes and best practices. Highlight your certifications, licenses, and years of experience. Share customer testimonials and case studies.
Running a roofing business is more than just skilled labor; it's about smart management. These strategies help you optimize your resources and time and adapt to the ever-changing industry.
To identify which marketing efforts bring in the most leads, you need to understand whether direct mail, digital ads, or door-to-door marketing works best to attract customers. These tactics can vary by area and local preferences, so understand where customers are coming from and do more of what is working. This is important because it prevents wasted marketing dollars and focuses your resources on what truly brings in business.
Track all your marketing expenses, whether for flyers, online ads, or sponsorships. Use simple spreadsheets or accounting software. For accessible options, consider Google Sheets for basic tracking or QuickBooks for more comprehensive financial management. Regularly review your lead sources to see where your customers are coming from. Adjust your marketing budget accordingly.
Picture having more time to focus on roofing projects instead of drowning in paperwork. Streamlining marketing tasks through signing up for a time-saving platform like Canva, CRM, or PM allows roofers to prioritize roofing work and customer interaction. Especially consider CompanyCam; it integrates with many platforms and saves time. This is important because your time is valuable. Efficient systems mean you can take on more jobs and grow your business.
How to Get Started: Explore tools like CompanyCam, which streamlines documentation and communication. Delegate tasks to team members, or consider hiring an office manager, part-time associate, or admin help to handle tasks. Automate social media posts and email marketing. You can also hire a virtual assistant if needed.
Think of being the first in your area to offer the latest shingle technology or provide instant, accurate estimates. Staying informed about industry trends, embracing new technology, and seeking feedback ensures you remain competitive and successful. Focus on new shingles, code requirements, and tech that helps create estimates fast, like OneClick Code. This is important because the roofing industry is constantly evolving. Staying up-to-date helps you offer better services and attract more customers.
How to Get Started: Regularly attend industry events like the International Roofing Expo (IRE) and regional roofing shows. Subscribe to roofing publications and online resources such as Roofing Contractor magazine and the RoofersCoffeeShop.com website. Explore new technologies like OneClick Code for faster estimates. Ask customers for feedback and adapt your services accordingly.
In the end, building a thriving roofing business comes down to combining your expert craftsmanship with smart business practices. Implementing these marketing and management strategies will attract more customers and build a solid foundation for long-term success. As you embrace change, tools like OneClick Code can streamline your operations, providing fast, accurate estimates that save you time and boost your efficiency. Integrating such technology allows you to focus on what you do best – providing top-notch roofing services – while staying ahead in a competitive market.
With OneClick Code, you can confidently navigate the complexities of building codes and manufacturer requirements, ensuring that every project is completed to the highest quality and safety standards.