Social Media Marketing for contractors and the tradecraft is an amazing opportunity. I have a lot of people that I count on to keep my home and office in good working order. These tradespeople are masters of their craft and have done everything for me from major remodels to painting and electrical work to emergency plumbing and much more. I appreciate their work (especially the emergency plumbing) and enjoy our conversations together when they are onsite.
Often those conversations turn to promoting their business and I am always happy to answer the marketing and social media questions of contractors and other small business service providers. In my experience with these industries, the majority are still trying to figure out how best to use both the internet and social media to market their business.
Typically, while they are all master tradesmen and women, they are usually novice apprentices with marketing, particularly online and social marketing. I tend to see them group in 3 broad categories
The Journeyman
This is a small minority and only about 10% have a nice web site, use email marketing and have some type of social media presence. They are at least somewhat active in taking advantage social media staying up to date with online and mobile marketing. While I am sure a few are out there, I have yet to come across a master or grand master online marketer in the trades.
The Apprentice
Then about 40% have a basic web site and that’s about it. There’s a lot of opportunity here both from mobile to social and it does not have to take much time to enhance their presence.
The Greenhorn
And the final 50% are still doing everything via the yellow pages and snail mail with no online, much less mobile, presence. It’s hard to believe that about half of all tradespeople are this far behind and lose both business and productivity from their lack of visibility.
Like pretty much every small business owner, time is short and the thought of learning or installing new and unfamiliar technology is daunting to say the least. I appreciate this fact. Nevertheless, a little attention to their online presence can go a long ways to making a good year great for anyone in the trades.
If you’re a tradesperson looking to get started there’s a few simple and easy steps that you can follow:
Claim your business online. This Google housekeeping article is a good place to start.
Audit your reputation online. Check sites like Yelp and Angies List
Take 40 minutes and get started on Facebook for your firm.
I have always admired what contractors and tradespeople can fix and build. I urge all of the ones I am privileged to know to start fixing and building their online presence now!
