How To Get Your Home Services Business Started From Nothing
Have you always wanted to run your own business? Maybe you’re just fresh out of school, or maybe you’re working a trade for someone else right now and you want to be your own boss. Let’s break down the basics of how to get your home services […]
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How to Dominate Local Neighborhoods with Hyperlocal Cluster Marketing
Getting more business doesn’t mean you have to cast a wider net. If your only tactic for growth is traveling further and further out for jobs - you are spreading your business, your marketing budget, and yourself too thin. What if, instead of driving from city to city […]
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Winners Don't Whine
If you want to complain, if you want to bellyache and moan and get pity sympathy - then running a business is not for you. I heard a great quote while watching a Codie Sanchez YouTube video -- she is the CEO of "Contrarian Thinking" and creates […]
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Why Pessimism Is Good For Business
Is optimism holding your business back? Let’s talk about why being a little bit of a pessimist can actually help your business thrive in the long term. Generally speaking, only optimists start their own business. It’s inherent to the very idea of thinking that you can build […]
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Fight At WordPress Impacts Small Businesses
Nearly half of the internet runs WordPress, with 43.5% of all websites built on WordPress as of October 2024. It’s so popular because it is easy to use. It’s easy to use because it is an open-source platform with a good ecosystem of themes, plugins, managed hosting […]
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3 Habits Of Rich Contractors
Building your business is about building your habits. A company can do well with a little elbow grease and a lot of luck, but consistent performance requires consistent efforts. Let’s talk about the three things that the most successful contractors do. Businesses that make money are no […]
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Changing Your Business In 8 Minutes
Your business can get a lot done with only a few minutes. Don’t waste your time. Let’s talk about how dedicating 8 minutes can make your business unstoppable. This idea is influenced by story told by Simon Sinek, an author and speaker. His story, in turn, was […]
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I Asked ChatGPT To Help Me Make A Contractor Marketing Plan
There has been so much chatter about AI tools and ChatGPT and Gemini and Claude and AI coming for your jobs and so on. So, I figured I'd embrace our robot overlords, check in on their contractor marketing prowess, and see if my job was in […]
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ChatGPT Prompts For Contractors And Home Service Providers
Are you using AI to help with your business? I’ve got 6 ChatGPT prompts to help contractors and home service providers build their businesses and get more leads. ChatGPT has been around for about two years now. Just about everyone knows that it exists - but I […]
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I Don't Want To Do Your Marketing
If you think that signing up with a marketing agency means you are done marketing - you're wrong. You're just plain wrong. If that's what you're looking for, I don't want to do your marketing. But! If you're serious about wanting to make more money, if you're […]
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The Key To Construction Business Success
There’s a big difference between working a job and running a business. What are you doing? Are you struggling to take your home services or construction business to the next level? There’s a big key concept that many contractors miss out on. A light bulb moment. There’s a mindset […]
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Why So Many Contractors Fail In The First Year
Every year, tens of thousands of construction businesses open up shop. Unfortunately, we know that - on average - more than 20% of those new construction businesses are closed down within one year of their opening. And the business survival rates continue to drop year after […]
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How The 10 Minute Rule Will Conquer Procrastination In Your Business
If you could solve your business procrastination problems in 10 minutes, would you do it? We talk a lot about how hard it is to run a business. We’ve talked about the importance of staying on top of those important marketing, business, and customer service tasks that […]
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How To Tell If Your Website Sucks
Some parts of contractor marketing are very difficult to wrap your head around. I get why you have such a hard time figuring out how to make heads or tails out of your marketing when you're busy taking care of your customers. But sometimes, it's easier to […]
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Do's and Don'ts of a Google Business Profile
In the ever-evolving digital landscape, navigating online tools like Google Business Profiles can feel tricky. Local marketing is a key part of a comprehensive contractor marketing plan. To help you optimize your GBP and ensure it's working for you, let's delve into a crucial do's and […]
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The Two-Step Process to Earning More Customers
When it comes down to it, there is a basic two-step process that encompasses everything marketing. Whether we're talking about word-of-mouth, Google search, paid advertising, home shows, door knocking, or yard signs - it doesn't matter. Everything boils down to these two steps. When you simplify it […]
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5 Tips For New Contractors And Home Service Companies
Whether you’re a brand new company starting up or you’re a handy person who has been working on a side gig for a while but you haven’t yet taken the leap to develop and grow your business - we’ve got five tips to help you take […]
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How The 2024 Google Algo Leak Impacts Contractors
A leak of internal documentation from Google has had the SEO world spinning. Without getting super technical, these API reference docs are the guide that developers use to interact with specific code and programming. The docs in question are essentially a partial Google algorithm leak about […]
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How Contractors Leave Money On The Table: 2 Ways Instantly Improve Your Marketing & Leads
If you’re like most contractors, you are missing a huge opportunity. You’re leaving money on the table, allowing business to slip through your fingers. While you’re out there knocking on doors, dropping yard signs, paying for ads, or buying leads from resellers - you have wasted potential for […]
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DIY Contractor Website vs. Professional Website Services
The early days of contractor marketing were basically having a sign on your work vehicles and an ad in the Yellow Pages. Now, contractors and home service providers need to contend with the dozens and hundreds of possible pathways that customers use in the search to […]
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17 Contractor Marketing Tips To Grow Your Home Service Business
Let’s talk about these 17 contractor marketing tips - they are important steps you can take to grow your small business and take your online marketing to the next level. Contractors have unique marketing needs compared to other small businesses - and Footbridge Media has been exclusively […]
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Did Google Say Links Don't Matter That Much Any More?
Gary Illyes - an analyst and front-facing Google Search Team member - was recently a featured speaker at an SEO and digital marketing conference. There, he talked a bit about the value of links and some changes in recent times at Google. What he said caused […]
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Mobile-Optimized Contractor Websites: Boost Your Business Online Presence
Mobile optimization matters for your website. At this point, the overwhelming majority of American adults have an internet-capable phone in their pocket or purse. As a business owner in the contractor and home service industry, you’re working in a world where mobile devices reign supreme. That’s […]
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5 Website Tips To Maximize Your Conversion
It's great if your website is getting traffic, but is it converting those visitors into leads? Let's talk about 5 contractor website tips to maximize your conversion - so you can get the most leads possible out of your web traffic. The purpose of your website is […]
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Generating More Referrals For Your Home Services Business
Once you've made a customer happy, you should capitalize on that success. If satisfied customers recommend your services to their friends, family, or colleagues, it not only brings in new business but also reinforces your reputation as a trustworthy contractor. By taking a proactive approach instead […]
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No One Wants To Work With You
There is a singular truth to every single company out there doing service calls. No one wants to work with you. It doesn't matter if you're an HVAC, electrician, plumber, roofer, or any other home service contractor - there is a pretty good chance that the next […]
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GBP Message Spam
Google Business Profile messages can be a great way to connect with customers who prefer quick digital communication over picking up the phone for a call. But with every new contractor marketing opportunity comes the spam that tried to ruin it all. GBP message spam is […]
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5 Common Website Mistakes That Hurt Your Ranking And How To Fix Them
Whether you have a professionally designed and built website, a website that your friend or your cousin made for you, or a DIY website you made yourself - there are a few common website problems that we see on a regular basis when we meet with […]
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Google Wants To Get Rid Of Sites That "Feel Made For Search Engines"
Google has officially announced its plans to enhance Google Search quality by eliminating spammy, low-quality content in a targeted core algorithm update. This update is already underway as of March 5th, 2024 - and may take up to two weeks to complete. They call this a continuation […]
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5 Pillars Of Contractor Marketing
Having a single successful method of getting new leads can be great. But if that well dries up for any reason, you're stuck twiddling your thumbs with no work to do. The most effective contractors and home service providers know that their businesses are best when they […]
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Google Is Shutting Down Websites And Deleting Reviews
Google has been busy tidying up the internet. They've made waves recently with some announcements related to how they are trimming the internet fat and culling policy-violating Google reviews. In particular, part of Google's 2024 calendar will include killing off millions of websites and growing more […]
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Showing Your Customers Some Love - Valentine's Day And Contractor Marketing
When crafting your business marketing plan, it is important to consider seasons and themes. So, let's talk about Valentine's Day Contractor Marketing. Could you - for a Valentine's Day Theme - forgo traditional thank you cards and perhaps instead craft a nicely written thank you note on […]
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Contractor Marketing Terms 101
Footbridge Media is fortunate enough to work with contractors of various experience levels and business sizes. That means some of the contractors we work with are experts in their industry but don't necessarily have much pre-existing knowledge of online marketing. That's where Sam - our Onboarding Manager […]
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Footbridge Media Turns 20
Pensacola, Florida - Footbridge Media, a leading contractor marketing agency, is proud to announce its 20th anniversary as a trusted partner in helping contractors grow their businesses. Founded in 2004, Footbridge Media has spent the last two decades dedicated to delivering top-notch marketing solutions tailored specifically to […]
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Google Guaranteed: Is It Worth It For Contractors And Home Service Providers?
With the first beta that shaped this program starting way back in 2015, Google Guaranteed and Local Service Ads have shifted and grown over time. Now, Google Local Service Ads are a great option for some contractors and home service providers to have a presence that stands […]
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What Are The Weak Links In Your Business?
Your business works just like any other machine - complete with parts and processes that all must work together to create that synergy and push forward a system to ensure success and growth. When parts of the marketing and business development process break down, you get bottlenecks […]
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How Waiting For Marketing Is Killing Your Business
Everyone wants to make it to the top of the mountain. We love to dream big and aim for the stars. Businesses are started up every day because people want better for themselves and their families. And that’s great - but only if you’re going to do […]
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Who Is Your Loudest Customer? Online Reviews And Proactive Contractor Marketing
In today’s online space, every customer can have a voice and express their views via online reviews. In fact, those voices resonate louder now than ever before. Online reviews have become the modern-day word of mouth, influencing your potential clients to either learn more about your business […]
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Getting Ready for a Busy Season: A Contractor Marketing Checklist
Happy 2024! The holiday season is officially behind us. While all of your prospective clients are recovering from the additional costs associated with gift-giving and party-throwing – it's time to inspect your business and contractor marketing plan to make sure that you are ready to jump […]
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How New Contractors Should Market A Business
We see a common trend when it comes to contractors who start new businesses. Many of these entrepreneurs have developed a great skill for their craft after years of working for someone else - and they see themselves as a boss as the next step in […]
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Contractor Marketing Training: People Work With People, Not With Companies
You have invested time and money into building up your company with contractor marketing, creating a website, crafting social media content, and spending cash on paid advertising; that will help your first customers find you. While that is vitally important, at the end of the day, […]
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Contractor Marketing Goals: Are You Where Your Customers Are Looking?
A survey completed in Fall 2023 via ACHR News reviewed how HVAC customers and companies interacted. Specifically, it assessed... Where contractors focused their marketing efforts and What marketing channels were the most common for homeowners to interact with to find HVAC contractors. The end result reveals what home service […]
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Leveraging Reviews to Supercharge Contractor Leads
If you're not leveraging your online reviews, you're not taking full advantage of your hard work and one of the easiest ways to almost instantly improve your online contractor marketing presence. Getting more reviews on Google and your website will help boost your visibility, getting you in […]
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2 Keys To Repeat Business For Contractors
Repeat business with a previously established client base that understands you and your service offerings can be a great way to earn consistent business. This type of recurring business can make it easier to understand and plan for seasons in your operations. Repeat business can be […]
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We Want High-End Leads
"We are looking for high-end leads" is another one of those common phrases that our onboarding and contractor marketing consultants hear from time to time. Of course, you want high-end leads. No small business is out there saying "Let me get those coupon-cutter, cheapskate, low-value leads" ever. While […]
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You Rely On Word Of Mouth? 5 Ways To Accelerate That With The Right Marketing
A common theme that we hear when we work with newer contractors and more established businesses alike is that “word of mouth” is how they established themselves and got their start in the business and with contractor marketing. But what we have a hard time hearing is […]
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Are You Scaring Your Clients Away?
It's spooky season - everyone is watching their favorite horror movies, stockpiling their go-to fun-sized candies, and prepping their Halloween costumes. But if your website is scaring away your prospective customers, then you've got "Double double toil and trouble" along with your lead conversion problems. So what's potentially […]
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How New Google Account Deletions May Impact Your Business
Google may be deleting lots of accounts soon. What does that mean for your business and your contractor marketing efforts? Recently, Google announced its new Inactive Google Account Policy, where the search and internet company indicates that it reserves the right to delete an inactive Google Account […]
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The Benefits of Contractor Lead Chat: Leveraging AI-Powered Chatbots
In the dynamic world of contractor marketing, connecting with potential clients and generating leads is paramount. With the advent of advanced technology, the role of AI-powered chatbots in handling online chat leads has emerged as a game-changer. This blog explores the significance of incorporating AI-powered chatbots […]
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The Influence of Online Reviews on Contractor and Home Service Business
Love them or hate them, online reviews are unavoidable. If you want to earn customers online, you need to be playing the online reviews game - it is as simple as that. Now more than ever, your prospective clients are using online reviews from complete strangers as […]
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Mastering Local SEO for Contractor Businesses
In today's digital age, the success of contractor businesses heavily relies on their online presence. One of the key contractor marketing strategies to achieve this is through mastering Local Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Local contractor SEO isn't just a buzzword; it's a powerful tool that can […]
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Mobile Marketing in the Construction Industry: Reaching Clients on the Go
In the contemporary business landscape, the construction industry stands at the nexus of innovation and growth, propelled forward by the inexorable force of mobile marketing. Mobile technology has revolutionized the way businesses engage with their target audience, and the construction sector is no exception. In an […]
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6 Low-Cost Marketing Strategies You Can Implement Now
Now that your new website has launched on a brand new domain, it will take a while (4 to 5 months) for your website to see first-page results within Google. But as a brand new company, you need leads now. Here are some marketing tips that every […]
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The Visual Impact: Leveraging Videos and Photos in Contractor Marketing
In today's fast-paced digital world, effective contractor marketing strategies are essential for home service providers and commercial contractors to stand out from the competition and attract potential clients. While traditional methods have their place, harnessing the power of visual content has become a game-changer. Videos and […]
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The Role of Call-to-Actions on Your Contractor Website
In today's digital era, having a well-designed and user-friendly website is essential for any contractor marketing plan and any business looking to attract and engage potential clients. While aesthetics and content are crucial elements of a successful website, incorporating effective call-to-actions (CTAs) can significantly enhance its impact. […]
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5 Google Adwords Tips for Contractors
With how competitive the digital landscape is, contractors need to adopt effective marketing strategies to stand out from the crowd and attract their ideal customers. Among the various online advertising platforms, Google Ads offers contractors a powerful tool for local targeting in their contractor marketing. By […]
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Building an Online Community: Networking and Collaboration Opportunities for Contractors on Social Media
Social media platforms have become more than just a means of connecting with friends and sharing photos. They have evolved into powerful tools for professionals across various industries to network, collaborate, and build communities. When it comes to contractor marketing, social media provides an excellent opportunity […]
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5 Things You Can Do in Plumber Marketing Before Signing Up With Footbridge Media
Let's face it, no matter how adept you are at unclogging drains or installing new pipes, your success as a local plumber is not just about the quality of your work; it's also about your ability to market your plumbing services effectively. In the increasingly competitive local […]
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The Importance of Website Content for Contractor SEO and Branding
In the digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial for contractors to succeed in their industry. A well-designed website is an essential component of this online presence, but it's the website content that truly drives results. Website content plays a pivotal role in enhancing […]
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Staying Ahead of the Curve: Emerging Trends and Technologies in Social Media for Contractors
In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, social media has become an indispensable tool for businesses across industries, including contractors. As contractors strive to establish a strong online presence and effectively connect with their target audience, it is crucial to stay ahead of the curve by embracing […]
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Social Listening for Contractors: Leveraging Customer Feedback on Social Media
In the current digital age, social media has become an integral part of our lives. People use platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to connect, share experiences, and voice their opinions. As a contractor, understanding and leveraging customer feedback on social media can be a game-changer […]
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Engaging Your Audience: Creating Compelling Content for Social Media as a Contractor
Social media has become an integral part of our lives in today's digital age. As a contractor, harnessing the power of social media can greatly benefit your business by expanding your reach, attracting new clients, and establishing yourself as an industry expert. However, with so much […]
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Building Trust Through Social Media: Establishing Credibility as a Contractor
In the ever-evolving digital landscape, social media has become an integral part of our lives, influencing how we connect, share, and make decisions. As a contractor, building trust and establishing credibility with potential clients is crucial for success. Social media platforms provide a unique opportunity to […]
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Maximizing Email Marketing: Best Practices for Engaging Subscribers
In today's digital age, email marketing remains a powerful tool for contractors to engage with their audience, build relationships, and generate leads. However, simply sending out generic emails won't yield the desired results. To maximize the potential of email marketing, contractors must adopt best practices that […]
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11 Social Media Marketing Tips for Contractors: Boost Your Online Presence
In today's digital era, social media has become an essential tool for contractors to showcase their work, attract new clients, and grow their businesses. However, navigating the world of social media marketing can be overwhelming without a solid strategy. To help contractors leverage the power of […]
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Boost Your Contractor Business with Effective Referral Marketing Strategies
Referral marketing is a powerful tool for businesses in the home service and construction industry. By leveraging the trust and satisfaction of your existing customers, you can tap into a valuable network of potential clients. Footbridge Media has used referral marketing for over 20 years and […]
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15 Summer Sizzlers: Mastering Contractor Marketing in the 2023 Summer Season
As the heat of summer 2023 edges closer, contractors across the nation are bolstering their tactics to attract potential clients ready to kick-start their home renovation endeavors. Is your contractor marketing strategy primed to fully leverage this season's opportunities? Here are 15 fiery contractor marketing tips […]
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Using Your Online Presence to Overcome the Fears of Prospective Clients
In today's world, online marketing has become an essential tool for any business to attract new clients and increase revenue. This is particularly true for contractors who are always on the lookout for new projects and clients. However, the contractor industry can be particularly challenging due […]
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Elevating Pressure: Key Direct Mail Marketing Tips for Pressure Washing Companies
Pressure washing may not be the most glamorous industry, but it plays an undeniably essential role in homeowners and businesses who care about the exterior of their properties. From breathing new life into residential driveways to restoring the gleam of commercial building exteriors, pressure washing businesses are […]
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Making an Impact With the Best Practices for Contractor Website Navigation and Organization
Navigation and organization are essential components of any contractor's website and overall contractor marketing efforts. Navigation refers to the way a user moves around and interacts with a website, while organization refers to the way content is arranged and structured on the site. For a contractor's website, […]
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7 Proven Benefits From Effective Practices for Email Marketing for Contractors
Email marketing is an effective way to nurture leads and stay top of mind with potential customers. Contractors need to focus on marketing because it helps them to reach potential clients and grow their businesses. Effective marketing can increase their visibility, build their reputation, and establish […]
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Common Marketing Mistakes Contractors Should Avoid At All Costs
Marketing plays a crucial role in the success of any business, and this will be especially true for contractor businesses. Contractors rely heavily on the reputation they build in the community, as word-of-mouth referrals and repeat business are critical to their growth and success. However, in […]
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Demonstrate Your Good Value Over a Competitor's Cheap Quote
As a contractor, what you're selling and providing for your customers is a service, and what consumers expect in return is high quality. The problem is that their vision can become clouded by the allure of a low estimate. It's important to remind potential clients that […]
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How to Use Customer Testimonials and Reviews in Your Contractor Business Marketing
Customer testimonials and reviews are powerful tools for building trust and credibility with potential clients, which is why it's essential to learn how to collect and leverage customer testimonials and reviews in your contractor marketing efforts. Client reviews and testimonials are valuable sources of information for both […]
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The Importance of Reputation Management for Contractor Businesses
Online reputation is critical for professional contractors, which is why it's important to take control with proper management procedures. Reputation management refers to the strategies and practices used to shape, maintain, and enhance a contractor's reputation among its stakeholders, including clients, suppliers, employees, and the general […]
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What Makes Your Business Unique - Discovering & Defining Your USP
One of the most valuable tools for contractor marketing is identifying your USP! A USP, or Unique Selling Proposition, is a marketing concept that refers to the distinct attribute or benefit that a product, service, or brand offers to differentiate itself from its competitors in the […]
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7 Proven & Effective Ways to Improve Online Presence for Your Contractor Business
There's a lot to be said about how you look online, but one thing is for sure, there's no escaping the need for an online presence these days - and there is plenty of it. Established contractors may recall the days when getting the biggest YellowPage […]
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5 Tips for Positive Brand Building for Contractors
Times have changed from the days when a magnetic sign stuck to the door of your work truck was enough to get noticed and generate plenty of local business. Not that there's anything wrong with displaying your logo on your company vehicles; it's still an effective […]
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Successful Ways to Earn Repeat and Referral Business
Every professional has heard the term "feast or famine" regarding the ebb and flow of earning customers and generating revenue. Being your own boss can be exponentially rewarding when things are looking up. The lull in attracting new business is the intimidating part; it can make […]
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Is Your Contractor Marketing Plan Up-to-Date?
When a year is coming to a close, it is time to look back on what you have done marketing wise and plan for the next year. Before looking forward to the next year, do a complete evaluation of your contractor marketing spend to determine what […]
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Spring Marketing for Contractors: Ideas to Go Green and Other Springtime Opportunities
Whether your neck of the woods is starting to warm up or if there's still snow on the ground, it's time to get ready for the warm weather season. So even if it still doesn't feel like Spring, it's important to prepare your Springtime marketing materials […]
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Not Yet Dead: Staying in Touch With Past Customers for Future Business
As a business looking to flourish and grow, you focus on today's customers and tomorrow's prospects. Ignoring your previous successes means potentially losing out on future business. If you're like most contractors and small businesses, you don't think about your customer after they pay the bill. […]
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2021 Google Changes That Impact Contractors
Google has been busy in 2021 - making some rapid-fire changes to the design and function of their search engine result pages and Google My Business. Not every change is earthshattering, but that doesn't mean that they do not have an impact on what your prospective […]
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12 Ways for Contractors to Get More Business
The contractor marketing world hasn't been "if you build it, they will come" in a long time. Gone are the days when you could place the largest phone book ad and then wait for calls to roll in. Let's talk about 12 active steps that contractors […]
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Why Google Reviews Have Become Even More Important
Google Reviews have always been a significant component of your potential "Map Pack" success on a Google search engine results page. The weight that your reviews carry in determining local map listing performance remains the same – but a recent change in how Google Reviews load […]
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Sunk Cost Fallacy: Is Your Website Worth What You Paid for It?
While running a business, you get to learn about the costs of every component of your business and the value of that component. You know your material cost down to a single roofing nail or gallon of cleaning chemical. And you most certainly know the value […]
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Remember You Are Always Repping Your Brand
When you want to establish a brand and business for yourself, your end goal is for people to become familiar with your company, vehicles, logo, and the overall look of your company. It takes time and dedication to gain that notoriety. The flip side is that, as […]
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Contractor Website Do's and Don'ts
For many prospective clients, your website is the first chance you get to impress users and convert lookers into leads. Let's go over a few basic contractor website do's and don'ts to help guide you along your marketing journey. DO Have an experienced professional build your website DO […]
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Getting Your Employees Involved in Growing Your Business
Marketing is never just down to a single person or contact. In fact, when it comes to contractor marketing, collaborative efforts amongst marketing professionals and the staff on-site often create the best results. You don't have to be the business owner/operator or the appointed "marketing" contact to […]
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Contractor Marketing for 2021 - Ideas to Help Contractors
2020 was a difficult year for many contractors. What it takes to run a business today and get enough leads to sustain your self and grow has become harder and harder to manage. Including changes to your business because of COVID-19 and lockdowns, changes in spending […]
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How Pulling the Trigger on Marketing Now Will Save You Money Now and Make You Money Later
Many small business owners are doing what they can to get through today's workload and struggles, so we don't doubt that you may not even be thinking about 2021 yet for your construction or home services business. But small businesses have to stay agile to survive and […]
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Would You Pay $50 a Month for a Nicer Looking GMB Profile?
Google's Local Service Ads (LSAs for short) have been a major consideration from many contractors in service areas where the program was available. From the very beginning, we've suggested that if LSAs were available in your area that you should consider it – at the very […]
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Never Miss a Call From Google My Business Again
For small businesses, answering the phone is one of the easiest and hardest things about the job. If you in the middle of a task or conversation with another customer, it can be difficult to quickly get away and answer your business phone within the first […]
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How to Build Credibility With Social Proof
With a sudden increase in working and learning from home in 2020, combined with many vacation plans put on hold or cancelled, people focused on home improvement projects. According to a study shared by Porch.com in July, 59% of respondents admitted that spending more time inside […]
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Facebook Ads: An Essential Element in Today's Marketing Strategy
While digital marketing is a fast changing world, one traditional marketing concept seems to have remained a fundamental constant – the Rule of Seven. Simply put, prospective customers need to see or hear your message seven times before they trust you. With a busy and competitive […]
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5 Ways a Contractor Company Can Beat the Holiday Marketing Rush
Typically, when I see stores decorating for Christmas in September, I'm conflicted. As a super fan of fall holidays, my mind screams, "let Halloween and Thanksgiving have their moments!" On the flip side, the marketer in me acknowledges their wisdom in preparation. This year, my internal […]
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Six Statistics You Need to Know About Online Reviews
We've talked before about the necessity of online reviews. Each year their weight carries more importance as part of a digital marketing strategy. While historically sellers had a majority of the power in a transaction, the ever expanding role of the internet places more of that […]
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Customer Retention Strategy: A Contractor's Marketing Tool
To become, and stay, a successful business, you need leads and clients. Your sales flywheel should be constantly churning by those in demand for your services and products. It's important to not only attract visitors to your site, but to capture their information and continue the […]
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Building Your Contractor Business With the Right Tech
Technology has gone from helpful additional tool to bare necessity within the blink of an eye. When contractors and home services providers could rely on only word-of-mouth referrals and carbon paper invoices within relatively recent memory, just about all businesses now recognize that having the right […]
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How to Review Your Contractor Marketing Plan and Success
When you're operating a small business, you wear many hats. It's not uncommon for the same person to take care of work on the job site + taxes + marketing + payroll + cleaning out the trucks. We don't want to give you another task to […]
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How Contractors Can Get More Reviews
The overwhelming majority of "marketing" time and effort spent on home service and construction customers is during the very beginning stages of the relationship. Contractors spend lots of time and effort on building up their website, marketing presence, and the paid advertising necessary to funnel prospective […]
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How Smart Technology Can Affect Contractor Leads
As time marches on, technology continues to grow larger and smarter than ever before. Let's take some time to talk about a few "smart" products that are increasingly commonplace and how they can impact your leads and your business. At this point, the majority of adults in […]
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Reviews and Replies: Providing What Your Customers Are Looking for
When we talk about online reviews, most marketing material on the subject matter is focused on how to get those vital testimonials. But getting the review doesn't mean that the job is done. Let's talk about why replying to your reviews – good and bad – […]
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Why You Shouldn't Hire a Web Designer in 2020
A "web designer" is part of an overall marketing plan – but it isn't the end. For contractors and home service providers that don't already have a good grasp on the world of online marketing, the title "web designer" appears to be an all-inclusive answer to […]
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The Machines Are Coming: AI and Google Search for Contractors
Over the last few weeks and months, Google has been making what many consider to be substantial algorithmic changes to organic and local search. Touted as "neural matching," "bidirectional encoder representations from transformers," "natural language processing," or "artificial intelligence" search updates...these big words and high brow concepts […]
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The Right Way to Get More Leads for Contractors
One of the most common questions we get when we start conversations with contractors about new marketing and advertising is "What is the best way to get more leads?" or "What is the right way to get more leads?" Just like most things – there is […]
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Make the Most of Your Downtime
Contractor services that have an off-season present unique challenges, but also bring opportunities. After your peak season ends and you enter the time of year with less business, this is not the time to relax and wait for the customers to return. There are several things […]
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2 Ways You Can Improve Your Online Presence
We see it over and over again here at Footbridge Media. A new client wants to use our services because they need more leads for their business. They had a website built by someone else, but that website is not bringing in new customers. The fact is […]
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The Impact of Missed Calls on Your Business
For most home service contractors, your phone is your lifeline to current and potential customers. Your phone is what brings in business and what helps keep business coming in. However, as we push towards more digital forms of communication like web forms, email, chat, and text […]
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Everything is Marketing for Contractors
Good marketing makes for a successful business... but what is marketing? Is it an ad in the paper? A commercial? A billboard? Is it something you can swing on a shoestring budget, or do you need to spend most of your earnings on nationwide plugs and […]
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Busy Times at Google: De-Index Bug, Lost Data, Google I/O, and More
While we know that the work of online marketing and optimization changes on a near constant basis, the past 60 days in particular have seemed especially hectic and action-packed. Let's go over some of the most newsworthy Google bits and discuss how these latest happenings tie […]
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Would You Pay for Your Google My Business Listing?
A recent survey directed to some local businesses via the Google My Business research team has stirred up some conversation in the online marketing world. The survey – amongst other questions – asks how much you'd be willing to spend to get an "enhanced" Google My […]
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Is Your Website Geek Strong? The Importance of Technical Search Engine Optimization
Maybe it is because we are a little biased, but marketing can absolutely be an exciting and fulfilling endeavor. In the same way you are naturally driven to provide the ultimate in service and your end product for a homeowner's construction or service needs, getting your […]
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Unsolicited Marketing and Optimization Reports
One of the most ironic things about crafting and expanding a marketing presence is that you improve your overall visibility for a bigger audience than your typical prospective client base. As your presence grows, you become an increasingly more prominent target for spam and cold call […]
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First Impressions: The First Five Seconds
Whether you're a young man arriving at a family's doorstep to pick up your date for the Homecoming dance or a HVAC contractor starting seasonal maintenance – you're both in the same boat. Within the first few seconds of seeing you and your marketing, your audience […]
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Four Basic Online Marketing Truths and How to Work Around Them
For as much as we talk about how the world of marketing and search engine optimization change, there are always trends and someone regularly consistency points of information that we can hypothesize are basic core truths and tenets when it comes to promoting a business – […]
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4-Step Contractor Sales Funnel
A sales funnel is basically the buying process a homeowner goes through before they're ready to buy. Even if you haven't thought about it, you probably already have one in place. If you're a plumber that might look like someone finding your site, calling because their […]
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Is Omnichannel Marketing Right for Your Business?
Every once and awhile, new marketing buzzwords get crafted (or old ones get repackaged and revitalized) and seem to spread through the internet like wildfire. The viral nature of these new marketing trends usually comes with confusion over what the terms actually mean – with people […]
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6 Reasons Why Your Marketing Isn't Working
When work is slow and leads aren't rolling in, it's time to re-assess your marketing campaigns. While there is a TON of science and art behind what makes websites perform, marketing work, and people tick, it's worth your time to complete a review of your marketing […]
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Finding the Right Recipe: The Art and Science of SEO
While search engine optimization is just one component of what we do at Footbridge Media, we get lots of questions about how to "best SEO" a site. Some new clients ask we if we can "SEO" their current site and not do any ongoing work. Others […]
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Contractor Reviews: Getting Clients to Commit to Leaving Feedback
Managing your online marketing presence is much more than getting a website up and running. How people talk about you online shapes your business persona; that's why getting clients to commit to contractor reviews should be a major part of your marketing efforts. Good reviews can be […]
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What's the Purpose of Your Website?
Earlier this week, I spoke with a home service professional that is transitioning their side gig into their full-time job – pouring their full efforts into the development of their new business. Our conversation turned to the website, and we discussed the pros and cons of […]
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KonMari Your Marketing: Create a Marketing Plan That Sparks Joy
When we're not expanding marketing presences for contractors, chances are you can find us binging the occasional streaming service. In case you've missed the viral stardom of Marie Kondo – She is an organizing consultant, and her Netflix show demonstrates how she follows specific processes to […]
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When the Job is Done: 6 Marketing Tips for Your Old Client List
The last turn of the wrench and fall of the hammer may mark the end of one transaction, but it's not the end of that client. Even when the job is done, that client remains a wealth of information, referral business, and continuing business. It's important […]
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#TenYearChallenge: Contractor Marketing Changes Over the Last Decade
If you're not one for social media, then you may be missing out on the viral "Ten Year Challenge" stories and images making the rounds. In a nutshell, for the Ten Year Challenge you post an image of yourself from 2008 and from 2018 side-by-side and recognize […]
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The Importance of Being Active in Your Marketing
Our marketing consultants, website managers, and support staff can do quite a bit of the technical and "behind-the-scenes" optimization. From the code to quality user experience, we have that covered. We can add content to your site that, in a generic sense, is relevant to your […]
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People Are Talking About You: Reviews Are a Necessary Evil
There are generally two types of contractors when it comes to talking about online reviews. "I don't feel comfortable asking for reviews... I hate Yelp, so all online reviews are useless Regardless of your team affiliation, it's time to take a step back and look at the big picture. […]
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Contractor Marketing Resolutions for 2019
As the year draws to a close, it again becomes an important time to take a deep breath and review your business successes for the last 365 days. Assuming you have a few minutes to yourself, take stock of your strengths and weaknesses – and identify […]
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How Would Your Mother Search for a Contractor?
Long story short – a family member and I had a conversation about their endeavor to find a contractor. Similar to the "test drive your website" advice that we often dole out, you may find it interesting to see the rhyme and reason behind how your […]
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Four Simple Ways to Get More Out of Your Business Cards
As a small business owner or employee, you should always have a few spare business cards on hand. You never know when you'll have the opportunity to network and promote your services. We can talk about business card marketing from a variety of angles all day long. […]
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On the Cheap: 6 Low Cost Marketing Ideas
Managing the money behind a business is tough. Employees, equipment, and the overhead operational cost of your business has to be met every day before you can pay yourself. So while we know that adding more money to well planned marketing will help to improve your […]
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Google Service Area Business Update: What It Means for Contractors
In October 2018, Google began rolling out changes to some Google Business Listings – mostly affecting Service Area Business industries. If you're reading this, you are very likely an SAB – a "service area business" that completes their work at a client's location instead of transacting […]
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What's the Difference? Leads From Google Ads Versus Facebook Ads
In a recent conversation with a contractor joining our marketing services, we talked at length about the difference in marketing today compared to 5 or 10 years ago. It's a common point of conversation – usually noted with some yearning for the "good ol' days" where […]
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Potential Changes to Google Local: Being Prepared for the Google Mobile Local Carousel
Google is constantly performing algorithm and user experience experiments on all of their products. Sometimes, those alpha and beta programs turn into larger endeavors like the "Local Services by Google" program. Other times, they have promise but ultimately fizzle out like Google Authorship or the recent […]
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Call to Action and Why Your Website Isn't Converting
Marketing companies tend to put a lot of focus on the the path that prospective customers take to get to your website. For some agencies, that is the main (and only) goal – Build campaigns that deliver customers to your web presence. That, however, is only […]
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The Death of Google Plus
While Google's latest social media effort has certainly been on life support for the last few years, the search engine confirmed in early October 2018 that Google Plus is officially "sunsetting" – which is a fancy term for 86'ed. Google Plus will be shut down for good, […]
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Old School Versus New School Marketing for the Construction Industry
Tried and true methods don't always stay so true. Over the last decade plus, the way that companies promote themselves has changed quite a bit. While retro may be in for some, your marketing tactics should not be old school. Let's talk about what we used […]
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Throwing Money Away: Letting Customers Go With No Follow Through
Sometimes it takes being on the other side of the system for you to get some insight onto how to improve a service-based business. I recently had to find a company for air conditioning repair services. I was lucky enough to be referred to a great […]
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Make It Easy to Be Trusted: Demonstrate Social Proof
You have a strange job. When you boil it down, your job is to enter a complete stranger's property and asked to be completely trusted to develop the visual aesthetic or functional well-being of a home or business. It makes sense that your prospective customers are looking […]
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What's in a Name: Personalizing Customer Interactions
"Dear Customer, We value you as a customer and would to extend a personal thank you for signing up for our services." Do you really value me as a customer? If so, you'd think you'd know my name! I received an email similar to this a while ago signing […]
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Contractor Marketing for Small Businesses: David Versus Goliath
Your marketing plan doesn't have to be (and shouldn't be) all about copying your competition. We've talked before about how stealing website design from your competitors doesn't work – but our concerns go far beyond the colors and design elements of your website. Local family owned businesses […]
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Ongoing SEO Maintenance and Online Presence Improvement
There are many small tweaks and scans that need to be run on a website every month to stay up to date with Google's best practices and search engine optimization. At Footbridge Media, we are always on the look out for new trends and information regarding […]
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How Efficient Contractor Communication Can Improve Your Customer Experience
Sometimes our suggestions for contractor marketing and strategy are developed over the course of a few weeks, requiring research and prep time to deliver a good piece of content. And sometimes, they just happen. We talk a lot about "putting yourself in the shoes of your customers"... well, […]
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Maximizing the Clients You Already Have: Building Your Business With Your Current Client List
Sometimes you don't need new leads to generate additional business. If you're like most home service providers and contractors, the communication you have with your customer ends the day the bill is paid. Every customer that is never communicated with again is a lost opportunity. According to […]
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Make It Easy for Customers to Recognize Your Company: Building a Strong Brand
When we talk about branding efforts, some people think of the big leagues – the Google, Kleenex, and Xerox of the world – where their company name has become so completely saturated that we use the company itself as a verb ("Google what Chinese restaurants are […]
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The Time and Place for Tracking Numbers: Don't Hurt Your Local SEO
Tracking numbers are, but no means, a new technology. A tracking number is a "pass through" number – You can dial Phone Number X and it rings through to Phone Number Y. For some, they are a commonly used tactic to help identify and quantify the […]
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Professional Voicemail for Contractors: the Lead Gathering Tool You're Not Using
I can not stress how important a professional voicemail is to gathering leads which turn into jobs! When potential customers call your business, they expect you to answer your phone and to hear confirmation that they have reached the correct establishment. Without that reassurance they are left […]
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Creating a Customer Retention Program for Contractors
If you're like most contractors or home service providers, your #1 in goal for your business (aside from customer satisfaction!) is to acquire more customers. Your business requires that you are constantly intaking more and more customers – so that you can capture the lead and […]
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Marketing for a Contractor Business From Scratch
We talk to contractors with marketing questions who come from a variety of backgrounds. A good portion of those have worked their trade for years as an employee of another company who want to hang their own shingle (roofing pun intended). Many of those same folks […]
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Google Robocall Scams: Hello, This Is Google Calling!
An unfortunate side effect of publishing your business contact information so that prospective clients can get a hold of you is that scammers can more easily get your contact information as well. One of the most common phone calls and emails that we get from clients […]
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Buying Links Still Won't Work
In the many discussions I have with current and prospective clients, one common topic of conversation is the sheer amount of marketing crap that people try to sell to contractors and small business owners. Domain registration scams, buying links, buying social media likes, fake reviews and all […]
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Dealing With Customer Complaints on Social Media
Growing up, I remember times when family members were complaining about businesses. Whether they were a local business or a national conglomerate – I distinctly remember them saying, "I'm going to have to write them a letter about this!" Those days are long gone. Thanks to the […]
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Pretty Websites and Why They Don't Really Work
We're not saying that pretty websites are bad. The website for your business should be visually appealing, it needs to provide a quality user experience and a good looking site is a major part of that no matter what industry you're in. What we're saying is that […]
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Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Those Perfect Project Photos
Whether you are a remodeling contractor or a roofing contractor or anything in between, everyone knows that the photos of projects are what sell your services. It is literally proof of what you can do. It builds potential customer confidence in what they can expect to […]
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From Carrot to Stick: Another Reason to Have a Secure Website
From carrot to stick, Google Chrome – arguably the most popular desktop and phone web browser – has made additional changes to how domain names are presented in the address bar. We've talked a lot about why SSL is important for all websites, even if you are […]
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How EDDM Postcards Can Grow Your Business
If you have looked into direct mail marketing at all then you have probably heard of EDDM (Every Door Direct Mail) Marketing. Let's talk about how EDDM postcards can grow your business by reviewing some things you may not know about it and how it can […]
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The Beauty of Automated Review Management
Customers are getting smarter about local business decisions. Everything a business says or does is out there on the web. Instead of a private word-of-mouth referral, your online reviews are a public forum for customers to voice their satisfaction (or displeasure) in having worked with you […]
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How to Handle It When the Job Goes Bad
Nobody is perfect. People can make mistakes. Vendors can have shipping problems. Equipment can be defective. But that doesn't mean that a negatively impacted customer would have a hard time figuring out who to blame. Because this is something that will eventually happen in any business in […]
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Why Every Contractor Needs a Facebook
Facebook has grown into a massive marketing tool allowing you to reach 1,500,000,000 potential customers with the flick of your wrist for free! Learn why it is such an essential tool that all successful contractors utilize. More than 1.5 Billion people are active on Facebook every single […]
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Building Brand Trust
As a home services or construction professional, you put your customers into an awkward situation every day. Whether it is someone's home or business, your job is usually to access someone's property and invade personal or work space. In most cases, they don't know you from […]
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Spring Cleaning and Your Company Listings: Better Local Optimization
Everything can benefit from a good Spring cleaning, and that includes your online marketing methods. The condition of your web citations and company listings should be a big part of that marketing clean-up. Without properly managed company listings, your website's local optimization and local online marketing […]
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Turning the Camera Around: Share Your Business Story
When most contractors think about content, they think about showing off their work products – finished paint jobs, fresh new roofs, pristine remodels, and the like. And while that is a primary concern of your potential customers, there is another type of content that you should […]
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The Benefits of Having Your Own Home Improvement Blog
The ease of use on the internet has come a long way – from both the perspective of the reading audience and the content creators. Originally called a weblog – then web log – now simply "blog" – with the right tools and marketing assistance it […]
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Google's Mobile First Indexing: Another Reason Why Mobile Friendly Website Design is Important
If you are one of the few holdouts, here is another reason to bite the bullet and go mobile friendly – Google is officially rolling out the mobile-first index more broadly. From day one at Google and all major search engines – the "desktop" view reigned supreme. […]
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Why No One Indicator Can Ensure Your Contractor Marketing Success
As a contractor marketing company focused on your marketing success, we get some of the same questions on a regular basis. Lots of those trend around how quickly a contractor can get results with Program X, Y, or Z. Marketing services are both a science and an […]
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Five Things You Can Do TODAY to Improve Your Local Map Pack Optimization
Google My Business has become a very complicated thing. Once just a simple business listing, it has evolved to have its own set of tools that you can use to promote your business. Local Map Pack optimization is an industry in and of itself. There are […]
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Bright Idea: Answering Common Questions to Build Your Online Marketing
Anyone who has been paying attention to the SEO world in the past 5 years has heard "Content Is King" more times than they can count. Because of this, the team here at Footbridge Media often are on the receiving end of questions from our clients. […]
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Seasonal Contractor Marketing: Identify, Prepare, and Launch
With a few exceptions, every business has their "seasons" that they must contend with. When done right – with the help of some seasonal contractor marketing efforts, you can start to fill up your schedule earlier and have great top-of-mind awareness for the busiest times of […]
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Capturing Content That Will Sell for Years to Come
In the back of your mind, you should always be thinking about how you can generate unique content for your business and your contractor marketing needs. Quality content can take a good amount of time and effort to create, so maximizing that value is important. Some content […]
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4 Reasons Why Your Marketing Plan is Failing
No business is identical and thus not every business plan is identical, nor can the exact methods for creating a successful business. But we can distill some very basic marketing lessons that we can broadly apply to just about any marketing plan. With that in mind, […]
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Cleaning Up Your Marketing Clutter: Streamline Your Self
A lot of marketing has to do with maximizing your exposure. But, if your business doesn't have the appropriate team or proper skill set, you could be spreading yourself too thin. Sometimes, cleaning up your marketing clutter and streamlining your most effective marketing channels can be […]
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Spectacular Views: 9 Ideas for Capturing Unique Pictures for Contractor Marketing
You don't have to be a professional photographer to get good pictures of your home services product (though it helps!). With a little technical know-how and some inexpensive tools, you can up your photography game and take better pictures of your home improvement work. Let's go […]
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Live Chat: Another Way to Communicate With Clients
Too often, we forget to think about how the preferences of our potential clients. Whether you're crafting a website, preparing print products, or reaching out for reviews – catering to your potential clients and their needs will improve your response rate. Let's talk about Live Chat […]
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Google's Speed Update - Why Your Mobile Website Speed Matters
Sometimes it is difficult to stay ahead of the trends and have an eye to the marketing horizon. Other times, the breadcrumbs are there for all to see. Google's latest Webmaster Central blog post announced another inevitable modification to Google's search algorithm – starting in July […]
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Why There is No Such Thing as Being Too Busy in the Business World
How do you introduce yourself to a new person? Do you say "I'm a plumber" or "I own/operate a plumber company"? Because there is a difference. Everyone you ever meet is always too busy. We all fall into the same trap, myself included, of losing sight of […]
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New Year's Resolutions and Marketing for 2018
As 2017 comes to a close and you look forward to 2018, take some time to give your online marketing a once over. What worked this year? What didn't? Let's talk about some suggested new year's resolutions and marketing plans for 2018. It's been talked about a […]
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Benefiting From Co-Op Marketing
Some vendor affiliations and business partnerships may have hidden benefits that you're not taking advantage of. If you work directly with a specific material or equipment manufacturer, you may be missing out on some co-op marketing dollars – which means you're losing out on the opportunity […]
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The Twelve Days of Contractor Marketing
It's the Holidays, and many businesses are reflecting on their previous year's victories and planning for their next year's success. While everyone is preparing their year-end checklists (and perhaps checking them twice!), let's go over our suggested Twelve Days of Contractor Marketing. The Twelve Days of Contractor […]
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Google Local Services and Voice Search - A Powerful Combination
Two of the biggest "up-and-comers" for Google and marketing professionals have been 1) Google Local Services (recently rebranded from their original name "Google Home Service Ads") and 2) major improvements to additional opportunities for searching via voice. Now – those two big marketing news stories overlap. […]
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7 Digital Marketing Trends Every Contractor Should Be Aware of in 2018
With the end of the year fast approaching, many contractors take the holiday time to recoup, regroup and evaluate how their past year was successful and what things they need to do to continue to grow their company. As a marketing agency focusing on contractors and the […]
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Constantly Building and Growing Your Marketing
All of us understand the importance of continual education and constantly improving your skills as related to the technical performance of your business. Most of us understand the need to maintain and upgrade the physical equipment and tools of the trade that are used in your […]
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Why Customer Reviews Matter
Most small businesses understand that customer reviews are a major component of maintaining an online marketing presence and getting new customers. The 2017 BrightLocal Survey helps to put some good math and hard numbers behind this – which helps us to make better decisions and remind […]
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How Reviews and Individual Project Posts May Affect SEO in 2018
In the past year we have gone over the importance of generating online reviews in 2018, why you should get reviews, how to handle bad reviews and we even now provide your own review management system. Online reviews are not only important for your digital marketing presence, […]
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Google is Forcing Contractors to Have SSL Certificates on Their Websites
Google is making changes which make it better for the actual user. Google is trying to create more security for its users, by changing not only the requirements for websites, but also including these requests into its own search algorithm. In a nutshell what Google is […]
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5 Tips to Get Your Holiday Marketing Ready Ahead of Time
If you're like most of us, you simply cannot stand that holiday displays come out earlier every year. But there is a reason why stores sell Christmas trees in September – It is important to get your efforts out ahead of the game. Even though there […]
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Contractor Call-Only PPC: Is It Right for Your Business?
Even if you haven't run your own paid online marketing in the past, you're likely aware of common "PayPerClick" elements – like banner ads on website and text ads in search results. You may even know a little bit about those retargeting ads that follow you […]
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What Really is the Value of Your Old Contractor Website?
Part of our full service online marketing includes a new contractor website build from the ground up. For new companies, that means a totally new domain name, writing, and photography is required. For companies that already have a contractor website, the idea of getting a new […]
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5 Things Your Contractor Website Gets Wrong
Your contractor website is made up of many moving pieces. Any web company can throw up a site for you – but it takes some critical thinking and online marketing expertise to ensure your website is converting prospective users into leads and clients. Let's go over […]
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10 Requirements for Every Contractor Postcard Marketing Design
The postcard has taken on new prominence as a kind of "anti-internet" agent. Homeowners are paying more attention than ever to postcards they receive in the mail, and are responding to offers at high rates. 87% of mail recipients claim to at least scan postcards that they […]
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Seven Ways to Implement Multi-Touch Marketing
Marketing is a constant endeavor. It's not just about getting in front of new people – it's about getting in front of the people repeatedly. Multi-Touch Marketing is about presenting your company's image and selling the benefits of using your business to prospective customers multiple times. The […]
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You're in the Marketing Business, Whether You Like It or Not
Running a small business means you have to wear a lot of hats. If you are a sole proprietor or the owner/operator of a small crew, that means you have to do it all. Billing and payroll, training, supply orders, the whole nine yards. And that […]
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DIY Contractor Marketing: Should You Do It?
I'm sure that a fair share of your emergency service calls start with "I found how to do this on YouTube, but then something went wrong." While DIY's gone wrong are great for your business, in the end – your client is taking a small scale […]
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Managing Your Business Social Media Presence: Personal and Work Activity
Thanks to the internet, anything you or your business ever does now has the potential to live forever. Managing your business social media presence means keeping a hold on your personal and business social accounts. It doesn't matter if you think you deleted it; it's likely […]
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Mobile Devices and Marketing: Market Your Business Using Your Smartphone
With the ever increasing presence of smartphones in the hands of potential clients and contractors like yourself, are you taking full advantage of mobile technology? Let's discuss a few ways you can best market your business using your smartphone. While cellphone cameras, even just a few years […]
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Make It Easy to Remember Your Name, Not Just Your Company
When people really get excited about working with a company, they usually aren't preoccupied with your company name. Think about it yourself – when is the last time you had really good service anywhere – in a store, a restaurant, or by a service provider. It […]
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SEO Terminology and Basic Concepts to Better Understand Your Web Marketing
I certainly do not envy the amount of cold calls and marketing emails a small business owner receives. It's a lot to digest. No later than one day after I signed up for my first domain name, I was bombarded with emails and phone calls offering […]
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Is Your Website Ready for Facebook Link Preview Changes?
With so many big platforms in the world of online marketing, you need to stay current with all the players in motion. We talk a lot about Google here – but today we're taking a break from that search engine Goliath to talk about another so-big-you-can't-ignore-it […]
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Business Communication Do's and Don'ts – Sent From My iPhone
One of the most important aspects of any business is maintaining positive relationships with clients. Operating with consistency and communicating effectively will yield a better experience for your customers. So, from time to time, it's a good idea to put yourself in the customer's shoes to […]
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16 Do’s and Don’ts of Email Etiquette
One of the quickest ways to lose a potential or current customer who has contacted you through email, or you contact through email is to use bad email etiquette. It is very easy to leave an unprofessional perception of you and your company simply by the […]
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Recent Developments at Google That May Affect Your Contractor Business
Google has been busy! Whether it is growing projects like Google Home Services Ads or new developments like Google Jobs and Google Posts – Let's chat about a few recent developments and expansions from the world of Google – and what that means for you, your […]
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Too Busy to Market? Wrong!
If you are too busy to market and you want to grow your company, you are doing it wrong. Even in busy times, marketing and maintaining your business is incredibly important. Reeling in your marketing efforts when you are on top means that you won't stay […]
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5 Things You'll Find on Every Successful Contractor Website
Your website is your 24/7 salesperson. It never eats, it never sleeps; it is always there to represent you and your business, but is it doing a good enough job? Users on the web are constantly inundated with advertising. They know when they are being sold […]
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4 Steps to Setting Proper Expectations
Setting proper expectations is one of the best ways to avoid ill-will between you and a client. Bending the expectation into something you think the client wants to hear, but is not realistic, or simply setting a false expectation to get the job, can cause grave […]
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Contractor Social Media Marketing: Do's and Don'ts
Social media has become more important to the daily marketing routines and regular client interactions of businesses large and small. As far as contractor social media marketing is concerned – let's go over what you should (and should not!) be doing when representing your company online. Post […]
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Website Propagation Explained
You're excited about your new website going live, and today is supposed to be the day it launches. You wait around...but nothing happens. You still see your old site. What gives? At this point you may call or email us asking what the problem may be. […]
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Make It Easy to Review Your Business: Capturing Good (and Bad) Comments
The opinions that your customers express on the world wide web are potent, and the internet is ripe with opportunities for clients to review your business. The wrong review in the right place can cut down a small company. The right review can greatly improve your […]
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Time or Money: What Currency Are You Spending on Your Business
All businesses must exert their resources every day to continue to operate and grow. When you think about your spending on your business, consider both your wallet and your watch before you make your decision. Most contractor start-ups are not funded by venture capitalists, so how you […]
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Mobile First: the Growing on the Go Search Market
The on-the-go search market continues to grow – Google has acknowledged that over 50% of search queries around the world happen via a mobile device. If your website doesn't work for mobile users, it means your website doesn't work well for the majority of internet users. […]
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A Call to Arms: Why You Should Call Your Customers
Customer service is about making connections. The business to customer bond can't be instantly created. Sometimes, a strong connection can be forged when a business goes above and beyond to satisfy a previously disgruntled customer. A feeling of trust can be instilled when businesses honestly take […]
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6 Productivity Hacks: Some Simple Ways to Squeeze a Bit More Time Into Your Business
Running a small business means that you are constantly juggling your work and personal life responsibilities. Especially difficult when operating a small business is being able to take care of today's tasks at hand while also looking out for the future growth of your business. Let's […]
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Keeping an Eye on the Competition
First – A Disclaimer. "Keeping An Eye On The Competition" doesn't mean you should copycat your client's every move. We've discussed before that ripping off your competitor's designs doesn't equate to inheriting their success. Overall – to do well requires that you be more proactive and […]
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Three Reasons Why Contractors Should Get Reviews + How to Do It
Why is it important that contractors get Google reviews after every job? Ask yourself this question, "When I search for products or services, do I look for reviews to help me make my decision?". For most people the answer to that question is a resounding YES. […]
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SEO Spam Emails: Misleading Reports Sent by Salespeople
One of the things that is most upsetting to both online marketing companies and – well, pretty much anyone who has ever operated a website – is the amount of SEO spam emails you receive that come from "SEO Companies" trying to "fix your website". Unless […]
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Taking Pictures of Your Work - Capitalizing on Contracting Jobs
When you're at a customer's home or business, you're there to do work – not a photo shoot. But, taking pictures of your work and documenting what you do for each job is essential if you want to market your business online. It signals Google that your […]
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Maintain Customer Relationships with 4 Simple Tactics
If you've run a business for any length of time, you know that finding new customers is difficult. New customer acquisition is more expensive and time-consuming than customer retention. It would make sense, then, to maximize your exposure and try to maintain customer relationships. Unfortunately, we […]
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Getting to Your Site is Only the First Step: How Do I Get My Website to Convert
Search engine optimization, pay per click campaigns, social media, email marketing, and print materials can all get prospective clients to your website – but what they do when they get there is a whole other story. Improving your website conversion means having to consider many onsite […]
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Why You Should Have a Monthly Contractor Email Newsletter
A great marketing tool our clients tend to overlook is our monthly contractor email newsletter. It's one of those "goldilocks" of marketing – it's not too overbearing and it's not too expensive. It's just the right amount of regular communication with your customer base that keeps […]
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How Do I Get My Contractor Business on the First Page of Google?
"How do I get my contractor business on the first page of Google?" – We get asked this question a lot. The answer is really simple; it takes hard work and cooperation among a group of experienced people with purposefully and uniquely varied skill sets. Can anybody […]
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Why Running a Contractor Business is Different From Working a Job
If you are your own boss in the construction industry, you likely started off in the field, worked your way up, and one day decided to hang your own shingle (roofing pun intended). Whether you've operated your own company for 10 years or 10 minutes, it […]
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Love Your Business - Valentine's Day Contractor Marketing
When you are looking ahead and crafting your business marketing plan, it is important to keep seasons and themes in mind. Equally important – it's vital to stay in front of those timely marketing pieces, so that you will be ready to strike at the appropriate […]
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Contractor Marketing New Year’s Resolutions for 2017
The new year is quickly approaching, and many companies are rethinking their contractor marketing strategies. Are you? While the holiday season is winding down, people everywhere are thinking about 2017. And what is one of the most commonly practiced ways to ring in the new year? Sure, […]
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Naughty and Nice List: Where Do Your Contractor Marketing Efforts Fall?
Are you on Santa's naughty list when it comes to contractor marketing and SEO? While Santa probably doesn't care what you're doing with your marketing plan this year, search engines like Google certainly do. While you're enjoying the holiday cheer, be sure to take a moment […]
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9 Things to Do With the Phone Book You Just Got
Well it is that time of the year where homeowners and businesses receive one of the largest paperweights delivered straight to their door. At Footbridge Media, our postman actually offered us two if we wanted them. Reluctantly, we had to take the one. As a digital marketing […]
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Give Your Clients a Reason to Shop With You on Black Friday
Black Friday is quickly approaching, and people everywhere will be going into a shopping frenzy. Take a hint from the biggest retail marketing day of the year by providing your clients with some Black Friday specials. As soon as Thanksgiving Day is over, many people are looking […]
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The Handy Guide to the Contractor Selfie
In a world dominated by Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook (and probably some other new social media platform start-up that's gained popularity since you've started reading this blog post) – you can't not know what a selfie is. While the contractor selfie hashtag is seldom used […]
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6 Factors that Contribute to Effective Websites
There is a huge difference between having a website that's just floating out there in the world wide web and creating an effective website that serves your marketing strategy. While there are countless variables that can go into building a website, we've boiled it down to […]
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When Preferences Become Marketing Faux Pas
So, you're paying for a website. You want to get the most out of it, right? Plus, you want it to be YOUR website. You have specific ideas in mind from the color scheme to the images and words on each page. And let's face it […]
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5 Reasons Every Contractor Should Send Out Holiday Cards
It is almost that time of year as the holiday season will be here before you know it. After all, marketing to our clients is our core importance in business throughout the year. Touching base with your client base on a regular basis is much better […]
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5 Reasons Business Owners Should Not Use Personal Emails
Many Americans today have their own email accounts, maybe even two or three different accounts. So, why does it matter if you use your personal email to conduct your business? One of the biggest problems with the internet today is anonymity. Anyone can create an email […]
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3 Reasons Every Contractor Should Be Using Email Marketing
Email is an effective way for home improvement contractors to keep in touch with customers and bring in new business. It is a cost-effective solution that gives contractors the power to reach customers in a place most people visit every day – their email. For as long […]
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Contractor Website Design Tip - Choosing Service Areas
When planning your website and marketing strategy, determining your service area is a crucial aspect of this process. Where do you want to focus your business? Where are your clients located? What areas would you like to target to get more customers? Some of our clients want […]
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Better Marketing with Website Photos and Galleries
One of the easiest ways to help your online marketing efforts is to showcase your work through photos. While content is crucial when it comes to search engine optimization, images also play a big part in boosting your ranking. More than that, having the right amount […]
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Enhance Your Online Marketing With Social Media
There are many different ways of promoting your home improvement business to potential clients. Newspaper ads, radio promotions, and television commercials are some of the popular choices. But promoting your business thru these lines of media can cost a great deal of money. Being a small […]
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Contractor Marketing on a Busy Schedule
Marketing efforts are never about one company or one person doing all of the heavy lifting. There is only so much you can do without "boots on the ground" to mine for completely unique, always fresh content. That's why we ask our clients to help us […]
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How Contractors Should NOT Market Specialized Services
You are an expert in your trade, so you probably offer a variety of specialized services. These services may seem like second nature to you, but to the layperson, the terms may be foreign and confusing. Not to mention, it's hard to search for something online if […]
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Domain Name Renewal Scams
Frequently we get phone calls from clients in our contractor marketing program saying they received a noticed either by mail or email warning them that their domain name is about to expire, and included with the mail is an invoice promising renewal upon payment. They want […]
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How to Deal with Bad Reviews in 7 Steps
The old adage is when you do a good job and make a client happy, the client rarely spreads the word. However, if you have had the unfortunate opportunity of dealing with an unhappy client, whether justified or not, they will tell their family, friends, coworkers […]
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Unique Content with Individual Project Posts
As we've recently discussed, Individual Project Posts are a create way to generate unique content. For readers that are not familiar with the concept, IPPs are based on information you provide to us about a specific service call or project you've completed. We use this information […]
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How Your Awards Are Stealing Your Potential Customers
Well it is that time of the year again - it's the time that all of our support team gets bombarded with badges and awards that our clients receive from the large lead providers. When you receive these badges which are presented in javascript, you will see […]
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The Fastest Way to Generate Unique, Relevant Content for Your Contractor Website
Ever since search engine optimization began (many, many years ago) content has always been the #1 reason for successful optimization. Yet, with running a home improvement business, there is little or no time to come up with unique and relevant content that helps your visitors and […]
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2016: 3 Things Every Contractor Should Be Doing!
Every year you read articles and blog posts about what to do to increase your marketing for that year or to get more leads. When it comes to online marketing there are only three things that matter, and they do not change year to year. Listed […]
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Contractor Storytelling: What Makes You Different From Everyone Else?
Everyone has a story. What's yours? At this point, we know content is important for web sites and social media accounts alike – But no heaping pile of data can sway someone like a good story. Contractor storytelling, or crafting the story behind your company, can make […]
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5 Ways to Get More Out of Your Contractor Facebook Page
As a social media manager for Footbridge Media, I am constantly asked about easy tips and tricks for success as a contractor on Facebook. While the actual formula is somewhat hard to pin down, there are things that every home improvement contractor should be doing with […]
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Google Gets Serious on Mobile Friendly Sites
Google's PageSpeed tester has changed over the past few months, hinting that the search engine giant was taking a harder look at your web site's mobile usability. Over the past week, the company has turned up the heat on sites that are not mobile-friendly. Emails have […]
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2015 Marketing Resolutions for Contractors
It's that time of year again. As we wave goodbye to 2014, let's take a moment to think about your 2015 marketing resolutions and the simple things you can do in the new year to help your business to grow. Social media is clearly not a passing […]
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3 Business Lessons Learned While Trying to Shop for the Holidays
On top of running your business, you've got to find the spare time to run out to prepare for upcoming holiday parties and festivities. Perhaps to try to calm my nerves after dealing with people who suddenly forget how to drive when they enter the mall […]
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Make It Easy: Easy to Use Contractor Websites
Many factors that go into the structure and optimization of websites are behind the scenes. Rich snippet data, proper image format and compression, and minified data files are all factors that help to improve the rank of your web site, but that users will never have […]
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End of the Year Marketing for Contractors
You're in the home stretch to the end of the year. Now is a great time to review (or create!) your contractor marketing plan. By taking small steps and preparing now, you'll be able to enter the new year strong, with a clear mission on day […]
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KISS Your Contractor Marketing Brand
Your brand, or the overall look and feel of your company, is important to retain top-of-mind awareness, even for smaller companies. By keeping your contractor marketing brand message simple, your message is more memorable and effective. WARNING: For existing companies, changing your branding shouldn't be taken lightly […]
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Big Data and Contractors: Are You Ready?
Powerhouse organizations, like Amazon, have been using customer metrics and data banks of information to customize user services, identify trends, and maximize profits. One company – BuildZoom – is taking big data and contractors to the next level, and you should be concerned if you haven't […]
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Make It Easy to Contact You: 5 Tips for Better Client Contractor Communication
You invest your time and money into marketing efforts, online and offline, so it's important to make sure you're getting the best value for your advertising dollar. From business cards to billboards, all of your marketing efforts should drive two basic messages to your customers: 1) […]
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7 Reasons Why You Should Be Emailing Your Clients
If you aren't emailing your customers, you will lose them to your competitors eventually. I know that is a bold statement, but I cannot stress it enough. I also understand why you might disagree. If you provide stellar customer service, quality craftsmanship and build a reputation […]
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Feedback Collection Made Easy for Contractors
More feedback, leads to more positive reviews, leads to more referrals... As the importance of testimonials and reviews grow in both for your marketing as well as local optimization, getting those feedback reviews can be cumbersome. In this blog we have written a detailed plan that any […]
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It's Time for Fall HVAC Tune-Up Cards
Now is the perfect time to get your fall marketing plan in place – It's a great time to remind your previous customers and potential new clients about the importance of seasonal heating system maintenance. It may feel early, but remember that preparation is the key […]
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6 Contractor Marketing Web Design Mistakes
Your website's content is carefully planned out, created with useful information that will appeal to people and search engines alike. But getting clients to your site is just the first step. When prospective customers get to your page, it is important to deliver a visually appealing […]
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Make It Easy to Understand: Customer Education is Important
Generally speaking, most of your clients are unaccustomed to your industry. All they know is that they want a new kitchen or that they need a new roof. They're unaware of their roof pitch, local building code, and permit requirements. As a contractor working with the […]
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Tolerating Contractors: Making Sure Clients Love Your Work AND Your Customer Service
Clients love what you do, but they don't love you. They appreciate the quality, the price, and speed of your service, but they just don't like you or your company's attitude. Clients that like your work but only tolerate your lack of friendliness or professionalism keep […]
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Make It Easy: Capturing Payments and Reducing Customer Frustration
After you work so hard to get clients to select your services out of the many contractors available to them on the market, it's important to not drop the ball anywhere in the customer experience and sales process. One simple pitfall can aggravate your customer and […]
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NAP Consistency - How It Affects Your Local SEO
Has your business ever changed its address or phone number? Your web site ranking may suffer if your NAP doesn't match. We've talked at length about the importance of your NAP (Name, Address, and Phone Number) and your onsite and offsite optimization. If you don't have […]
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Apple's WWDC 2014 and What It Means for Your Marketing
This week's WWDC was full of new software previews for Apple fans. Including presentations to appeal to basic users as well as techies, there's a lot of new information about Apple's updated computer operating system (OS X Yosemite) and device operating system (iOS8) – But what […]
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The Power of Conversation: A Simple Offline Marketing Tactic
A few months ago, my wife and I stopped off for lunch at a little shop in Pensacola, Florida near the Footbridge Media offices. The cafe's owner is very active in his business, from cooking in the back to glad-handing in the front of the house. OWNER: […]
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Asheville Plumber Uses Facebook and Charity to Generate Leads
Attaining Facebook likes is no easy proposition, but in light of the fact that Facebook now shows business page posts to an average of only 2% of existing fans, increasing the number of likes is essential in ensuring a sizeable audience giving you a greater chance […]
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Making Home Show Marketing Work for You
In the construction and home improvement market, competition is heavy. As you and your rival contractors fight through the noise to reach your audience, you'll probably find yourself looking at whatever means is affordable to construct a marketing plan. One shimmering beacon of hope is the […]
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Making Facebook Work for Your Business
So you have a Facebook page, some likes, you post here and there, but you just aren't sure how to get traction with your audience to gain more fans and engagement. This pivotal point is where many businesses give up, leaving their Facebook page to "die". […]
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Are Your Contracting Skills Hurting Your Marketing?
One of the interesting "side effects" of becoming a contractor is that you learn how to do so many things with your hands. All too often you don't just learn how to install flooring and then stop there. At some point you pick up how to […]
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Spring is Here: Seasonal Marketing for HVAC and Lawn Care Contractors
Today officially marks the first day of Spring. That means your potential clients will be thinking of warmer thoughts, so it's time to shift your marketing plans. This year's late snow season has bought you a little extra time to plan for the season ahead. It's a […]
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The Process: How We Build Your Website
We usually get quite a few questions from prospective and new customers about our general practices and how we do what we do. After your order is submitted, a variety of tasks are put into motion, including the assignment of your marketing manager, creation of visual […]
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What is in a Name? Address? Phone Number?
Thinking about changing your company name? Have you recently moved and now need to update your website? Thinking about adding a tracking number to help you track leads? Well take a step back and be really, really careful about what you are changing. NAP stands for […]
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Is Blogging Important for Home Improvement Contractors?
Home improvement contractors have a lot on their plates day to day. Between servicing existing customers, building new clientele, cultivating a referral base and many other aspects of growing a business, it's amazing there is still time for actual work. During those precious moments at the […]
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Facebook Page Changes: What These News Feed Tweaks Mean to You
On Tuesday, Facebook announced further changes to the news feed algorithm and who sees what. After determining that users react more positively to friend text updates than page text updates, this algorithm change will display more text updates from friends and display less text updates from […]
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Building Up Your Presence on Pinterest and Boosting Marketing Efforts
Pinterest offers contractors a great outlet for getting more exposure to their portfolio and website. But how do you keep your pins from getting lost in millions of pins being shared day in and day out? Start with great photos and keyword-focused descriptions for your pins. […]
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2014: Marketing Resolutions for the New Year
It's that time of year again. Time to take a look back at 2013, review your victories and losses, and regroup for an even better year. On behalf all the entire team here at Footbridge Media, we wish you a successful 2014 and a happy New […]
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4 Reasons Contractors Should Be Using Social Media
I know many home improvement contractors wish to go back to the day where buying the largest ad in the yellow pages was enough to keep their lead flow going. But the days of spending more money to generate more leads is over. With the aggregation of […]
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Pinterest and Interior Design: Tips for Remodeling Contractors
Pinterest is a great social media tool for remodeling contractors looking to reach a wider audience and make a solid representation of their brand in the vast sea of home improvement and interior design resources on the internet. This is highly due to the nature of […]
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Stealing Ideas: Why You Don’t Need to Look Like Your Competitor
"Can we use the same pictures that they used?" "XXX Plumbing services the same area and they've got lots of business, so I'd like to copy their web site" "They seem to be pretty busy, so I think we should use dark green like they do" No. No. and […]
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4 Things You Are Doing Wrong With Your Website
We have written many times on what client's should do to maximize their online presence. It always amazes me on how many clients simply ignore our advice. With the constant changes in Google' algorithm, including their most recent Hummingbird change, there are certain things that every […]
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Fall is Here and New HVAC Tune-Up Cards Are Available
Sending out tune up reminder cards before the winter season is a good tool to generate service calls and remind homeowners about their heating or furnace system. Footbridge Media is now offering a HVAC Tune Up Special. Remember that all postcards are custom designed and do not […]
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Summer is Over - Get Ready for More Marketing
Summer is over. Autumn is in the air. The kids are back at school, and some of your larger projects are ending and air conditioning begins swinging towards heating season. September always brings in the beginning of a setting up your end of the year marketing […]
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Presentation Folders: Are You Leaving Them Behind?
Regardless if you are on a service call, or giving an estimate or consultation, what are you leaving behind when you walk out the door? This article will give you a laundry list of ideas and marketing potential of excellent leave-behinds that you can use for […]
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Are You Using Referral Cards?
Every home improvement contractor knows that referrals are simply the best way to expose your business to even more customers. Referrals that come from loyal customers are highly recommended, as it is usually easier to make homeowners trust your work and services when a friend recommends […]
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Email Marketing Tips for Contractors
As more of our clients are using our email marketing service, I just wanted to provide some tips to help increase your lead flow. Our designers work to customize a solution but your input is beneficial to the success of the service and will lead to […]
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What Are You Doing to Generate Referrals?
Like customer reviews and testimonials, home improvement contractors live and die on referrals. If you ask contractors on how they generate leads, a majority of them would say "referrals". But what are they doing to generate them? The problem, however, is most home improvement contractors leave […]
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It's Summertime! Have You Increased Your Marketing?
It is that time of year, and you can't find enough skilled labor to build what you've already sold, and you've got several bids aging on your desk. So, why in the world should you think about spending time and money on marketing? The answer is simple! […]
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Six Content Marketing Ideas for Contractors
When it comes to your website content is important. As Footbridge Media focuses on the optimization of your website, it is important to provide information that the client is looking for and will convert potential website visitors to leads. It is beneficial that the following six […]
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Be Wary of Lead Service Awards
Recently I read an article about lead companies hijacking contractor's websites and selling leads to other contractors. This reminded me of the Footbridge Media support department and when they get bombarded with a specific request. Every six months or so our client service department gets overloaded with […]
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#Hashtag: Facebook Hashtags and Hashtagging 101
Facebook recently announced official hashtag support, with clickable hashtags and new hashtag feeds. With all major social media networks now utilizing hashtags, hashtag marketing can take deeper roots. The company says that it will "continue to roll out more features in the coming weeks and months, including […]
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Be Like Levi: The Most Important Marketing Tool I Have Learned From My Dog
There are times in your day where you deal with clients that try to make your day miserable. They do things like: Asking if they can use their 10% off coupon after a project is completed Changing colors on a room in the middle of a painting project Offering […]
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Another Google Penguin Update Has Arrived
Google launched the Penguin Update in April 2012 to better catch sites deemed to be spamming its search results; in particular those doing so by buying links or obtaining them through link networks designed primarily to boost Google rankings. The Penguin update is a combination of […]
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5 Mistakes Contractors Make With Direct Mail Marketing
When it comes to direct mail marketing, contractors make some fundamental mistakes, regardless if it is a flyer, door hanger, or postcard. Direct Mail Marketing can be very expensive in regards to marketing returns (1-2% is a positive return). So, it is imperative that each marketing […]
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Google I/O 2013, New Google Products and Features, What It Means for Contractor Marketing
There were lots of new fun tools and products that were unveiled during the Google I/O 2013 keynote, like Google Play Music All Access and development in game play services. Let's take some time to filter through the three and a half hours of keynote content […]
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About Brand Identity
Let's talk about Brand Identity and and what that should mean to you, your company, and your marketing campaigns. On the most basic level, brand identity consists of your name, logo, tagline, and color scheme. These visual design elements are what make your company's overall image […]
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Get Access to Business Tools on Pinterest
I've written about best practices for business to use on Pinterest, and now it seems that the image focused website is starting to give businesses more attention. Pinterest has announced that they are starting to roll out a new look, and some business tools for those […]
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NEW SERVICE: Email Marketing for Contractors
When it comes to staying in front of your clients and potential customers, email marketing is one of the most affordable ways to maintain a "Top of the Mind Awareness". The key to email marketing success is that it keeps your name in front of your customers […]
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Marketing Tips for 2013
As we tick down the last moments of 2012, I'd like to take a moment on behalf of all of us at Footbridge Media to wish you a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2013! We've put together a few tips that can help your business to continue […]
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Asking for the Review: Tips and Tricks
You are an expert with a hammer, a painting pro, or a renovation renaissance man. You're fearless when it comes to your work, why not be fearless when it comes to your reviews? At first, it may feel awkward to ask a client for a review for […]
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Mobile Devices and Marketing - Using Your Client’s Mobile Device
There are so many ways to use your client's mobile devices in your marketing efforts, and if you're not utilizing any of these ideas, you need to be. As smartphones get smarter, they begin to unlock interesting, new ways for people to access information. A great […]
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Project Photos That Should NEVER Be Used
Don't waste your time taking project photos that will either never be used by a sensible designer or at the least never should be used. It's not so much that project photos are a waste, the problem is that 75% of project photos taken on the […]
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Introduction to Instagram for Contractors
The Instagram photo sharing app has been around for a few years, but is still considered fairly new in the social networking world. With the release of the new web profiles for Instagram accounts, I thought it was time to introduce getting started with Instagram for […]
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A Bad Review is Something You Need Online
Have you ever searched for a restaurant or hotel online and visited reviews, and they were all glowing with no complaints? Do you trust them? Do you have zero criticism for your favorite local hardware store? Having a bad review online actually helps you by legitimizing […]
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The Black Eye of Contractor Marketing
A large percentage of contractors do not have a customer retention program. This means they have no mailing list of past customers, no email address collection, no seasonal thank you cards, service reminders, etc. Generally, the attitude is "project completed, got paid, on to the next […]
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Holiday Marketing Piece for Contractors
The holidays are just around the corner, and if you haven't read our piece on holiday marketing, then you better get started soon. We've assembled a door hanger holiday marketing piece for remodeling contractors. If you are in need of any holiday marketing solutions similar to […]
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Share Your Company Process With Customers
Consumer education in the home improvement market is extremely important. It gives your customers a trust in your business, and it helps customers make an informed decision when making large purchases. In line with these beliefs, Footbridge Media has always believed that "Content is King". One of […]
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Why Change Your Company Name?
Recently, certain companies have gone out of their way to change their company name. The question arises: why would a business change their company name when they already have an established brand? Changing your business name requires a lot of work, including changes to your website, […]
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Want Help With Your Contractor Website? Get Testimonials!
As Google's algorithms change and social media begins to creep into every aspect of your web presence, there are some things that require a client's participation. If you are getting testimonials and reviews, we can incorporate them into the website. Reviews in Google will also help […]
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8 Canvassing Tips for Contractors
Canvassing is a hard, but very cost effective marketing and sales tool that many home improvement contractors should be implementing. Even if it is in the location of a job site, or an area that you wish to be working in, it can deliver leads for […]
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Heating Season is Coming: Get Your HVAC Tune Up Cards Today
Sending out tune up reminder cards before the winter season is a great tool to generate service calls and remind homeowners about their heating or furnace systems. Footbridge Marketing offers a plethora of HVAC Print Designs that might be useful to you! Remember, all of our postcards […]
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Are You Using a Residential Address in Google Places?
As we all know, Google is constantly making changes to their Google Places and Location services and trying to merge them into their social network Google+. It has been discussed on forums, and many clients have contacted us about the changes. Right now, we suggest not […]
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Hello? Hello? Is Anyone There?
The past few days I have noticed a very disconcerting pattern when calling clients as well as my personal experience with contractors. The first example would be from personal use. Recently my wife has gotten on a home improvement kick. Since I am an admitted moron […]
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7 Reasons Your Sales Suck
Managers who refuse to admit that the poor results some of their sales people are getting is extremely frustrating. When any frontline service or sales professional in your company does not produce the results needed to pay for all the overhead, benefits, pay, education, and everything […]
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New Postcard Designs for Contractors
The Footbridge Media Design Print Marketing team will be highlighting designs for contractors. Here are two new postcard designs we've created! HVAC tune-up services are essential to help ensure a heating and cooling system lasts as long as possible. Make sure your clients are aware of the […]
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Save Money Using QR Codes on Your Next Postcard Mailing
During July and August of 2012, the USPS will offer a Mobile Barcode Promotion that rewards contractors who use direct mailers launching campaigns incorporating QR Codes with an upfront 3 percent postage discount on qualifying Standard and First-Class Mail letters, flats or cards. This has brought […]
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How to Get Homeowners Raving About You
One of the best ways to homeowners understand what you do is to tell stories about the clients and the home improvement projects you've handled in the past. All of your marketing documents and messages should be peppered with client stories as well as photos of […]
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Contractor Blogging: Just Do It!
The most important quality in a successful home improvement blog is to write good quality content. And, as an owner of a home improvement company, you are the expert when it comes to the services and products you provide. The best solution is to simply share […]
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Have You Implemented EDDM Cards Into Your Marketing?
If you are a canvassing expert and cover your entire town, or send high school kids to blanket the neighborhood where you are working, or even use those fancy radius marketing tools, the U.S. Postal Service may have a more affordable solution for you. EDDM or […]
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12 Reasons You Should Be Involved in Social Media
As a home improvement contractor, having to deal with social media can be a battle. That being said, social media is a useful tool that should be utilized on a daily basis. In a previous series of articles, we've listed out a 3-3-3 plan that can […]
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Social Media Tips for The Anti-Social Contractor (Part IV)
When it comes to social media marketing, it is very important to have one person dedicated to managing your social media. Contributions from the entire staff are always nice, but having one person who can lead social media efforts is key. Find someone in your office […]
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Social Media Tips for The Anti-Social Contractor (Part III)
In a previous article, we discussed the 3-3-3 plan for home improvement contractors. It is now time to discuss the last post of the day. Remember, when it comes to social media posting, the most important aspect is to always ask a question about the post. […]
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Social Media Tips for The Anti-Social Contractor (Part II)
In a previous article, we discussed the 3-3-3 plan and what to post in the morning as your first post of the day. In this article, we are going to discuss what the best options for the afternoon posts are. Of course, you can always stray […]
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Social Media Tips for The Anti-Social Contractor (Part I)
There are lots of people out there who hate using social media. Some people have no interest in sharing personal business, children, dietary needs, etc. But, you do have to understand that much like any other business opportunity, you market where the people are. The people […]
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A Simple But Powerful Marketing Tool
In today's day and age, technology, gratification, and reward is almost instantaneous. But, you'd be surprised how far a hand-written note can go when you actually take the time to write it and drop it in the mail versus simply shooting a quick email. Mailing "Thank […]
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5 Tune Up Postcard Musts During This Air Conditioning Season
Every good heating and air conditioning company should begin setting up their annual tune up cards and creating their list. Seasonal tune up cards are cost effective method of marketing that can be very profitable. By completing your due diligence in these areas, your tune up […]
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Footbridge Media Enters into Strategic Partnership With Nexstar Network
Footbridge Media, the leading marketing company for home improvement contractors, has entered into a strategic partnership agreement with Nexstar® Network, the preeminent business-development and best practices organization for independent home service plumbing, heating, air conditioning and electrical professionals. "Footbridge Media's partnership with Nexstar® Network further demonstrates the […]
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Getting Started Using Pinterest for Your Business
Let me tell you of a social network that is blowing up right now, and continues to grow every day. When a website catches on like this, trends arise quickly. One of these trends is home improvement. Pinterest is a place where you can "pin" images […]
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Footbridge Media Launches Google Ad Management Program
For many years now clients have been asking if we knew anyone who can do this for them. Over the years we have recommended a few, but over time we felt uncomfortable, not knowing if clients were receiving the best ROI and service from these referrals […]
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Two Simple Facebook Marketing Tips
If you have friends and supporters of your company that have befriended you on your personal Facebook profile, you most likely have thought about how to get them to move over to your official company page. Here are two quick tips on letting them know about […]
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Increasing Social Media Interaction with Contests
In a recent 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 […]
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2011 Referral Contest Winner
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 two full years of marketing service from Footbridge Media! That makes […]
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Why Are Contractors So Obsessed With ROI in Social Media?
Since we launched our social media marketing service, the pricing, management, and how to measure the success of the service for our clients have been a debate. It is easier with our other services, as we can tell how many leads our contractors are receiving. This […]
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5 Things Every Contractor Should Do for 2012
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 an owner of a home improvement company, regardless if you are one-man handyman shop […]
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Why Should You Even Blog?
Lately we have noticed many of our clients have begun participating on their own blogs, as well as contributing to other blog sites like Ask-A-Pro. Though we try to encourage our clients to blog/write if possible, we do understand that all contractors may not have the […]
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5 Quick Social Media Tips Contractors Should Be Doing
As we continue to provide our social media marketing, 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 […]
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It’s That Time of Year – Holiday Marketing Solutions
The holiday season is soon coming upon us, and this is a great time to get your products and services in front of your clients again. After all, marketing to our clients is our core importance in business throughout the year. Touching base with your client […]
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Google Panda and the Dance It is Doing on Your Website
There has been a lot of talk lately on forums and social media about Google's Panda update and the ongoing changes to their algorithm. Many of our clients have contacted us about how their rankings have jumped or dropped almost on a daily basis. While many of […]
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Facebook Reviews - Are You Using Them?
We believe the most proficient home improvement contractors understand the importance of social media; they are using Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc. Yet, how many home improvement contractors are utilizing and promoting to their clients on Facebook? The reason for this post is because the relationship that […]
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What is This Duplicated Content Everyone is Talking About?
Over the past few weeks I have seen conversations about the "Dangers of Duplicated Content". In order to fear duplicated content, one must understand what it actually means. In the most recent 2011 Google General Rating Guide, they mention that: "The website www.answers.com contains content copied from […]
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The LOST Contractor
Most contractors, techs, and sales people are suffering out there! If not suffering, they're certainly not very happy with the way things are. How do I come to this conclusion? You and I see it every day in the contracting industry. It manifests itself in the […]
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What Are You Doing to Create Word of Mouth Referrals?
There is no arguing the fact that Word of Mouth marketing is one of the most powerful forms of marketing for any home improvement contractor. Your contracting business can benefit significantly from positive Word Of Mouth marketing.Good work and craftsmanship is only one aspect of creating Word […]
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Increase Your Response Rate With These Quick Postcard Tips
Postcards can be an effective and affordable part of your contractor marketing program. So don't let a lack of writing experience stop you from using them. Start with your audience. Make a list of the things that might be important to them. Then narrow it down to […]
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So You Started Blogging: 5 Tips To Make Your Contractor Blog Successful
I have noticed that many of our contractor clients have begun writing their own blog posts. I strongly encourage this, as it helps educate your clients as well as a potential use for search engine optimization. When you are a home improvement contractor, blogging can create […]
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What is the Real Purpose of LinkedIn?
I've been asked quite a bit here lately about LinkedIn when talking to clients about social media marketing... so I thought I would address some issues a little. For starters here, things can change on the internet. People's habits change, so as you read this, keep in […]
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Top Ten Contractor Door Hanger Marketing Tips
For most contractors door hanger marketing offers great value and potential when working within a job area, especially since it is an oft-ignored direct-marketing medium. It shouldn't be! Door hangers are automatically set apart from other junk mail since they're next to impossible to ignore, and […]
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Is Google Places Going to Be the Next Yellow Pages?
There have been some noticeable changes that will affect the entire Google Places and Map section. The most severe changes to Google Places involve the removal of client reviews from third party websites within the Place page, and the prohibition of P.O. Boxes as acceptable addresses. […]
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How to Get More Reviews for Your Company
A client recently reached out to us after we made a social media post. Their comment to our post was simply, "Never thought to give you guys a review until I saw this post. I should post my places page more often on social media sites […]
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Eliminate "Estimate" and "Bid" from Your Vocabulary
I really do not like the word estimate, or even worse: bid. Estimate implies inexactness. It may be higher, it may be lower. A project consultation, energy audit, or design analysis implies much more detail and precision. Bid implies that you are competing for the project. Instead […]
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Creating the WOW Experience
Unfortunately, that's not the norm in the home improvement industry. In fact, the norm is to make a lot of promises and then under-deliver. To do "just enough". To cut corners. To be satisfied with "good enough". By doing the "little things", you help to distinguish yourself […]
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Why Service Plans Work for Every Contractor Type
Though service and maintenance programs are big in the HVAC and Plumbing industry, every contractor should be offering and utilizing a maintenance program. It is a perfect way to create residual income, keep your current clients aware of your services and keep your workers busy during […]
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A Response is Worth More Than You May Know
I cannot shout loud enough the benefits of responding to everything. If it's an article you write for your blog, and someone leaves a comment, respond to that. Someone replied to you on twitter? Respond. Emails that need to be dealt with, respond. There is something […]
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Is Your Presentation Book Up to Snuff?
Your presentation book is one of the most important tools that you should have in order to make a sale. When doing a presentation, albeit, an indoor air quality system or kitchen remodel, most homeowners will react better to visual aspects then your own words. Listed […]
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Google Changes and How It Affects Contractors
In the past six months there has been many changes over at Google, including Google Places and Google Panda. As a home improvement contractor managing all these changes can be time consuming and overwhelming, so we just wanted to give some tidbits and updates on what […]
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The First Thing in Being a Contractor is Dependability
Dependability is a rare quality. It is valuable because it is rare. Think of all the times you have been disappointed by lack of dependability, and you will find they are very frequent. I discovered this today when I had a doctor's appointment, which was scheduled […]
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Prospect Packets - What Are You Using?
Regardless if you just gave an estimate, or they have already purchased, every potential client should be receiving some form of prospect packet. Included in these packets should be: Welcome letter Copies of all license and insurance information List of 10 references with contact information Brochures on products Process information ( […]
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Footbridge Media Launches Social Media Marketing
Footbridge Media, the leading online marketing company for home improvement contractors, has decided to launch their Social Media Marketing service. Today marks an unprecedented day for home improvement contractors who want a simple, effective and affordable way to connect with home owners and clients in their […]
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The Advantages of Postcards
Let me tell you about postcards, and postcard marketing. The postcard can be a very powerful marketing tool for contractors. Many of our clients use them throughout the year. The key is to set up the card to market effectively for you. Concentrate on a specific […]
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Contractor Marketing to New Homeowners
One market that every contractor should be marketing to is the new homeowner. People who have just built or purchased a new home, are fully aware of the little nuances of their home. They may be new to the area, want to know a local plumber. […]
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Who Should You Partner With?
The first step to forming a strategic alliance is to define who your "target market" is. Who in your area has tons of clients that most match the description of your ideal client? Think about the other businesses your clients patronize – and which ones they don't. […]
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The Lost Art of Customer Service
This special article is brought to you by one of Footbridge Media clients, Greg Woods of Lindley Heating & Cooling, a professional Indiana HVAC Contractor. For over thirty years I have dealt with people. First, in the restaurant business as a young man, and then in the […]
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Article Marketing for Contractors
One of the things that contractors ask our marketing consultants is what they can do to assist in their online marketing efforts. Since, our company believe's that "Good Content Rules All", the best thing for any Footbridge Media client is to do, is to write original […]
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#1 Biggest Mistake Contractors Make
While most companies cite referrals as their most important source of business, ironically, most companies do nothing to stimulate or increase their flow of referrals. They simply sit back and wait for the phone to ring on its own. This has got to be one of […]
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Social Media Management for Contractors
For some time we have been hesitant about contractor's outsourcing their social media services. It has always been our belief that social media is a direct connection to your clients and should be handled directly on what you are doing on a daily basis; what projects […]
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Facebook – But Will It Give Me Leads?
The rise of the biggest social network yet can't be denied. Come on, there was even a major movie created about facebook that was released this past summer. The numbers are out, more than 500 million people worldwide are surfing facebook, writing on walls, sharing links, […]
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2010 Referral Contest Winner
We want to thank Kevin Lawrence of Fresh Coat of Columbus for his constant support of our marketing program, and being the 2010 Referral Rewards Client of The Year. For winning this contest, Fresh Coat of Columbus has received 2 full years of marketing service from […]
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Make Your Website Mobile
There has never been so many mobile devices that have 24/7 access the web, and an increasing number of people are using their mobile phones to search online to find information and services. How do you tap into this audience? Modern mobile devices have come a long […]
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Building Your Testimonial List
In a previous blog, we wrote about 3 rather quick things that you can do right now to help your business. One of those items was to get testimonials from previous customers for your potential customers to see. Let's get into that a little bit more, […]
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How Do People Find You?
Can you answer this question correctly? Do you really know where people are coming from when they get to you? A great time management strategy is to find out where people are finding you the most(ex. your website, online advertising, print advertising, etc...) and squeeze as […]
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Forget Google...
We shared a link to a HubSpot article on our Facebook account recently( you can find our Facebook page here) about the proven fact that Twitter does impact SEO. And do you know why? Because there are thousands of people on there sharing links and conversing […]
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Get Your Content Out There
We already explained in a previous blog that content is king in regards to your marketing presence. Now, we need to talk about how to get your content out there for people to see. Have something to say? Start blogging. The quickest way to add content to […]
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3 Things That You Can Do Right Now
A quick trip around the internet for ways to improve your marketing for your company can get your head spinning. Update this, sign up for that, send this out... I'm already exhausted. Ever hear the phrase "a little at a time"? 3-5 minutes in a day […]
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Are You Certified? EPA RRP Rule Deadline 4/22/2010
As part of the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule that will go into effect April 22, 2010, contractors leaving any traces of lead paint behind are subject to fines from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for up to $37,500 per day, per violation. The law […]
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Quick Contractor Blogging Tips
Now that there are many Footbridge Media clients using blogs to promote their companies, I thought I should provide some quick tips to ensure not only good organization, but also assistance in the overall optimization of your online presence. Using Keywords - Since you are discussing your […]
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Go Green. Kill Yellow!
So as I was pulling out of the driveway today, I noticed once again, as I have for the past two weeks, that yellow bag jammed in the bushes at the end of the driveway. Which got me to thinking about all the businesses out there […]
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Five Tips to Make Your Business Card Stand Out!
Use Full Color Printing - In the old days full color printing (4 color printing) was extremely expensive. You could pay over $200 /1000 for high quality full color cards. Prices have dropped and you can now get beautiful full color cards printed for about the […]
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The Importance of a USP
Your unique selling proposition is a precise statement of why your company is special. Can you answer the following three questions? What differentiates you and your company from your competitors? Why should I choose to do business with you instead of your competitors? Is contracting with you the clear, […]
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What's Up With Internet Lead Services?
Have you ever wondered what the secret to internet lead service companies? If so, you're not alone. In fact, lead generation is one of the most lucrative businesses on the Internet. After all, if the lead companies were generating leads as good as they claim, then […]
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How to Make Women More Comfortable
One of the things that women give priority to when choosing to do business, especially repeat business, with an in-home service provider is whether or not they are comfortable letting the service person or salesperson into their home. Letting someone into their home requires a level […]
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7 Ways to Grab People With a Postcard
If you're reading this sentence, you've just supported the point I'm about to make. Direct mail postcards with numbered headlines offering solutions work! The formula is simple: First, pick a goal or an accomplishment (saving money, increasing performance, energy efficiency, curb appeal, etc.). Then tell the reader how […]
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Getting Better, Qualified, and More Effective Referrals
Like testimonials, contractors live and die by their referrals. For some, it's the only marketing tool they really use to build their business. The problem, however, is most builders leave it up to their clients to "pass the word around". They never know if their clients […]
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Content is King
Whatever you are selling, if it is lawn care services or new home construction, your website better have as much content has possible. This is because the Internet is the information superhighway and most people use it for information of some sort. The information on a website […]
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Check Your Marketing Arsenal
If you are still struggling with leads and just not sure on what to do or try this time around, here is a list to make sure that you have everything on the list to create a marketing system that you can leave alone and not […]
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