How Independent Building and Service Contractors Can Benefit from a New Website and Management Tool
By: Thomas Lyle, Published July 15, 2024
Being an independent building or service contractor can be challenging. You must juggle many tasks, from finding new clients to managing current projects. Luckily, some tools can help make your job easier. Having a professional website and utilizing automated invoicing and communication tools can significantly increase sales and revenue for small building contractors.
Why You Need a Website
First, let's discuss why having a beautiful, mobile-optimized, and SEO-friendly website is important. A website is like your online business card. It tells people who you are, what you do, and how to contact you. Studies show that businesses with a website can dramatically improve their visibility and customer reach. For instance, companies that maintain an active blog generate 67% more leads than those that don't, and organic search traffic often leads to the highest number of inbound leads.
Here are some reasons why a website is a must-have:
According to a study by the Local Search Association, 97% of consumers search online for local businesses, with 46% of all Google searches being local. While some businesses try to use FaceBook, Instagram or other platforms as their online presence, you are dependent on a platform that you have no control over and the audience that goes to your page isn’t yours. If you aren’t interested in investing in a website, why should they invest their time in you? In fact, a survey by Verisign revealed that 84% of consumers believe that small businesses with websites are more credible than those without one and that 30% of consumers will ONLY consider a business with a website!
DIY and Your Business
Building a DIY website for your small business might seem like a cost-effective and easy solution, but it often leads to more problems than it solves. Many platforms advertise simplicity, but creating a professional and functional website is far from straightforward. People frequently encounter difficulties finishing their sites, face unexpected fees for essentials like domain names and SSL certificates, and struggle with hidden renewal costs. Additionally, DIY sites often need more quality and professional appearance to make a strong first impression, which is crucial for attracting and retaining customers.
Moreover, DIY websites frequently fall short in important areas like search engine optimization (SEO) and technical support. Valley Magic websites ensure your site is optimized for search engines, helping potential customers find you online. They also provide ongoing support to troubleshoot and resolve issues quickly, something DIYers often need help with. Without this expertise, your site may have poor visibility, slow performance, and security vulnerabilities. Investing in a professionally built website saves time, reduces frustration, and ultimately provides a better return on investment by enhancing your business's online presence and credibility.
Read more about why DIY Websites are bad for small businesses.
Meeting Client Expectations
Today's buyers expect more from the businesses they hire. They look for contractors who have a professional website, provide automated invoicing, and send text updates about their services. Not having these functions can put you at a disadvantage. Clients may perceive that the contractor who sends arrival time text updates and emails professional-looking proposals and invoices is more professional, reliable, and easier to work with and may choose that contractor.
Automated tools streamline operations, leading to increased efficiency and client satisfaction. Businesses that automate lead management can experience a 10% average revenue increase within six to nine months. Tools like Housecall Pro and Joist help contractors by offering automated invoicing and real-time updates, which not only enhance the customer experience but also reduce the time spent on administrative tasks, allowing more focus on core activities. Meeting these expectations shows clients that you are professional, organized, and up-to-date with modern technology.
How Housecall Pro Can Help
Housecall Pro is a management tool designed for contractors like you. It offers many features that can simplify your work:
Using Housecall Pro can save you time and help you manage your business more efficiently.
How Joist Can Help
Joist is another great tool for small contractors. Here’s how it can benefit you:
Joist helps you look professional and stay organized, which can lead to more satisfied clients and repeat business.
Conclusion
Having a website and using management tools like Housecall Pro or Joist can make a big difference for independent building and service contractors. These tools help you attract more clients, manage your projects, and get paid faster. By using these resources, you can focus more on doing what you love—building and creating.
So, take the first step today and book a free demo of your new beautiful, mobile-optimized website with Valley Magic. Your future self will thank you!
Being an independent building or service contractor can be challenging. You must juggle many tasks, from finding new clients to managing current projects. Luckily, some tools can help make your job easier. Having a professional website and utilizing automated invoicing and communication tools can significantly increase sales and revenue for small building contractors.
Why You Need a Website
First, let's discuss why having a beautiful, mobile-optimized, and SEO-friendly website is important. A website is like your online business card. It tells people who you are, what you do, and how to contact you. Studies show that businesses with a website can dramatically improve their visibility and customer reach. For instance, companies that maintain an active blog generate 67% more leads than those that don't, and organic search traffic often leads to the highest number of inbound leads.
Here are some reasons why a website is a must-have:
- Attract More Clients: Most people search for services online. If you have a website, potential clients can find you more easily.
- Showcase Your Work: Your website can display pictures of your past projects, helping clients see the quality of your work.
- Build Trust: A professional-looking website makes your business appear more trustworthy.
- Provide Information: Clients can learn about your services, prices, and availability without calling you.
According to a study by the Local Search Association, 97% of consumers search online for local businesses, with 46% of all Google searches being local. While some businesses try to use FaceBook, Instagram or other platforms as their online presence, you are dependent on a platform that you have no control over and the audience that goes to your page isn’t yours. If you aren’t interested in investing in a website, why should they invest their time in you? In fact, a survey by Verisign revealed that 84% of consumers believe that small businesses with websites are more credible than those without one and that 30% of consumers will ONLY consider a business with a website!
DIY and Your Business
Building a DIY website for your small business might seem like a cost-effective and easy solution, but it often leads to more problems than it solves. Many platforms advertise simplicity, but creating a professional and functional website is far from straightforward. People frequently encounter difficulties finishing their sites, face unexpected fees for essentials like domain names and SSL certificates, and struggle with hidden renewal costs. Additionally, DIY sites often need more quality and professional appearance to make a strong first impression, which is crucial for attracting and retaining customers.
Moreover, DIY websites frequently fall short in important areas like search engine optimization (SEO) and technical support. Valley Magic websites ensure your site is optimized for search engines, helping potential customers find you online. They also provide ongoing support to troubleshoot and resolve issues quickly, something DIYers often need help with. Without this expertise, your site may have poor visibility, slow performance, and security vulnerabilities. Investing in a professionally built website saves time, reduces frustration, and ultimately provides a better return on investment by enhancing your business's online presence and credibility.
Read more about why DIY Websites are bad for small businesses.
Meeting Client Expectations
Today's buyers expect more from the businesses they hire. They look for contractors who have a professional website, provide automated invoicing, and send text updates about their services. Not having these functions can put you at a disadvantage. Clients may perceive that the contractor who sends arrival time text updates and emails professional-looking proposals and invoices is more professional, reliable, and easier to work with and may choose that contractor.
Automated tools streamline operations, leading to increased efficiency and client satisfaction. Businesses that automate lead management can experience a 10% average revenue increase within six to nine months. Tools like Housecall Pro and Joist help contractors by offering automated invoicing and real-time updates, which not only enhance the customer experience but also reduce the time spent on administrative tasks, allowing more focus on core activities. Meeting these expectations shows clients that you are professional, organized, and up-to-date with modern technology.
How Housecall Pro Can Help
Housecall Pro is a management tool designed for contractors like you. It offers many features that can simplify your work:
- Scheduling: You can easily schedule jobs and send reminders to your clients.
- Invoicing: Create and send invoices quickly. You can also accept payments online.
- Client Management: Keep track of your clients' information and job history in one place.
- Marketing: Housecall Pro helps you create and send marketing emails to attract more clients.
Using Housecall Pro can save you time and help you manage your business more efficiently.
How Joist Can Help
Joist is another great tool for small contractors. Here’s how it can benefit you:
- Estimates and Quotes: Create professional estimates and quotes quickly. You can even include pictures and notes.
- Invoicing: Like Housecall Pro, Joist makes invoicing easy and lets you accept online payments.
- Expense Tracking: Keep track of your expenses to see where your money is going.
- Client Communication: Communicate with your clients directly through the app.
Joist helps you look professional and stay organized, which can lead to more satisfied clients and repeat business.
Conclusion
Having a website and using management tools like Housecall Pro or Joist can make a big difference for independent building and service contractors. These tools help you attract more clients, manage your projects, and get paid faster. By using these resources, you can focus more on doing what you love—building and creating.
So, take the first step today and book a free demo of your new beautiful, mobile-optimized website with Valley Magic. Your future self will thank you!