Where Do Look I For Leads ?

Craft-man

I am a new licensed Contractor, after doing alot of work for companies with managers that where lazy I decided to go out and make it on my own.

I am not rich nor did I have a silver spoon in my mouth growing up, and in todays economic enviroment things are even tighter that ever before.

I am wondering how do I now, as a licenced Coontractor get a hold of those leads that lands the bigger jobs, heck any jobs really...

I aplied to a "On-line" referral service where there's a small monthly fee and a small fee of somewhere between $10-100 a lead on accepted leads.

Well after $400 of leads I got to accually speak to 3 of the contacts wich really never went anywhere.

I am wondering if joing the BBB or chamber of commerce is really a good way to spend the $$$ either, they are from $400-2500 in member fees .

I have thought about the neighboorhood flyersand truck lettering. but how serious can someone take you if you toss some paper lititure on thier doorstep ?

If anyone has some ideas please scribble them down for me please !

orson

Source: Professional Remodeler Magazine, April 2008 issue

Most successful marketing tactics: (besides repeats and referrals)

Job/truck signs 18%
Company Web site 13%
Yellow pages 9%
Online referral services 9%
Home Shows 7%
Print Advertising 7%
Direct mail 6%
E-mail marketing 3%


Where business comes from:
Referals from past clients 35%
Repeat business 32%
Referrals from other professionals 13%
Other Sources(see above) 20%

As you can see, a large amount of a typical firm's business comes from past clients in the form of repeat business and referrals.

This tells you is that you are going to have to work 5 times harder than the established companies to find work. (or advertise 5 times as much?)

Buy "Duct Tape Marketing" by John Janstch (and read it).

__________________
Lancaster Remodeling Contractor - Lancaster Remodeling
Kitchen & Bath Remodeling PA- Bathroom Remodeling Lancaster PA
Custom Kitchen Remodeling PA - Ruby Construction FaceBook-Lancaster Bathroom Remodeling

Craft-man

Thanks for that Great info

Carport King

Narrow down your niche that you like doing first.Pick the area that best fits your niche. Then go after the work.

Even if you just get some door hangers or inserts and get out there and meet and greet your clients.

The main thing is to get out there and take ACTION!

Good luck

Remodel Bud

Orson & the King are right, there isn't any magic formula. There are ways to build it organically and inexpensive ways to target your demographic to get the best results. Make sure you watch your money and use it wisely. These days the bare necessities are letter your truck( free advertising ), make a website. The website doesn't need to be elaborate or cost a fortune. For right now just get a site up and you can add to it later when you make more money. A company shirt, business cards & a company presentation book to help sell. This will get you started. Also, get a job sign made for that first job you do get! i posted a thread for referral campaigns and job signs that might help too

There are inexpensive ways to generate leads and when your business saves some money you can grow from there. I am a big advocate for building a business organically( by hard work ) to start with.

Feel free to pm me, for any advice.... It's always free!

onenia

I read all the posts on this board regarding marketing and sales. Do a search and read all the old posts up until today and you'll get great insight. I asked the same question to members here and this is what they recommended to me and things that I've tried as well.

Website... website...website (thanks to all for the suggestion). I average about 1-2 leads a week and my site is still new. Just think of the possibilities when it gets to where it needs to be! Pay someone to do your site and seo because it is alot that you need to know. Best money I ever spent on marketing.

Flyers got me my first job. I don't know what type of remodeling you do but they do work. They are definitely a hit or miss. You have to put out alot to get results.

Postcards work also. Again a hit or miss but the key is consistency.

Yard signs (but you need a job or offer family and friends a referral fee to place one in their yard for a week).

Network with your suppliers or other contractors and again offer a referral fee.

The key is to always be letting someone know what you do.

Remember a closed mouth doesn't get fed.

Nia

__________________
Houston remodeling company | Kitchen remodeling | Room additions

Remodel Bud

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Taylordhome

Do you have a web site yet? I have some ideas for you- and I can get you a simple web site if you want. I am just starting out with my web design business and need to build some sites to build my portfolio.

I warn you though, I am going to need a lot of info and some pictures.

I can also tell you how to direct market a little in select neighborhoods and such. PM me and we can talk.

flooringkid

THere is another way besised of what you have mention before also where can I find massive projects ??

JLeeper07

a family friend of mine contacted one of the major real estate offices in the area and picked up some maintenance/ minor remodel work. he hasnt had a day off from it in 6 months