Truly endless indeed. The fact that most contractors aren't online is staggering, especially considering how heavily their target market uses the Internet. But the fact that they're not online presents great opportunities. Those who seize the opportunities win.
If you go back pre 2008 the industry mentality was such that very few contractors thought they needed a web site. They were busier than they could handle without one, why would they need it? Then they found out when the market got cleansed and only the strong survived. Apparently, more than half still don't get it.
Your point about hiring a pro is solid and not just because I have a bias. Trying to sell a professional service without a professional web site is very counter productive. Most contractors measure a web site by appearance when that's only a small part of it. As a HO, I wouldn't be able to tell the difference visually between a good remodeling job and one with shortcuts like you guys could, but the differences exist and I could very well notice them 6-24 months down the road.
This. What startles me, is the lack of engagement considering the enrichment and portfolio presence that digital commands.
Imagine a QR code on business cards that links up to an online portfolio of completed jobs? The applications of a digital presence are nearly endless, and almost always helpful to a business.