5 effective ways to grow your contracting business

(BPT) – No matter the size of your business, growth is typically a top goal. Your success depends on increasing customers, jobs and revenue year-over-year. However, it’s all too easy to lose sight of your big-picture goals when you’re busy with the daily operation of your company.Here are some tactics for improving growth in your business.1. Improve your marketing with co-branding. While marketing may not be your best skill, it’s critical to let people know about your business — and make it easier for new customers to find you. Many vendors you currently work with may offer co-branded marketing opportunities that can help increase your brand visibility and credibility. By partnering with a well-known brand, you can tap into their existing network of customers and reach a wider audience than on your own. Being associated with a high-quality brand will also enhance your image and reputation.2. Invest in digital marketing for lead gen.Today, you need a digital presence: an easy-to-navigate website, presence on social media and ideally, enrollment in a paid search campaign.Be sure your website is mobile friendly, allows potential customers to request information or even better, allows them to schedule an appointment on the spot with your company.Using social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest allows you to visually share about your business using project photos and testimonials from satisfied clients. You can also share informative posts about design trends or maintenance tips to help position yourself as a trusted expert.Update your Google My Business profile to include project photos, services you offer, and reviews from past clients. Don’t forget to ask for a review when a job is done! Doing this will help boost local SEO and establish credibility and trust when potential clients are researching your business. Plus, it’s free!3. Support your team.While your business changes and grows, the industry itself is constantly evolving. Ensure your entire team is updated on the latest developments in construction by providing regular training sessions through vendors you work with or local industry organizations, so they have the tools they need to succeed.4. Provide excellent products and service.This may seem like a no-brainer, but top-notch products, like those certified by ENERGY STAR — backed by product warranties — result in happier clients. Making smart choices when it comes to products and services you offer will lead to positive word-of-mouth, which every business needs to grow.Providing clear information and consistent communication also improves customers’ trust in you and your company. Ask what makes the project more viable from their point of view. Offer financing options so your business becomes accessible to a wider range of homeowners who may prefer to pay overtime versus using cash all at once. Financing can also lead to increased sales, bigger projects and improved customer satisfaction.5. Join a program to help grow your business.If these tips sound challenging, there’s help available. Joining programs that offer dedicated support plus the tools and resources needed to best serve your customers and tackle any window or door installation project can help you grow your business.The Andersen Certified Contractor Program offers exactly that. Participating contractors experience increased sales, access to in-home quoting tools, co-branded marketing opportunities, product and installation training, and pre-qualified homeowner leads. As an added perk, windows installed by an Andersen Certified Contractor qualify for an exclusive 2-year limited installation warranty, giving customers added peace of mind.Here’s how the program has helped contractors around the country grow their businesses:Marketing support: Andersen offers business development funds to use on turn-key marketing programs and co-branded marketing opportunities. “We doubled our appointments last year, and we’ve seen a 40% growth in sales on the window side,” said A.J. Ballantine at Cornerstone Remodeling, Maryland.Pre-qualified homeowner leads: “We’ve done windows through the leads program that have turned into kitchens and bathrooms; that’s every contractor’s dream. I wouldn’t have been in that home for any reason other than my affiliation with Andersen,” said Justin Britton, Jay Bee Contracting, New York.Training and support: Andersen provides in-home selling and quoting tools, product and installation training and a dedicated support team. “The number one thing to me is the support. If we need something special, if we need training or support as a team, they’re there for us,” said Jeremy Owens, 3 Generations Improvements, California.Access to products, warranty and financing: The program also offers contactors access to the full portfolio of Andersen products, a 2-year installation warranty — plus consumer financing options. “I have tools at my fingertips. I’m not waiting for quotes to be done by a vendor or supplier. I’m able to get those done and turned around quick,” said Paul Unferth at Big Fish Contracting, Wisconsin.Ready to grow your business? Learn about becoming an Andersen Certified Contractor at AndersenCertifiedContractor.com.