How Contractors Can Get More Leads Online Without Relying on Word-of-Mouth
If you’re a contractor depending on word-of-mouth for new jobs, you’re leaving money on the table. While referrals are valuable, they’re unpredictable and don’t scale. The good news? You can create a steady stream of qualified leads online—once you apply the right strategies.
In this post, we’ll show you how to get contractor leads online without relying on personal recommendations, so your business can grow on autopilot.
Why Word-of-Mouth Isn’t Enough Anymore
Let’s be real—word-of-mouth can be inconsistent. You might get five referrals one month and zero the next. This kind of instability makes it hard to plan, grow, or scale.
In today’s digital-first world, homeowners and businesses search online before ever asking a friend. If your business doesn’t show up—or doesn’t look trustworthy—you’re invisible.
It’s time to take control of your lead flow.
1. Build a High-Converting Contractor Website (Get More Leads Online)
Your website is your digital storefront. If it looks outdated, loads slowly, or doesn’t explain what you do clearly, visitors won’t stick around—let alone contact you.
To get more leads online, your contractor website should include:
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A professional, mobile-friendly design
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Clear service descriptions with photos of past work
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Testimonials from real clients
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Easy-to-find contact forms and click-to-call buttons
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Local SEO optimization to rank in nearby cities
📌 Need help? We specialize in websites for contractors that actually get you clients—not just compliments.
2. Optimize for Local SEO (Get More Leads Online with Local SEO)
When someone types “roof repair near me” or “kitchen remodeling in [your city],” your website should be one of the first they see.
Here’s how to optimize your site for local search:
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Set up and optimize your Google Business Profile
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Add your business to local directories (like Yelp, Angi, Houzz)
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Use keywords like “deck builder in Austin TX” throughout your site
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Collect and respond to Google reviews regularly
Local SEO takes time, but the results compound. It’s one of the most effective long-term strategies to get more leads online—especially for service-based businesses.
3. Invest in Google Ads or Local Service Ads
Organic SEO is powerful, but if you want faster results, paid search ads can drive qualified leads almost immediately.
Here’s what works well for contractors:
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Google Search Ads – Target people actively searching for your service
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Local Service Ads (LSAs) – Appear at the very top with a “Google Guaranteed” badge
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Retargeting Ads – Remind past website visitors to come back and book
You don’t need a huge budget to start. Even $10–$20/day can generate leads if your campaign is set up right.
4. Create Content That Answers Questions (Get More Leads Online with Blog Content)
Homeowners Google their problems: “How much does it cost to remodel a kitchen?” or “Should I repair or replace my roof?”
By creating content that answers these questions, you can:
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Attract potential clients early in the decision process
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Build trust and authority
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Improve your SEO rankings
Start with blog posts, FAQs, or even project pages. You can link to these from social media, emails, or Google Business Posts.
Need inspiration? Browse our blog on small business tips for examples.
5. Showcase Real Projects and Reviews
Social proof builds instant trust. Add a gallery of your recent projects, include before-and-after photos, and highlight client testimonials.
Don’t forget to:
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Ask for reviews after every completed job
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Feature 5-star ratings on your homepage
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Link to your Google or Yelp profiles
Check out our website design portfolio for examples of how this looks in action.
6. Make It Easy to Contact You
If a lead has to hunt for your phone number or fill out a long form—they’re gone.
Make sure your site:
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Includes a prominent “Get a Quote” or “Free Estimate” button
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Offers multiple ways to contact (call, text, form, chat)
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Responds quickly—automate replies if possible
Even better: create a get started page that walks them through the process so they feel confident reaching out.
7. Bonus: Use Social Media (Without Wasting Hours)
You don’t need to post every day. Just share:
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Before/after project photos
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Client testimonials
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Time-lapse videos of work
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Short tips homeowners would value
- Marketing Plan
Facebook and Instagram are powerful for visual businesses like contracting. Boost your posts occasionally to get more reach.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need to Rely on Referrals Anymore
Getting leads online isn’t about gimmicks—it’s about being visible, building trust, and making it easy for people to take the next step.
If your website isn’t bringing in new business, it’s time to fix that.
At Ericks Webs Design, we help contractors build powerful online presences that turn clicks into clients—so you can focus on what you do best.
