How Can Trade Businesses Get Started with Digital Marketing?
Digital marketing feels overwhelming to most contractors. Between websites, SEO, ads, social media, and reviews, it’s hard to know where to begin. Many either try to do everything at once—or avoid it completely. The result is frustration and wasted time.
So what’s the best way to get started with digital marketing as a contractor?
1. Build a Website That Works
A website is your foundation. But too many contractor sites are just digital brochures. They look nice, but they don’t bring in leads.
The best thing I’ve found is that a contractor website should:
Include trust anchors like testimonials or case studies.
Show your process clearly, so clients know what to expect.
Have a clear call-to-action (“Request a Quote” or “Schedule a Consultation”) that stands out.
When your site guides visitors instead of just listing services, it becomes a 24/7 sales tool.
2. Pick One Social Platform
Trying to post everywhere at once leads to burnout. Start with the platform where your customers already spend time. For most contractors, that’s Facebook or Instagram.
Post consistently—project updates, behind-the-scenes shots, testimonials. Even simple, regular posts go further than random bursts of activity.
What I’ve seen work best is to keep it simple: focus on one platform until you’re confident, then expand later if it makes sense.
3. Focus on Consistency, Not Perfection
Most contractors quit digital marketing because they don’t see instant results. But just like word of mouth, digital marketing compounds over time.
A steady flow of content builds familiarity.
Familiarity builds trust.
Trust leads to more and better clients.
My favorite approach is to set up a monthly rhythm—whether that’s a few posts per week, one video testimonial per month, or regular project highlights. Consistency beats perfection every time.
4. Use Reviews as Fuel
Online reviews aren’t just for reputation—they’re marketing content. A five-star review can be turned into a social post, a testimonial on your site, or even the script for a video testimonial.
The best part? Your happy clients do most of the talking for you.
The Big Takeaway
Digital marketing doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start small:
Build a website that works.
Pick one social platform.
Stay consistent.
Leverage your reviews.
With those basics in place, your contracting business will stand out online and build a steady pipeline of better clients.
Show your work. Build trust. Win the job.
Ready to put these basics into action for your contracting business? Schedule a call with me to see how Lieber Media can help you build a digital marketing system that works.