Dear Contractor,
Today I want to talk with you about about 3 observations that I wished more contractors thought about that I believe could help you land more jobs. Think of these as “low hanging fruit” that don’t require a lot of extra work on your part, but could make a significant difference in your business over time.
Clean Off Your Dashboard!
I’m serious…
It sounds small, but the details matter…Many times your company vehicle is the first thing customers will see about your business.
No more scattered receipts, gloves, napkins, invoices, empty gatorade bottles sitting in plain view. The reason is that these types of things are “visual cues” that could give the homeowner the impression that the rest of your work might be just as messy. If your dashboard looks like a bomb went off, your customers are going to notice!
Think of your vehicles as part of your brand. A clean work truck or van communicates professionalism, pride, and attention to detail—qualities your customers are looking for.
You don’t have to be perfect. Just keep your work vehicles generally clean and tidy. The bar is so low out there that as long as your dashboard isn’t a total disaster, you are already ahead of half your competitors.
Improve Communication!
Improve Communication!This one really drives customers up the wall.
I get it. You’re busy. You’re phone is ringing off the hook. You’re dealing with employees. You’ve got jobs backed up. The materials got delayed. This list goes on.
But remember: it isn’t just about doing the work. It’s also about getting the work (and keeping more of it coming in).
Good communication isn’t just polite—it’s profitable. Quick replies build trust, trust builds relationships, and relationships build bank accounts. Even a simple email “I’m swamped today, I will send you the quote first thing in the morning…” goes along way.
Bite the bullet and:
- Call people back in a timely manner.
- Send that quote in a timely manner.
- Follow up in a timely manner.
This alone sets you apart from 90% of your competitors. We’ve all heard the phrase “contractors are great at the work—but terrible at communication”. All things equal, if you have great communication, you’re going to attract more customers compared to the competitors that don’t.
My encouragement to you is to communicate like your next referral depends on it – because it probably does!
Brand Your Work Vehicles
That truck or van of yours isn’t just a set of wheels, it’s your rolling company billboard, your daily sales pitch on wheels! For heaven’s sake, brand it! I’m talking at least vinyl graphics or a full wrap if you want to go all in. Why?
Your trucks and vans are some of your most powerful marketing tools. If you think about the number of miles your vehicles drive in a year, the opportunities for customers to see your business really add up over time.
But if they’re unmarked, your business is invisible. Think about it like this…
- When you’re stuck in traffic, people could be seeing your name.
- When you roll up to a customer’s house, the neighbors could be seeing your name.
- When you’re picking up supplies at Home Depot, people could be seeing your name.
- When you’re stopped at the gas station, people could be seeing your name.
A professional wrap or clean vinyl graphics turn every drive into an opportunity for more customers to see you.
It doesn’t have to be fancy. It just has to be visible.
At the very least put your business name, phone number, website and a tagline about what you do.
The next big job you land because someone saw your truck while buying mulch will pay for it ten times over.
Look the Part. Win Their Trust. Grow Your Business.
When you show up with a professional brand, a clean presence, and timely communication, customers notice—and they remember (and they refer)
You don’t need to overhaul your entire business. Just start with these simple changes.
And if you need help? That’s what we do.
Even the best contractors can struggle to stand out, especially in a crowded market. And if potential customers can’t see you or trust you, they’ll move on to someone else.
Let us help you look the part, win the trust, and grow the business you’ve worked so hard to build.
Ready to attract the right customers and book more jobs? Contact us today!