Dear Contractor,
You’ve spent time, money, and sweat building your business. But here’s a question for you:
Are you aware of what people are saying about your company on Nextdoor?
If you’re not paying attention, you’re potentially leaving your reputation in the hands of the internet—and let’s be honest, that’s a gamble most of us can’t afford.
Let’s Start With What Nextdoor Is
Nextdoor is a hyperlocal social networking service for neighborhoods. It allows neighbors in a local area to connect with one another—think of it like a Facebook group, but for specific neighborhoods.
If you do work in a neighborhood, chances are it’s on Nextdoor. For example, there are groups for communities like Greystone, Highland Lakes, or Indian Springs—you name it.
People join the groups that are relevant to them and post, comment, and share information about all sorts of topics, including recommendations about companies.
According to Nextdoor’s website:
- 1 in 3 households in the U.S. are Nextdoor users
- There are 45.9 million weekly active users
- They operate in 11 countries
Source: Nextdoor Investor Relations
What’s interesting about Nextdoor is that the engagement is surprisingly high. You’d be amazed how many people jump in with a recommendation the moment someone asks.
That brings me back to my main point: there’s probably a Nextdoor group chatting about companies just like yours.
In fact:
- 71% of Nextdoor users say they use the platform to see what's trending or being talked about
- 85% of users rely on it to find trusted reviews and recommendations
Source: Nextdoor Marketing Stats
When people need a foundation repair, painter, plumber, or roofer—they ask the group.
And the responses? They come pouring in.
Case in Point: A Foundation Repair Recommendation Thread
Take a look at this actual conversation from the Indian Springs Village group. Someone asked if anyone had experience with AFS or Ox Foundation Repair.
And then this happened:
Comments from homeowners flooded the thread—lots of opinions, referrals, and recommendations. It’s a goldmine of community feedback.
Are These Businesses Even Aware?
That thread made me stop and think:
Do the companies being recommended even know they’re being talked about?
Because here’s the truth: whether you’re in the loop or not, the conversations are happening.
But It’s a Two-Way Street
Nextdoor isn’t just about posting recommendations. It’s also where people go to air out bad experiences:
- “This company was too expensive.”
- “They didn’t call me back.”
- “Their crew left a mess.”
Here’s the thing: if your business has any weak spots—like slow response times, spotty communication, or inconsistent service—Nextdoor can amplify them. Fast. Like a coiled spring waiting for someone to ask the wrong question.
And whether it’s fair or not, it’s still perception. That perception matters.
So What Should You Do?
Start by paying attention.
Do a simple search for your company’s name in the Nextdoor search bar and assess what comes up.
Join the neighborhood groups in your service areas. Then:
- Notice the conversations
- Note what people are asking for
- Chime in (appropriately) when you can help
Don’t spam. No hard pitches. But when someone is asking for a painter, and you’re a painter… say hello. Drop a quick note. Offer your help. Include your contact info.
I saw a great example of this from H2O Waterproofing. They jumped into a comment thread with a helpful, non-salesy message. They offered a second opinion, mentioned they were locally owned, and included a phone number and a link to their business page. Smart move.
Stay in the Loop with Notifications
Also keep tabs on your email notifications. You can adjust your email settings to receive relevant updates about only the items that you’re interested in, such as new posts, mentions, comments, and replies. It’s a simple way to stay informed about conversations involving your business without having to check the app constantly.
Here’s the Big Idea
Nextdoor is like grassroots marketing on steroids. It’s not about flashy ads. It’s about being present where the conversations are happening.
Yes, it can be noisy—people posting about lost cats, traffic rants, and missing Amazon packages.
But mixed in with the chaos are real homeowners actively looking for businesses like yours.
If you’ve delivered great service, the seeds for referrals are already planted.
You just need to water them.
So My Suggestion?
- Deliver great service
- Watch what people say
- Be helpful when appropriate
- Keep your name in the mix
Because you might be one Nextdoor comment away from your next five jobs.