Starting a construction business takes more than just skill. You need steady customers, a strong reputation, and a strategy to keep the jobs rolling in. But too many new contractors make marketing mistakes that cost them leads, slow their growth, and keep them stuck in the cycle of unpredictable work.
If you’re struggling to get enough clients, you’re not alone. The good news? These mistakes are easy to fix—if you know what to do. Here’s how to avoid the five biggest marketing mistakes new contractors make and start attracting more business today.
1. No Website = No Business
You rely only on word-of-mouth and don’t have a website—or worse, you have one that’s outdated, slow, or hard to navigate.
Most homeowners search online before hiring a contractor. If they can’t find you, they won’t hire you—even if someone recommends you.
How to do it:
- Get a simple, professional website that clearly shows what you do, where you work, and how to contact you.
- Add before-and-after photos, service details, and testimonials.
- Make sure your site is mobile-friendly (over 60% of homeowners search on their phones).
- Set up a Google Business Profile so you show up when people search for “contractors near me.”
A great website doesn’t need to be fancy, it just needs to be clear, easy to use, and filled with real examples of your work.
“Bruce’s guidance elevated my personal growth and allowed me to thrive as I took on more responsibility within the business.” – Paul Swekla, CFO, Ackard Contractors
2. No Before-and-After Photos = No Proof of Your Skills
You finish a project, the client is happy, and you move on, except without taking any pictures.
Potential clients want to see proof that you do great work. If you don’t have before-and-after photos, they’ll hire someone who does.
How to do it:
- Take before-and-after photos of every job—even small ones.
- Post them on your website, Google Business, and social media.
- Use project descriptions to highlight challenges and solutions.
- Consider time-lapse videos, they’re a great way to showcase craftsmanship.
Pro Tip: Use your smartphone! You don’t need professional photography. Just make sure the lighting is good and the work is clearly visible.
“Bruce is extremely personable, professional, reliable, and strategic in how he relays information on what the business needs are and what primary focus points are.” – Conrad Jones, Owner, Nuvo Construction
3. Only Relying on Word-of-Mouth
You assume good work sells itself and that referrals will keep you busy.
But referrals alone aren’t predictable. One month, you might be slammed with work—next month, nothing. Without steady leads, your business can’t grow.
How to do it:
- Encourage online reviews (Google,, Facebook).
- Offer a referral discount (ex. give $100 off for every new client referred).
- Stay active on social media by posting updates, project photos, and client testimonials.
- Send follow-up emails to past clients, reminding them you’re available for new projects.
Ask every happy customer, “Would you mind leaving a quick review?” and send them a Google Reviews link to make it easy.
4. Ignoring Paid Advertising (Facebook & Google Ads Work!)
You assume Facebook and Google Ads are too expensive or only work for big companies.
The truth? Even a small ad budget ($5 a day) can put your business in front of thousands of local homeowners looking for contractors.
How to do it:
- Run Google Local Service Ads so you appear when people search “remodeling contractor near me.”
- Use Facebook Ads to target homeowners in your area.
- Promote a seasonal offer (e.g., “Spring Deck Remodel – Get $500 Off This Month!”).
- Retarget past website visitors with reminder ads.
Don’t overthink it—start with a small budget and test which ads bring in leads.
5. No Video Testimonials = Lost Trust
You have great reviews, but they’re just text—no video proof.
People trust real faces and voices more than written reviews. Video testimonials make your business stand out.
How to do it:
- Ask happy clients to record a short video sharing their experience.
- Post them on your website, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
- If a client is camera-shy, record their voice with before-and-after photos.
Offer a small discount or bonus service in exchange for a video review.
Good Work Isn’t Enough—You Have to Spread the News
If you’re making any of these 5 mistakes, you’re leaving money on the table.
- Get a professional website that converts visitors into leads.
- Take before-and-after photos of every job.
- Don’t just rely on word-of-mouth, get online reviews & stay visible.
- Use Facebook & Google Ads to attract steady leads.
- Record video testimonials to build trust.
Marketing doesn’t have to be complicated. Pick one thing from this list and start today.
Want to Build a Strong Construction Business? Let’s Make It Happen.
If you’re a new construction business owner, you don’t have to figure this out alone.
Join the Business Builder Groups—a mentorship and leadership program designed specifically for construction start-ups looking to scale.
- Gain real-world leadership strategies from industry experts.
- Connect with other construction leaders who’ve been where you are.
- Build a high-performing team that drives long-term success.
Join the Business Builder Program Now →
What Industry Leaders Are Saying
Don’t just take our word for it! Here’s what industry leaders have to say about working with Bruce:
Conrad Jones – Owner, Nuvo Construction
“I’ve used Bruce for 5+ years now as a business coach and mentor. He’s provided insanely valuable insight and has elevated my business in huge ways. He’s extremely personable, professional, reliable, and strategic in how he relays information on what the business needs are and what primary focus points are. Not only is he able to provide business insight, but he’s also able to provide HR and IT management as well as create and build useful platforms to assist in managing the business. I would recommend Bruce to any business in any stage of its growth or plateau levels and especially in times of decline.”
Paul Swekla – CFO, Ackard Contractors
“Our company has worked with Bruce for the past few years as a business coach and mentor. We started out with a Stages of Growth workshop back in 2021, and that provided us with some valuable insight into where our company was and what we needed to do in order to scale it to the next level and beyond. Those sessions opened us up to a world of growth—personally, professionally, and across the business. His guidance elevated my personal growth and allowed me to thrive as I took on more responsibility within the business. Bruce is very easygoing, personable, professional, and multi-talented. His diverse skillset can switch gears between every area of the business. I would recommend Bruce to any business, no matter how big or small, or any challenge or opportunity they face, as he can help take you to the next level, both personally and professionally.”
If you want to take your company culture to the next level, surrounding yourself with other business owners who’ve been through the same challenges can help.
