5 Winning SEO Strategies to Win More Contracts for Your Construction Business

Today’s construction clients begin their search online. For contractors, mastering construction SEO is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. Ensure your projects are visible to the right audience, build trust through authoritative content, and secure a consistent stream of qualified leads. Invest in your digital foundation and build a stronger business.

Read more to explore five of our proven SEO strategies to help your construction business attract more leads, secure more projects, and outrank your competition.

1. Optimize for Local Keywords

Most construction businesses rely on local clients, so targeting location-specific keywords is crucial. Incorporating terms like “residential construction in [City]” or “commercial contractor near me” into your website content, meta descriptions, and title tags can significantly improve your visibility in local search results.

Why Local SEO Matters

Local SEO is particularly important for construction businesses because clients often search for services in their immediate area. If your business doesn’t appear in local search results or Google Maps, you’re missing out on valuable opportunities.

How to Optimize for Local Keywords

• Use tools like Google Keyword Planner to identify high-volume, low-competition keywords.
• Create a Google My Business (GMB) profile and optimize it with accurate business information, photos, and service areas.
• Include local keywords in your website content, blog posts, and meta tags.

What we did

A construction-remodeling studio in Monroe, New York, improved its website ranking from 21 to 1 on search engine results pages (SERP). As the rankings went up, the team started a blog to attract visitors and keep them engaged, enhancing each targeted keyword. We also made onsite  recommendations, adjusted meta tags, and rewrote headers to boost site speed and help our client stand out in the local market.

The Impact of Competition

In highly competitive markets, ranking for local keywords can be challenging. However, businesses that invest in local SEO often see a significant return on investment. By optimizing for local keywords, you can outrank competitors and attract more clients in your area.

2. Build a Professional Portfolio Website

Your website is more than just an online presence; it’s your digital portfolio, your virtual storefront, and a crucial tool for attracting clients. A well-designed, user-friendly website showcasing your past projects can significantly boost your credibility and generate leads.

Why a Portfolio Website is Essential for Construction Businesses:

• Visual Proof of Expertise: Potential clients want to see tangible evidence of your capabilities. A portfolio website allows you to showcase completed projects, demonstrating your skills and experience.
• Building Trust and Credibility: High-quality images and detailed project descriptions build trust and reassure clients that you can deliver on their expectations.
• Highlighting Unique Selling Points: Emphasize what sets your construction business apart, such as specialized skills, certifications, awards, or client testimonials.
• Lead Generation: A professional website with clear calls-to-action (CTAs) can effectively convert visitors into leads.

Leveraging AI for Website Creation and Design:

Creating a visually appealing and functional website doesn’t have to be daunting. Several AI-powered platforms can simplify the process:

• Wix ADI (Artificial Design Intelligence): Wix ADI creates a personalized website based on your input, including your industry and preferences.
• Squarespace: Squarespace offers design templates and AI-powered tools to help you build a professional-looking website.
• Durable: Designed for service businesses, Durable generates a website in seconds, complete with content and images.
• Jimdo: Jimdo’s AI-driven website builder helps you create a website quickly and easily.
• Canva: While not a website builder it is a great tool for creating high quality images and graphics for your website.

These platforms can assist with:

• Template selection and customization.
• Image optimization and layout.
• Content generation.

Web designer tools like Squarespace and Durable helps designing your website portfolio easier.

Showcasing Your Construction Projects Effectively:

High-Resolution Images and Videos:

• Capture projects from multiple angles, highlighting key features and details.
• Use before-and-after photos to demonstrate the transformation.
• Include videos of project walkthroughs or time-lapses of construction progress.

Image SEO:

• Use descriptive file names (e.g., “residential-kitchen-renovation-oakville.jpg”).
• Add relevant alt text to each image, describing the content for accessibility and search engines.
• Optimize image file sizes to ensure fast loading times.

Detailed Project Descriptions:

• Provide information about the project scope, materials used, and challenges overcome.
• Include client testimonials to build credibility.
• Specify the project location and completion date.

Organized Project Categories:

• Categorize projects by type (e.g., residential, commercial, renovations) for easy navigation.

Regular Website Updates:

• Update your portfolio with new projects regularly to showcase your ongoing work.
• Add blog posts or news updates to keep your website fresh and engaging.
• Update your website at least monthly with new content or projects. If you are very active, weekly updates are even better.

The Importance of High-Resolution Images:

• High-resolution images create a professional and polished look.
• They allow potential clients to see the details of your work clearly.
• Low-resolution or blurry images can create a negative impression and deter clients.

SEO Considerations for Images:

• File Names: Use descriptive keywords in your image file names.
• Alt Text: Write clear and concise alt text that accurately describes the image. This is crucial for accessibility and search engine optimization.
• Image Compression: Optimize image file sizes to improve website loading speed. Tools like TinyPNG or ImageOptim can help.
• Structured Data: Consider using schema markup to provide search engines with more information about your images.

Calls to Action (CTAs):

• Include clear and compelling CTAs throughout your website, such as:
  • “Request a Free Consultation”
  • “Get a Quote”
  • “View Our Portfolio”
  • “Contact Us Today”

The Role of Competition in Website Design

In competitive markets, having a professional website can set you apart from competitors. A well-designed website not only improves your search rankings but also enhances your credibility and attracts more leads.

3. Earn and Showcase Client Reviews

Why Reviews Matter in Construction:

• Building Trust and Credibility: Construction projects are significant investments. Positive reviews from past clients build confidence and demonstrate your track record.
• Improving Local SEO: Search engines like Google prioritize businesses with positive reviews in local search results, making it easier for potential clients in your area to find you.
• Influencing Decision-Making: Potential clients often read reviews before making a decision. Positive reviews can be the deciding factor in choosing your business over competitors.
• Providing Valuable Feedback: Reviews offer insights into your strengths and areas for improvement, helping you refine your services.

Where Clients Can Review You:

• Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business): This is crucial for local SEO and visibility. Encourage clients to leave reviews directly on your Google Business Profile.
• Houzz: If you specialize in residential construction or remodeling, Houzz is an excellent platform for showcasing projects and collecting reviews.
• Yelp: Yelp is widely used for finding local services.
• Industry-Specific Platforms: Depending on your niche (e.g., commercial construction, roofing), there may be specialized review platforms or directories.
• Your Website: Consider adding a testimonials or reviews section to your website.

Necessary Steps to Encourage Client Reviews:

1. Deliver Exceptional Service: The foundation of positive reviews is consistently delivering high-quality work and excellent customer service.
2. Ask for Reviews Directly: Don’t be afraid to ask satisfied clients to leave a review. The best time to ask is after project completion, when they are most satisfied.
3. Make it Easy: Provide clients with direct links to your review platforms. You can include these links in emails, invoices, or on your website.
4. Send Follow-Up Emails: A friendly follow-up email can serve as a gentle reminder.
5. Provide Physical Reminders: Place a small card or sign at the end of the job, with a QR code, that links to the review page.
6. Respond to All Reviews: Acknowledge both positive and negative reviews. Respond professionally and address any concerns raised.
7. Offer Incentives (Use with Caution!): While offering incentives for reviews is generally discouraged by Google, you could consider offering a small token of appreciation for their time, but never for a positive review.
8. Time it Right: Ask for the review after the client has had time to enjoy the completed project.

How Reviews Help Potential Clients Find Your Business:

• Increased Visibility: Positive reviews improve your search rankings, making your business more visible in online searches.
• Enhanced Credibility: Reviews act as social proof, demonstrating that your business is trustworthy and reliable.
• Improved Click-Through Rates: Businesses with higher review ratings often have higher click-through rates from search results.
• Word-of-Mouth Marketing: Positive reviews can lead to word-of-mouth referrals, as satisfied clients share their experiences with others.

Showcasing Reviews for Maximum Impact:

• Website Integration: Display reviews prominently on your website, particularly on your homepage and project pages.
• Social Media Sharing: Share positive reviews on your social media platforms.
• Testimonial Videos: Consider creating short video testimonials featuring satisfied clients.
• Case Studies: Incorporate client reviews into case studies showcasing your projects.

The Competitive Advantage of Reviews:

In the competitive construction market, businesses with a strong online reputation have a significant advantage. By actively encouraging and showcasing client reviews, you can build trust, attract more leads, and outrank your competitors.

4. Create Helpful, Industry-Specific Content

Content marketing is a powerful way to establish your authority in the construction industry. Publishing articles that address common client questions can attract organic traffic, build trust, and position your business as an industry leader.

Why Content Marketing is Important

Content marketing allows you to provide valuable information to potential clients, which can help build trust and establish your authority in the industry. It also improves your search rankings by targeting relevant keywords and attracting organic traffic.

How to Create Effective Content

• Start a blog on your website and publish articles on topics like “How to Choose the Right Contractor for Your Project” or “Top Trends in Sustainable Construction.”
• Optimize your blog posts with relevant keywords to improve their visibility in search results.
• Share your content on social media and other platforms to reach a wider audience.

Case Study: After a quick check of their website, the Boostability team helped a plumbing company in Springfield, IL, improve its ranking from 101 to 1 with local keywords. We created specific pages for each service to focus on those terms. Our writers produced fresh, engaging content to describe and distinguish each service clearly. We also worked on increasing their backlink portfolio, listed them in various business directories, and wrote custom blog posts.

The Role of Competition in Content Marketing

In competitive markets, businesses that consistently publish high-quality content often rank higher in search results. By creating helpful, industry-specific content, you can outrank competitors and attract more leads.

5. Leverage Social Media and Online Directories

Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn are excellent tools for showcasing your work and connecting with potential clients. Listing your business in online directories can also improve your online visibility and provide valuable backlinks.

Why Social Media and Directories Matter

Social media allows you to engage with potential clients and showcase your work, while online directories improve your online visibility and provide backlinks that boost your website’s SEO.

How to Leverage Social Media and Directories

• Share photos of completed projects, behind-the-scenes content, and client testimonials on social media.
• List your business in online directories like Angi, HomeAdvisor, and the Better Business Bureau.
• Use social media and directories to drive traffic to your website and generate leads.

The Competitive Advantage of Social Media and Directories

In competitive markets, businesses that actively engage on social media and list their business in online directories often rank higher in search results. By leveraging these platforms, you can outrank competitors and attract more clients.

The Impact of Competition on SEO Rankings

In the construction industry, competition for search rankings is fierce. Businesses that invest in SEO often see a significant return on investment, while those that don’t risk falling behind.

How Competition Affects Rankings

• High Competition: In highly competitive markets, ranking for popular keywords can be challenging. However, businesses that invest in SEO often see a significant return on investment.
• Low Competition: In less competitive markets, ranking for popular keywords is easier, but businesses still need to invest in SEO to attract clients.

Strategies to Outrank Competitors

• Invest in local SEO to target location-specific keywords.
• Build a professional portfolio website to showcase your work.
• Earn and showcase client reviews to build credibility.
• Create helpful, industry-specific content to establish your authority.
• Leverage social media and online directories to improve your online visibility.

Real Results with Professional SEO Services

After analyzing plumbing services in Trumbull, CT, our SEO team created custom content for the website. To improve online authority, we also worked on business directories, local citations, website bookmarking, and offsite link building.

Results include:

4.6 average increase for keywords

36% increase in monthly organic traffic

7 keywords now on page 1 of Google search

With keywords stable in the local area, we will target nearby cities: Easton, Shelton, and Stratford. These results speak for themselves—SEO works, and with the right strategy, your business can achieve similar success.

Why Choose Professional SEO Services?

While it’s possible to implement SEO strategies on your own, partnering with a professional SEO provider can save you time and ensure that your efforts are effective. Professional SEO services offer:

• Expertise in local SEO, content marketing, and technical SEO.
• Access to advanced tools and resources.
• Ongoing support and optimization to keep your business ahead of the competition.

Download our free guide to learn how professional SEO services can transform your online presence and help you win more contracts. Don’t wait—get a free website analysis today and start building a stronger future for your construction business!