While the world is staying six feet apart, most small
businesses are staying afloat and connected online. Now is a great
time to boost the social proof of your construction business
virtually.
You won't build a loyal client base if you can't earn your
visitors' trust, which is why companies value social proof so
highly. But proving your construction business's value online takes
a unique skill set, one you can nurture by learning from the
marketing industry professionals.
Befriend
Experts
Experts love teaching others what they know. While they do
make money from their knowledge, they also offer discounts to
friends. If an expert loves you enough, you might even convince
them to talk with you, free of charge.
Experts are people, and make friends like anyone else. Since
you are looking to build social proof online, joining an expert's
Internet community is the first step toward meeting them. Just
remember that other people are thinking the same thing, and experts
have busy lives; an entitled attitude will only sabotage potential
friendships.
Personal relationships work differently online. It is easy to
create dozens of friendships when you are talking to people in chat
rooms and message boards. Even if an expert only spends a little
time sending links and messages, thank them and treasure the wisdom
they share.
Create Helpful
Content
It is easy to feel overwhelmed when you start learning about
social proof. You will find advice from different sources, and
sorting through it isn't always easy. But one fact is still valid:
people value great content.
Construction companies focus all their effort on increasing
traffic and not building content their visitors will value. While
they can boost their traffic, their gains won't last.
Instead, learn about your trade and give the people what they
want; when you focus on their needs, they will naturally meet
yours. Think about posting a tips and tricks video for maintaining
their lawn for example, they might not be able to hire you now but
they might bookmarked your page to remember you later. An engaged
audience will linger longer and hire your services.
Get
Reviews
Reviews are the most obvious form of social proof. Not only do
visitors look for them to gauge a product's value, including
websites, but they also value sharing their opinion. For example, a
service-based business website that only showcases before and after
photos will have weaker social proof than one that lets clients
submit their reviews, even if no one has yet.
Reviews come in many forms. Lists count, and so do like and
dislikes on media websites. While you can ask others for reviews,
this will annoy some people, making it easy to find and review your
site is usually a better option.
Your social proof will grow as your site gets more traffic and
reviews. Consumers know how to spot fake opinions.
Nail Your
Bio
Visitors don't trust unknown authors. While adding a name to
your posts can help, they want to see a face. While a real photo
showcasing your facial features works best, drawings also work for
some niches.
While your bio should promote you and your expertise, too much
self-promotion will advertise that you are an amateur. Finding the
right balance is challenging, but you will naturally help yourself
if you create an honest bio. Just like a hiring manager reading a
resume, your visitors will
pick up on your experience.
Your bio's placement also matters. Focus on your content and
include a link to your bio along with your author credits. Studying
the construction industry niche and the popular websites within it
will help you decide where your bio fits best.
Final
thoughts
Social proof is a resource, and it is every company's job to
nourish and protect it. Focus on building and nurturing your
construction business and personal relationships online while
almost everyone is spending more time at home. There are many
things beyond our control, but this is one of the things we can
take advantage of right now.
About The Author:
Sharie DeHart, QPA is the co-founder of Business
Consulting And Accounting in Lynnwood, Washington. She is the
leading expert in managing outsourced construction bookkeeping and
accounting services companies and cash management accounting for
small construction companies across the USA. She encourages
Contractors and Construction Company Owners to stay current on
their tax obligations and offers insights on how to manage the
remaining cash flow to operate and grow their construction company
sales and profits so they can put more money in the bank. Call
1-800-361-1770 or sharie@fasteasyaccounting.com
