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
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