As a roofer, you know it takes a lot of time and effort to succeed in your business. Getting quality roofing leads is key to your success. 

Start with the marketing basics by knowing what types of clients you want and what areas you service well. Then test some of these marketing tactics to discover which ones work best for your business.

Here are 8 practical and proven roofing marketing ideas that can help you create a lead-generating machine for your roofing business. 

1. Put yourself out there

• If your face is your brand, then don’t be afraid to show it! Showing who you are is one of the simplest ways to build your reputation, earn trust and connect with potential customers – whether it’s online, on videos, in printed marketing materials, or by knocking on doors. 
• Real estate agents do it all the time and it works for them, so why not roofers?

2. Do roofing videos

• Videos are an extremely effective way to get noticed and position yourself as an expert. 
• Use your mobile phone to create short videos that provide the answers to frequently asked questions, such as what are the most common roofing leaks or how to make a roof more energy efficient.
• You can do quick, real-time “story” videos to show your work in progress or you can highlight new materials you’ve started using.
• Post these videos regularly on your website and social media platforms. 

3. Create a hard-working roofing website

• You probably know that having a good website is essential to build a strong online presence. Your site should be fast and easy to use. 
• Ensure that your site contains keywords related to the type of roofing services you provide (residential or commercial) to help prospects find exactly what they’re looking for. 
• Here are some examples of commonly searched keywords: roofers near me, roof repair, roofing companies near me, roof replacement cost, roof leak repair, new roof cost, affordable roofing, roofing services, commercial roofing, and local roofing companies.

Here are some things a good website should include:

• Specifics on the services you provide 
• Areas you serve
• Links to your online reviews 
• Client testimonials
• Industry certifications 
• Examples of completed roofing projects
• A call-to-action on every page, such as Get a Free Quote
• Looks good and functions well on mobile devices. 

4. Set up a Google My Business Listing

• A Google Business listing is an absolute must to leverage this search engine.
• The listing lets you manage how your business appears on Google Search and Maps, plus you can send a link to your satisfied customers to leave reviews. 
• You can also connect your listing to a Google Ads Pay-Per-Click campaign. You’ll pay a small fee when potential customers click on your ad.
• Use Google Keyword Planner to find the top SEO keywords for roofing companies.

5. Get all-star reviews

• Almost all potential clients visit online review sites as part of their decision-making process when looking for a roofing contractor. 
• Ensure that you have a presence on the most popular review sites, such as Homestars, Houzz, Yelp or Facebook Recommendations. Request ratings and testimonials from your happy customers. Be sure to thank them when they give you a good review.
• Ensure that you respond promptly to any negative reviews as they can be very damaging to your reputation. Address the customer’s concerns and offer to resolve any issues they might have. This way anyone that notices the unfavourable comment will also see that you’re committed to being proactive and ensuring customer satisfaction.

6. Encourage word-of-mouth

• Happy customers are the best way to get the word out. When you’re finished with a project, ask your customer to refer you to someone else. Get them to write a testimonial that you can post on social media, your website or use in your sales presentations. 
• People will often use contractors that their neighbours have used. Offer your customers a referral incentive if they pass your name along and it helps you get your next project. 

7. Stay active on Social Media

• Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter can all be good tools for lead generation.
• Post before and after photos of your roofing projects, customer testimonials, tips for home maintenance and renovations, roof construction and repairs, energy efficiency, etc. 
• Reach out to your social media followers and let them know you’re looking for projects. Chances are they’ll refer you if they know someone who wants to do their roof.

8. Don’t doubt Direct Mail

• Expand on your online marketing by using direct mail postcards based on postal codes. Be sure to provide links on any of your marketing materials to your website and online review sites for more information.
• While working in the neighbourhood, take time to drop off promotional materials or knock on a few doors to let the neighbours know you’ve just finished a job down the street. 

These are proven ways to create more leads for your roofing business. So stop wondering where your next roofing lead will come from and start working on it with these suggestions.

For more marketing tips and tricks, check out this article: How to Plan Your Marketing Strategy. Plus, you can always give your Gibson Rep a call. Our team is always happy to help in any way they can.