How to Grow Your Construction Business Through Referrals

Acquiring new prospects through word of mouth may be the oldest marketing trick in the book. So why are some construction business owners afraid to ask their customers for referrals? Nielsen research has found that consumers “are four times more likely to buy when referred by a friend to a particular business.” That especially holds true for a major purchase on a home improvement project. In addition, most homeowners would rather ask people they know for trustworthy contractor recommendations than choose an unknown business. If your customers are happy with your work, then why not ask them for a referral? Here are three simple ways to increase construction business referrals — and four free, easy-to-use templates to help you reach new customers:

1. Say “Thank you” to every customer.

Each time you complete a job, send your customer a thank-you card or email. This follow-up lets customers know that you value their business, and it also gives you the opportunity to ask for a referral. Creating a thank-you message ahead of time makes it easy to reach out after each job. Get started with this thank-you email template. Additionally, always remember to follow up on your follow-up. If the customer provides a referral, be sure to thank them again. You might also consider a reward for referrals, such as a gift card or a discount on future services. Send a speedy response with this email template.

2. Reach out to every construction business referral.

You got a name — now it’s time to reach out to your construction business referrals. Ideally, your customer has provided you with a mailing address for your referral. (If not, don’t forget to ask!) One non-intrusive way to contact that referral is to send a postcard that details your services. Postcards are easy to create and send. See the printing tips below to customize this postcard template.

3. Distribute door hangers throughout the neighborhood.

Your customer’s new roofing, siding, or other exterior improvements serve as a clear indicator of the work you do. Once the work is done, you can let the neighbors know that your construction business completed the project. Placing door hangers throughout the neighborhood helps you reach homeowners directly. Just make sure to check your local laws before you distribute them! Create a door hanger that displays your business’s information.

A referral is the highest form of praise.

The best way to grow your business is to develop the habit of asking for construction business referrals. Use the marketing materials below to market and grow your business.  

Using Your Free Resources

1. Download.

You can use Microsoft Word or another word processor to edit these templates:

• Customer thank-you email
• Follow-up email
• Postcard to referral
• Neighborhood door hanger

2. Customize.

Next, fill in your company’s information, insert your logo, and change the colors to match your brand.

3. Print.

The postcard and door hanger templates were designed for use with Avery^® template paper. They can also be printed on 8.5” x 11” white card stock and trimmed to size with scissors or a paper cutter.

• For the postcard, use Avery white 4” x 6” postcards (product 5389).
• For door hanger, use Avery 4 ¼” x 11” door hangers with tear-away cards (product 16150).

First, be sure to test print the postcards and door hangers on plain paper. When you’re ready to print final copies, change printer settings to “Best Quality” and paper type to “Card Stock” or “Heavyweight.” To print double-sided, please follow your specific printer instructions.

Another way to keep track of potential referrals

The EagleView App puts detailed property measurements, 3D visualizations, automatic quotes, and more right at your fingertips. Keep jobs organized with a streamlined dashboard. Download today for Android and iOS devices.

Learn more

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