Social Media Marketing for Remodelers
By David Alpert
  When I talk with remodelers, trade publication editors, and others in the remodeling industry, it does not take long before for this question comes up, “What do you think of Social Media Marketing for remodelers?” Without giving away my age too much, I remember being asked the same question in the 90’s about the use of websites for remodelers…. and my answer today is similar. Social media marketing will likely become one of the tools remodelers will use to market their companies.
Right now, the use of social media by homeowners in many remodelers’ prime demographic is not that high. However, as today’s active social media users get older and into the demographic that remodels, social media will become a more useful tool. And as those who are older now begin to get hooked by their kids or grandkids into using social media the channel will become more useful.
 Social media is a way of engaging with prospective clients in a completely different way than most traditional methods of marketing. There are no proven and time-tested models of how social media can be best used for remodelers but there are remodelers starting to test and experiment.
Here is some useful information to keep in mind if you are thinking of testing social media:
• Social media marketing is not free. It requires a fair investment of time and resources, even just to test.
• Being present on social media sites is not enough. You have to proactively attract and engage homeowners in your service area.
• Social media is not like a website. Avoid making your Facebook page look, feel or sound like a website. “Marketing” or “ad speak” is a no-no. Think of social media as meeting people at a social event or being a friendly neighbor.
• Have something valuable and authentic to say and contribute. Say it in a way that helps people and engages them in conversation, not in a way that is obviously trying to sell them on your company.
• Cross promote your social media channels and your other traditional marketing approaches to best utilize the resources each has to offer.
• You can use social media to listen to the market and to your clients and those of your competitors.
• You can only be in so many places. Determine the best channel(s) for your business and focus on them.
• Check out the social media you might want to use by exploring Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Linked-In or other social media sites with a free account. Most cost nothing to have a basic account or page.
Repeat FREE Webinar on Jobsite Marketing
With more people wanting to attend than we had room for, we had to turn some remodelers away from our last FREE webinar on Jobsite Marketing. We also heard from people who couldn’t make the original date. So…we will have a repeat webinar on Monday, June 29 at 2:00 PM Eastern. E-mail Bonnie Horowitz if you would like to attend.
Here are the results of last month's poll:
What is Your Biggest Marketing Headache?
This month's poll:
How much have you been looking into Social Media Marketing "channels" for your company? VOTE NOW!
Complete Online Remodeling Magazine Survey
Complete this online Remodeling Magazine survey if you want your company to be considered for a spot in the August issue's Largest Remodelers List. There are local winners in multiple categories so it's worth the effort. For more information go to their website.
We are happy to report that Continuum Marketing Group's team raised $450 for the Susan G. Komen Global Race for the Cure!
A Remodeler Asked:
Q: I always see links in your newsletters to both Continuum Marketing Group and Continuum Express. What is the difference between the two?
A: Every remodeling company is different in terms of its size, budget, and organizational goals. That's why CMG has two divisions to help remodelers grow their businesses. Companies who need help developing a marketing strategy or creating an integrated marketing program can turn to Continuum Marketing Group. Remodelers seeking specific marketing products and tools can turn to Continuum Express. No matter what your company's needs, Continuum has a program that's right for you.
Special Savings from ContinuumExpress.com
50% off your first online order with our new online printing provider. Perfect for jobsite post card mailings, test mailings, flyers, full color business cards and much more.
And save up to 75% on all highly targeted jobsite mailing lists using our new online provider and ContinuumExpress’s special online portal.
Comments & Questions
If you have questions or topics you would like us to address in future issues of Marketing Matters, please let us know. Send them to editor@continuum-mg.com.
Sincerely,
David Alpert
President, Continuum Marketing Group, LLC
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