Let’s talk about what every home improvement business needs—leads.  No matter how great you are at what you do if the phone isn’t ringing and your inbox is empty, your business isn’t growing.  And let’s be honest, relying on word-of-mouth alone isn’t enough anymore.  The way customers find contractors is changing, and if you’re not keeping up, your competitors are getting the jobs you should be landing.

I know what you might think: “I don’t have time for fancy marketing.  I need more people calling me.” The good news is that generating leads doesn’t have to be complicated.  You need to focus on the right strategies that work in 2025.

One of the most significant shifts is that customers expect speed and convenience when looking for a contractor.  If they can’t get ahold of you quickly, they’ll move on to the next company.  That means having an easy way for people to contact you is necessary.  You’re losing business if you still rely on customers leaving voicemails and waiting for a callback.  Live chat, online booking, and even simple text messaging are becoming the norm.  Suppose a potential customer can book a consultation on your website in less than a minute.  In that case, they’re way more likely to go with you over someone who takes days to respond.

Speaking of websites, let’s discuss why yours needs more than just a digital business card.  Many contractors think having a website with their phone number is enough.  It’s not.  Your website should be built to generate leads.  That means it needs to be fast, mobile-friendly, and have clear calls to action everywhere.  If someone lands on your site and has to dig around to figure out how to contact you, they’re leaving.  A clean, straightforward design with buttons like “Get a Free Estimate” or “Schedule a Consultation” will get way more people reaching out.

Now, let’s get into Google.  You’re invisible if your business isn’t showing up when people search for services in your area.  The easiest way to fix that is to ensure your Google Business Profile is completely filled out.  That means listing your services, uploading high-quality photos, and, most importantly, getting reviews.  If you haven’t been actively asking customers to leave reviews, now is the time to start.  Businesses with more recent, positive reviews rank higher and get more clicks.

Another game-changer for lead generation is content marketing.  Blogging might not sound like a priority for a home improvement business, but it’s one of the best ways to get more traffic to your site.  Think about it—people search for answers before even looking for a contractor.  If someone is Googling “how to tell if my roof needs replacing” and your blog post shows up, they’re now on your site, reading your content, and thinking, “I should probably just call this company to take care of it.” Blogging positions you as the expert, and people hire experts.

Social media is another piece of the puzzle, and no, I’m not talking about posting random pictures and hoping people call you.  The key is consistency and engagement.  Posting before-and-after project photos, sharing customer testimonials, and even short videos explaining common home issues can interest your business.  Facebook and Instagram are great for connecting with homeowners, but don’t ignore LinkedIn if you’re targeting commercial projects.  Even TikTok and YouTube are bringing in leads for contractors willing to put themselves out there with helpful videos.

Now, let’s talk about paid ads because they can either be a goldmine or a waste of money, depending on how you use them.  If you do it right, Google Ads is one of the best ways to get leads fast.  The trick is to target the right keywords—things like “AC repair near me” or “best roofing company in [your city]” instead of vague terms like “home improvement.” Local service ads, which appear at the top of Google with the little green checkmark, are compelling because they only charge you when an actual customer reaches out.  Facebook Ads can also work, but they’re better for branding and awareness than getting immediate leads.

One strategy that’s often overlooked is partnering with other local businesses.  If you install windows, team up with a roofing company and refer customers to each other.  If you do HVAC work, connect with electricians or plumbers who can send work your way.  These relationships can bring in steady leads without spending a dime on advertising.

Email marketing is another tool that gets ignored too often.  If you’ve worked with past customers, why not keep in touch with them?  Sending a simple monthly email with maintenance tips, seasonal promotions, or new services keeps your name fresh in their mind.  When they need work done again—or a friend asks for a recommendation—you’re the first person they think of.

One more thing—retargeting ads are a game-changer.  Ever visit a website and then start seeing their ads everywhere?  That’s retargeting.  If someone visits your site but doesn’t reach out, you can use retargeting ads to remind them about your business later.  It’s a great way to stay top of mind and increase the chances that they’ll eventually call you.

So, what’s the takeaway here?  You can’t rely on just one method to bring in leads.  The best approach is to combine SEO, social media, paid ads, networking, and content marketing into a system that consistently brings in new customers.

If you haven’t updated your lead generation strategy, now is the time to start.  The way people find and hire contractors is changing fast.  If you’re still waiting for referrals and hoping for the best, you’re leaving much money on the table.

The businesses that adapt will thrive in 2025.  Are you going to be one of them?