A guide to website design and development for general contractor startups

1. Why is a well-designed website an essential tool for any general contractor business?

Having a well-designed website is essential for any general contractor business for many reasons:

First, a website acts as an exceptional marketing tool. It prominently displays your business’s services and customers can readily gain information about your company. By having a professional-looking website, customers will have confidence in your ability to provide quality services.

Second, having a website allows for online bookings and contact forms. This allows customers to easily get in touch with you and potentially hire your services without ever needing to leave their home.

Third, having a website creates more visibility for your business. Not only is your website available for search engine results, but it also allows you to list your business on listings and directories. This allows you to spread the word about your business and reach more potential customers.

Lastly, having a well-designed website allows for a professional atmosphere. People are more likely to trust and hire your services when you present yourself in a professional manner. By having a website that accurately reflects your work, customers will be more likely to contact you.

2. Key Elements to consider when creating a general contractor website

1. Show the range of services you offer

Having a page or section of your website dedicated to your services is a great way to showcase the breadth of what you have to offer. This will also help potential customers quickly understand what your business does and how your services can help them.

2. Share a portfolio of your previous work

Another great way to establish your brand’s credibility is to showcase preferably high quality images of completed projects that have been completed by your business. This could include pictures or videos of completed work. Doing so builds trust with potential customers and helps them visualize the potential solutions for their own project.

3. Keep your contact information visible

A common mistake when designing a website is to put contact information in deep corners of the website that aren’t easy to access. However, potential customers will need to contact you in order to discuss their project requirements. Therefore, make sure your contact information is easy to find throughout your website and consider adding options for live-chat on your website.

3. What pages should a general contractor business website include?

Home Page

The home page should provide an overview of the services offered by the general contractor business, as well as information on how to contact the business and any promotions or discounts that are currently available.

Projects Page

The projects page should provide potential customers with clear and concise information about the type of projects the business specializes in, as well as examples of completed projects. This will help customers get a better understanding of the quality of the work that the business can provide.

About Page

The about page should feature a description of the general contractor business, its history, as well as the experience and qualifications of the team members. This information will help customers decide if they are interested in working with the general contractor business.

Contact Page

The contact page should provide potential customers with the necessary information to easily and quickly get in touch with the general contractor business. This page should also include a contact form to enable customers to send questions or requests quickly and easily.

4. Common Mistakes to avoid during website development for general contractor startups

1. Not Planning Ahead

One of the most common mistakes to avoid during website development is not having a plan. Whether you’re a general contractor starting up or a seasoned veteran, a plan can help guide the entire process and help keep you on track. Make sure you have a set of goals that you want to achieve, and create a plan based on how you will achieve those goals.

2. Not Having SEO In Mind

Another common mistake is not keeping SEO (Search Engine Optimization) in mind. Having an SEO-friendly website is important to help get your website found. Make sure that you include appropriate keywords, use headers and make sure that the content is informative. Additionally, you should also have a responsive design that works across multiple devices.

3. Not Having Mobile Optimization

Having a website that is not optimized for mobile is a common mistake. With more and more users using their mobile devices to surf the web, it’s important for your website to be mobile optimized. Make sure your website is fast loading, has a responsive design, and is easy to navigate to help provide a great user experience for both desktop and mobile users.

4. Not Prioritizing Security

Prioritizing website security is one of the most important steps to take during website development. Make sure you are using secure coding practices, have strong passwords for your accounts, and use HTTPS whenever possible. Additionally, make sure to regularly test your website to ensure all security measures are in place.

5. How to promote a general contractor business website

Create an SEO Strategy

The goal of an effective SEO strategy is to ensure that your company’s website is ranked higher in search engine results when potential customers search for general contractors in your area. To accomplish this, you should start by conducting keyword research to identify the terms and phrases that your target audience is most likely to use when searching for a contractor. Then, you should incorporate these keywords into the content of your website, including your blog posts, as well as in the title tags, headings and image tags. You can further improve your website's visibility by optimizing it for local SEO, by creating listings on local business directories and by utilizing social media to build a community of followers.

Utilize Paid Advertising

Another great way to promote your website and to market your services is to utilize paid advertising. You can target potential customers in your area using Google AdWords or other online advertising platforms. Through these platforms, you can create text ads, video ads or display ads that will appear in search engine results when customers are looking for a local contractor. You can further refine your ad targeting based on keywords, location and demographics, which can help to ensure that your ads are reaching your intended audience.

Use Social Media

Social media can be an effective tool for promoting your website, and building a community of engaged followers. You can use social media to interact with customers, to share updates and information about your services, to advertise special offers and to offer valuable tips and advice to potential customers. Additionally, you can use social media to engage with other local contractors and to collaborate on projects together.

Website Content Ideas for general contractor Businesses

About Us

Begin by describing the history and mission of your general contractor business, your staff members, qualifications, and your vision. Include where you are located and the areas you serve.

Our Services

Provide a detailed list of the services you offer. This might include home renovation, commercial construction, remodeling, and other specific services you offer. Explain what sets your service apart from the rest.

Portfolio

Show off your work. The portfolio section may include images of completed projects, descriptions of each project, and client feedback. This helps prospective customers see the quality of your work and the wide range of services you can provide.

Testimonials

Include reviews from satisfied clients to provide social proof to your site visitors, which can help to build trust. This section can also highlight specific successful projects and experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Create a FAQ section addressing common questions concerning timeframes, materials used, service areas, pricing, and any payment plan options. This not only helps to reassure prospective clients but also saves you time responding to common questions.

Blog

A blog is where you can regularly post articles related to general contracting. This could include project before-and-after, DIY tips, design trends, or guidance on building regulations. These posts can help to establish your brand as an authority in your field.

Contact Us

End with a “Contact Us” page encouraging visitors to reach out for more information, a quote, or to discuss their needs. Include a form they can fill in, as well as your email, phone number, and physical address (if applicable).

Case Studies of Successful general contractor Business Websites

1. Beck Group (https://www.beckgroup.com/)

The Beck Group website is a successful example because it utilizes well-structured HTML and CSS to present a clean, professional design. The navigation is intuitive and the site load time is fast, which contributes to a pleasant user experience. The site also makes use of high-quality images, and the text contents are precise, contributing to its success.

2. Hensel Phelps (https://www.henselphelps.com/)

This general contractor business website is successful due to its well-organized layout, use of whitespace, and distinct call-to-action buttons. Looking at its HTML structure, it can be noticed that elements are properly tagged and categorized, making its contents easy to read for both users and search engines.

3. Turner Construction (https://www.turnerconstruction.com/)

Turner Construction stands out in presenting a well-structured website with clear navigation. HTML5 Semantic elements are used effectively; for examples:

 

4. PCL Construction (https://www.pcl.com/)

PCL Construction’s website is exceptionally user-friendly with a clear interface. The site is constructed with well-written HTML, making use of appropriate headings for sections and sub-sections, which help in enhancing the site's SEO. It also features a responsive design, meaning the site looks good on all devices.

5. Skanska (https://www.skanska.com/)

Skanska's website highlights simplicity and professionalism. It makes good use of HTML tags to clearly structure contents. Using tags for the header section, to differentiate various sections, for news, and for additional content. All these contribute to the website's SEO, user experience, and accessibility.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

FAQ: Why do I need a professionally designed website for my general contractor business?

A professionally designed website for your general contractor business can establish your online presence, attract potential customers, and build credibility. At Avvale, we specialize in creating tailored websites that help businesses like yours stand out and succeed in the digital landscape.

FAQ: How long does it take to design and develop a general contractor website?

The timeline for designing and developing a general contractor website can vary based on your specific requirements. At Avvale, we work closely with our clients to create a customized project plan, ensuring timely delivery without compromising quality.

FAQ: Can you help with content creation for my general contractor website?

Absolutely! Avvale offers comprehensive services that include content creation tailored to your general contractor business. From engaging copywriting to compelling visuals, we ensure your website communicates your unique brand effectively.

FAQ: Will my general contractor website be mobile-friendly and optimized for search engines?

Yes, Avvale places a strong emphasis on mobile responsiveness and SEO optimization. We ensure that your general contractor website is accessible on all devices and ranks well on search engines, increasing your online visibility.

FAQ: What is the cost of designing and developing a general contractor website with Avvale?

The cost of a general contractor website varies based on factors like complexity, features, and customization. Avvale offers competitive pricing, and we can provide you with a personalized quote after discussing your specific needs.

FAQ: How do I maintain and update my general contractor website after it's launched?

Avvale offers ongoing maintenance and support services to keep your general contractor website up to date and secure. We make it easy for you to make content updates and provide assistance whenever you need it.

FAQ: Can I see examples of general contractor websites Avvale has designed?

Certainly! Visit our portfolio page to see some of the stunning general contractor websites we've created for our clients. We take pride in showcasing our successful projects as a testament to our expertise.

FAQ: How can I get started with Avvale's general contractor website design services?

Getting started with Avvale is easy! Simply reach out to us through our contact page or request a consultation. We'll schedule a meeting to discuss your needs and provide you with a customized plan for your general contractor website project.

FAQ: Do you offer e-commerce solutions for general contractor websites?

Yes, Avvale can integrate e-commerce functionality into your general contractor website, allowing you to sell products or services online. We'll ensure a secure and user-friendly shopping experience for your customers.

FAQ: What sets Avvale apart from other web design agencies for general contractor businesses?

Avvale stands out thanks to our deep understanding of general contractor industries, our commitment to client satisfaction, and our creative and technical expertise. We take a personalized approach to each project, ensuring your website reflects your brand and goals perfectly.