6 Contractor Blog Ideas to Get the Ball Rolling
It's safe to say that most contractors don't have a lot of experience with creative writing. And even for those who do, coming up with a sufficient list of blog topics is never easy. Whether you're just starting out or have been blogging for a while, it's not uncommon for writer's block to set in, making it difficult to continue the practice.
However, as we've touched on in previous posts, blogging is important -- if not vital -- to your content marketing presence. As such, updating your blog should be part of your weekly schedule. It's helpful to block off time for brainstorming, writing, and editing your blog content, so that it doesn't fall by the wayside.
But what about when you can't move past the brainstorming phase? It happens to everyone, especially when you're trying to come up with something that is both unique and interesting to your readers. This is not a reason to give up on blogging altogether. Rather, you might just need a little inspiration.
To get your creative juices flowing, here are six ideas for potential blog topics.
Write a how-to guide.
As a contractor, you have a wealth of knowledge that could be helpful to the average consumer. Share that knowledge by turning it into a how-to guide, which you can then include in a blog post or, if you're feeling ambitious, a downloadable printout.
Though most clients will hire a contractor for larger, more complicated projects, a greater number of consumers are taking it upon themselves to carry out smaller home improvement tasks, such as restoring old furniture and applying wallpaper. Cater to these creative types by offering step-by-step advice on how to approach these projects.
These days, sites like Pinterest are making DIYs more appealing, and consumers are consistently looking for ways to cut costs by tackling such crafts on their own. Ride the wave by using your expertise to guide readers in the best methods for accomplishing such tasks.
Answer some FAQs.
You probably get a lot of questions about what you do, whether the inquiries are specific to you or are in regards to your line of work. When coming up with blog topics, think about some of the more common questions that people ask you. Depending on the subject, you might be able to craft an entire blog based on a single question. But if you're not up for that, one thing we suggest is to devote one of your blog posts to answering a list of frequently asked questions.
Write out a handful of questions that seem to concern the majority of your clients. Maybe the typical customer is curious about how long you've been in business, what kind of work you're most experienced in, or why you started your company in the first place. Perhaps you've been asked some more general questions about painting, or construction, or window cleaning. By addressing these queries, you'll not only be writing what you know (which should make the process easier on you); you can also be sure you're writing something that your target client base will be interested in.
Talk about the industry.
Industry news isn't always the most interesting topic for clients, but if you're looking to attract readers, writing about what's happening in your industry is a good way to appeal to fellow contractors. Plus, this isn't a very difficult topic to research. All it takes is Googling a related phrase -- "painting industry" or "construction company", for example -- and selecting the 'News' tab. You'll likely come across stories on the latest products, new legislation, and notable people -- all of which will catch the eye of other professionals in your field.
You can branch out by touching on several different industries and topics. While you might work exclusively as a painter, you'll draw in more attention if you write on other areas of interest, such as construction or interior design. Broadening your horizons means expanding your fan base, and this is exactly what you need to get the most out of your blogging efforts.
Give a product review.
Whether they're fellow professionals, handy DIYers, or curious clients, many of your readers will enjoy hearing about a new product that you've tested. This is particularly true if the product is something you're personally excited about. Did you recently find a new favorite paint? Are you hung up on the latest construction tool? Maybe you just tried out a new software or smartphone application, and you want to tell the world how cool it is. Writing a blog post is the perfect way to get the word out.
If you're not sure how to do this, check out our blog post on The Top Apps for Home Improvement Professionals for an example.
Showcase a recent job.
Why not kill two birds with one stone? By writing about a job you've completed, you can offer readers some original material while also demonstrating your talents as a contractor. With your client's permission, get some photos from your latest project and write a post detailing how it was completed, what obstacles you faced along the way, or something that you learned.
Opening up in this way will not only help to make your company seem more legitimate; it can also serve to humanize you as a contractor. Discussing the intimate details of a job will provide your customers with a better understanding of your perspective as a professional. Similarly, it will make you seem more personable, as your clients now have the opportunity to get a feel for how you think and operate.
And of course, what contractor doesn't want the chance to brag about their work?
Get a testimonial.
If you're not comfortable tooting your own horn, let your past clients do it for you. Reach out to your best customers and ask if they would be willing to write a testimonial. This takes a lot of the hard work out of blogging, as you won't actually have to write anything in order to create new content.
Granted, the task of getting a testimonial can be difficult in itself. Essentially, you're asking customers to write a letter of recommendation -- which takes valuable time out of their schedules. Even if your clients have generally been satisfied with your services, this doesn't mean all of them will have the time and energy to sit down and write a testament to the quality of your work.
In some cases, your best option is to sweeten the deal. Offer coupons or discounts to those who give you a written review, or do a giveaway where anyone who provides a testimonial is entered to win a prize. Though this won't catch every client's attention, odds are, you'll spark the interest of at least a few customers.
What's next?
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