I’ve built websites for landscapers, restoration companies, roofers, and plenty of other trades, and the lesson is always the same: contractor websites don’t need to be fancy. They need to answer three questions fast: Do you do what I need? Do you work in my area? Can I trust you? Everything else is decoration.
Put the phone number where thumbs can find it
Most people looking for a contractor are on their phone, and many are dealing with a problem right now. Make your phone number a tap-to-call button at the top of every page. For a home restoration company I worked with, folks with flooded basements couldn’t find the number, so we put a tap-to-call button at the top of every page. It’s the simplest fix with the biggest payoff.
Say exactly what you do in the headline
“Roof repair and replacement in Akron and Summit County” tells a visitor they’re in the right place. A slogan doesn’t. Save the clever lines for your truck.
One page per service
Someone searching for “deck staining” wants a page about deck staining. Separate pages for each main service help customers and help search engines send the right people to you.
Show real projects
Big, clear photos of real jobs are the most persuasive thing on a contractor site. Before-and-after sets are even better. For a landscape architecture firm, their stunning yards had been hidden behind small, blurry photos, so we built big before-and-after galleries that let neighbors picture their own backyard. Organize projects by service and town when you can.
Be clear about your service area
List the towns you cover in plain text. It saves you from calls you can’t take and helps local search.
Let reviews do some talking
Show a handful of genuine reviews and link to your Google profile for more. Licenses, insurance, and trade certifications belong here too, if your trade has them.
Make the estimate request easy
A short form (name, phone, town, what you need, maybe a photo upload) is plenty. Tell people what happens next and how quickly you usually respond.
What contractors can skip
- Auto-playing video and big sliders that slow the site down
- Long company history on the home page
- Stock photos of people who clearly don’t work for you
- Pop-ups that cover the phone number
Questions I hear a lot
Do contractors need a blog?
It helps if you’ll write about common questions and projects, but a solid set of service pages and project photos matters more.
Should I show prices?
Ranges or “starting at” prices can help qualify leads, but many trades work better with free estimates. Do what fits how you quote.
If you want a second set of eyes
If you’re in the trades and your site isn’t bringing in calls, I’d be glad to take an honest look. Send it through the free website check, or read how I build websites for local businesses.