Construction Contractors Community

WFCdesignPro · Joined: 04 Sep 2007 Posts: 10 Location: Aberdeen, NC

When most contractors decide to get a website, the actual layout and functionality of the design is usually not part of the equation. Everyone seems to want a web site that looks good, regardless of function. The reality is a good looking site that host poor seo and marketing design characteristics will never rank well and even if it does, most people will click off because of poor navigation and structure.

So what is the best layout and what has to be present to portray the site as being one of a professional contractor? Before this can be answered, you must first consider the surfing habits of internet users.

Statistics show that an average internet user spends less than one second forming an opinion about the design of a web site. So that means you just need a good color scheme and a really good image showing and you've achieved a perfect design right? Oh wait, did I mention that after about 3 seconds the visitor starts looking for the navigation menu. This means you can have the best looking site in the world but if visitors find the site hard to navigate, they're going bye-bye.

If you make it through the navigation stage, the next thing is topics of interest. There are several ways to funnel visitors through a contractor's web site. One is to show sales and try to get visitors to go directly to a request for estimate page for anything they click on. Another way is to create tons of information about your construction industry so visitors can find answers to what ever question they have. And another way is to create sections of itemized topics about specific services you provide for visitors to review before being asked to request an estimate.

So with all of these options, which is the best for a contractor? I can answer that question in a few sentences:

Build a website with a good blend of colors while using good images that capture attention as well as describe the benefits of your services. Make the site informative with easy to use, always in your face navigation along with a constant reminder to request an estimate.

Having a site designed under these guidelines and optimized to achieve high rankings will provide the best results for contractors. Visitors will find your site appealing and easy to use with all the information they need to choose the right service and request an estimate from a professional contractor.

So how many of you have a site that seems to fit these guidelines and if not, what do you think needs to be done to meet them?

Jeannie · Joined: 27 Oct 2007 Posts: 82

Yes if you are going to go with a website, you need to consult with someone that can really work and get what your company needs. That is traffic that is qualified and will buy your services. Picking a good company to make your website is very important.

tongyun · Joined: 26 Aug 2009 Posts: 24 Location: United States

Let's face it. Someone looking for information on the web isn't going to spend a lot of time looking at your site. It's up to you to make your site look good and filled with great content to keep the viewer's attention. Great content keeps them coming back for more.

THaworth · Joined: 21 Sep 2009 Posts: 22 Location: Illinois

Showing what you can do and how you will get it done is a surefire way to get your name out there. I would personally make sure that you use keywords on what services you offer and where you are located. Many people looking for contractors are looking for a specific problem. Showing up number one in google for Plumbers in Springfield, IL or the like is a great way to boost local business and get your name out there.

smartdesign · Joined: 22 Sep 2009 Posts: 14 Location: U.S

I think it is important to have a website design that is easy to navigate, professional look, but does not attempt to go overboard with flasiness. Speaking for myself, I find people who attempt to show off too much as a turn-off, and I am probably not going to want to use the service in question.