We’ve got seven unique construction marketing ideas to help you step up your marketing game.

Construction is an industry that provides many opportunities to market creatively. By keeping a balance between your online and offline marketing efforts, you’ll be able to expand your audience and reach as many new potential customers as possible.

By being unique with your marketing efforts, your construction business will set itself apart from the competition and drive new business your way.

1. Donate leftover materials after your project is complete.

Sometimes it can be hard to figure out what to do with extra materials, and it can cost money to remove them. So, donate the materials to a local non-profit.

Then reach out to area publications to try and get some PR. Ask the organization to include a link to your site on their website when they promote the project and share it on their social media too.

It’s a win-win for everyone!

2. Every surface is a marketing opportunity.

In Copenhagen, there are lots of converted shipping containers that are eye-catching and offer a unique way to market.

Shipping containers may not be available in your area, but hopefully, this idea will spark your creativity to find flat surfaces to show off the company.

3. Partner with local schools.

Show the youth of today how projects go from start to finish and inspire young minds to join your industry.

Contact your local school district and ask them if they’re willing to partner with your firm in order to demonstrate how the industry works.

More than likely you can find vocational classes in any high school, college/university, or community college that would show some interest. It’s good press and it’s a great way to source local talent early on.

4. Recycle Materials into Artwork.

Reach out to local artists and offer them a chance to pick through your used or scrap material to make artwork. Most cities have an art center or at the very least college students that are looking for project materials.

There’s never a shortage of creative folks who would love some free materials to work with!

Enjoy knowing that you are helping kids learn, keeping stuff out of the landfill, saving money on disposal costs, and (if your accountant says it’s okay) getting a tax break!

Here’s a good article to read: Denver Artists Use Trash to Create Art.

When applicable, ask that your company be mentioned in whatever is made. Also, ask for your website link to be added to their Donor page.

You might want to consult your lawyer to make sure you’re alright with donating materials before doing so.

5. Get Personal on Social Media.

For construction industry companies, social media is a great opportunity to show the more personal side of your business. If you aren’t active on social media, you’re missing a huge opportunity to market your company.

Here are some suggestions:

  • Share a glimpse into life behind the scenes at your office or in the field.
  • Showcase the team softball league championship. Even if the team loses, it’s still great to post – we’re all human after all.
  • Share your employees working on local non-profit projects.
  • Show photos of projects-in-progress. No selling, just unique content that showcases your projects and staff working on them.

When you’re a resource to your customers, they keep coming back for more. Exciting content keeps them interested and your business top-of-mind.

Note: Facebook is more for B2C (business to consumer companies) and LinkedIn is better for B2B (business to business companies).

My 80%/20% rule: only 20% of your posts should be “salesy.” People don’t want to be sold to. Your business will resonate better with prospects when you’re personal – it’s called “social” for a reason.

6. Pictures Speak Louder Than Words – So Use Them.

Toot your own horn by sharing your recent projects by taking great photos of them. This is too often overlooked by construction companies.

Your website should be full of beautiful sharp photos of your projects. Great photos keep people on web pages 67% longer. Divide your project gallery into sections (like Civic, Institutional, Education) for easy navigation. Each photo should be edited for presentation.

Data shows that the credibility of a company that uses high-quality, professionally edited photos on their website increases by 186%. So, think twice before taking out your cell phone and snapping away. If it’s not in the budget to hire a pro, at least read up online the best way to take a photo of your “subject.”

7. Offer Free Bottled Water.

On a hot day provide free bottles of cold water set up on a few tables for passersbys. This is a way to show your company is a good neighbor but also a great way to get on the local news.

You can even try donuts and coffee in the morning. Make sure to announce it on social and also put up signs. This works well, especially when you’re in a busy part of town.

And speaking of signs, make sure to ask for a Like or Follow of your social media pages.

Final Thoughts

Creating a strong marketing plan for your construction company isn’t always a matter of having a big budget.

It’s also about being open to something unique and creative to build brand awareness.