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5 Low-cost Marketing Ideas for Home Builders

Monday, February 17, 2025

5 Low-cost Marketing Ideas for Home Builders

Many builders rely on word-of-mouth marketing as their primary or sole strategy. In today’s competitive market, that approach alone is no longer enough to ensure success. If you want to grow your business, investing time and resources in marketing is essential. For small business owners, however, this can be challenging. Here are five low-cost or free marketing ideas you can implement today to boost your visibility and grow your custom home-building business.

1. Claim your Google My Business (GMB) page
Claiming your GMB page is a critical step in establishing your online presence. To get started, locate your business profile on Google and click on “Own this business?” or “Claim this business.” Follow the steps Google provides to validate ownership. Once validated, you can manage your profile, respond to reviews, upload photos, update services, and post updates.

Google also provides a shareable link to request reviews from your customers. Positive reviews help improve your search ranking, making it easier for potential clients to find you. Note that you can only reply once to each review, so craft thoughtful responses that leave a lasting impression.

2. Signage, Signage, Signage
Some traditional marketing methods are still highly effective, and signage is one of them. Display your logo, contact information, and even a QR code on signs at your lots and building sites. QR codes, which can be generated for free through websites like www.ME-QR.com, can direct people to your website or downloadable brochure. QR codes can also be tracked to see how many users scan your sign.

Vehicle decals or magnetic signs are another excellent way to promote your business while on the move. These are affordable and turn your vehicle into a mobile advertisement.

3. Utilize Social Media
Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram are powerful tools for engaging with potential clients at no cost. Share updates, in-progress photos of builds, customer testimonials, and helpful tips for homeowners.

Don’t forget to take photos and short videos on job sites—always ensuring that workers are wearing proper safety gear. To save time, you can delegate social media management to a team member or use the Meta Business Suite to schedule posts in advance. Additionally, tag Amwood in your posts so they can share your content and extend your reach.

4. Partner with subcontractors and local building association
Collaborate with your subcontractors on marketing efforts. If they’re already marketing, learn what’s working for them. If they’re not, consider splitting costs on joint initiatives, such as sharing a billboard.

Your local building association can also be a valuable partner. These organizations often market on behalf of their members and can generate leads. Participating in events like parades of homes is another way to gain exposure and connect with potential clients.

5. Use the Amwood Marketing Reimbursement Program
Take advantage of Amwood’s Marketing Reimbursement Program to maximize your marketing budget. This co-branding initiative reimburses builders for qualified marketing expenses that promote both your business and Amwood.

Here’s an example to break down how the program works and how it can benefit you. Amwood will pay 50% of the builder’s qualifying expenses up to ½ of 1% of builder’s total package shipment payments. So, if you have a $200,000 package with Amwood, 1% of $200,000 is $2,000 and ½ of that is $1,000. So, if you purchase logo attire for your staff and have your logo on the front of the shirt and Amwood’s logo on the sleeve, that would then qualify for this program. If the total of the shirts is $2,000 you would get $1,000 back, if the total is $2,500 you would get $1,000 back, and if the total is $500 you would get $250 back.

This program reduces your overall marketing costs while enhancing your brand presence. Other companies may offer similar programs, so explore co-branding opportunities with other partners to further stretch your marketing dollars.

Final Thoughts
Marketing doesn’t have to break the bank. By taking the time to develop a plan and leveraging these low-cost strategies, you can create impactful marketing campaigns that help grow your business without draining your resources. Start small, track your results, and refine your approach as you go. Consistent effort and smart spending can make a significant difference in building your brand and attracting new clients.