How to Find Construction Jobs in the Off-Season
Keep your team busy during the slow season with these job-finding tips.
Wisconsin winters are known for being brutally cold and snow-packed. And as the temperatures drop, construction projects tend to do the same. If your business is struggling to find new construction jobs in the off-season, here are a few tips to jump-start the opportunities:
Reach out to former customers or old leads
Market interior remodeling services
Create seasonal promotions
Start a referral program
Get the word out on social media
Attend tradeshows, events, and conferences
Diversify your services
Find out how to implement each of these strategies to find construction jobs in the off-season below.
Reach out to former customers or old leads
When new opportunities are slow going, you may want to re-focus your efforts on former clients and old leads. If you’ve been keeping track of contacts who may be interested in your services, now is the time to reach out. Start with a phone call or an email to see if they have a need for work – you may be surprised by what a single follow-up can do!
Market interior remodeling services
Just because it’s challenging to work outside this winter, it doesn’t mean there isn’t any work available. You and your crew may be able to take your services indoors with remodeling jobs, repairs, and other tasks. This shift to interiors can help keep your business busy and profitable. It can also tie in with seasonal promotions and festivities, which we cover in the next tip on how to find construction jobs in the off-season.
Create seasonal promotions
Seasonal promotions may be just what your customers need to take action even though it’s cold. With the holiday season, many customers are on the lookout for – and expect – money-saving seasonal deals on products and services. To give this idea a try, come up with a promotion that sparks a sense of urgency. Perhaps you offer a discount, a complimentary seasonal add-on service with a project (i.e., weatherstripping or spray-foam insulation), or donate to a charity with every new contract signed by a certain date. This strategy will let your customers know that it’s time to act if they want to take advantage of the deal while also allowing your team to earn income for the holidays.
Start a referral program
If you don’t already have a referral program in place, you may be missing out on potential work in the off-season. By creating an incentive for current clients to recommend you to friends, neighbors, and other businesses, you can widen your exposure and earn a few more leads in the off-season. Consider offering a reward to customers who participate in your referral program, like cashback, gift cards, or discounts on future work. You can even promote the program on your website and email newsletters for further traction.
Get the word out on social media
Social media is a free and easy-to-use marketing tool that shouldn’t be overlooked – especially when you’re looking for construction jobs in the winter months. If you’ve been neglecting your online presence for a while, the off-season is the perfect time to amp it up. With social media, you can stay in touch with current and former clients and potential leads, alert followers about your services and promotions, and assert yourself as an industry leader in the trades.
Find more ways to market your business online with our guide on digital marketing tips for builders.
Attend tradeshows, events, and conferences
Another way to get the word out about your services in the winter is at a tradeshow or conference. Attending these events can help you meet new contacts and gain insights into improving your business. If you don’t have the budget or time to travel to conferences in-person, look for virtual ones. These online events can prove just as valuable, and some even have online chats so that you can connect with fellow attendees and potential clients.
Click here to review our events calendar for construction trade opportunities throughout Wisconsin.
Diversify your services
Our final tip to kick-start business in the winter is to diversify your portfolio of services. Some common winter services that other construction businesses have offered include holiday light installation and decorating or snow removal. Assess your equipment availability, skills, and resources to come up with the best winter offering for you. Getting creative with your operations can help keep your team busy and business profitable all season long.
If you’re looking to find construction jobs in the off-season, the business strategies outlined in this post may help you get a leg up during the cold Wisconsin winter. Find more helpful tips for the construction trades on our blog.
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