How general contractors and construction firms can benefit from PR

Build on your company’s future and increase profits with the right tools

Is your general contracting company name well known in your industry? Do clients and prospective employees seek out your construction firm over your competitors? Are you using social media and other technologies to their full potential in reaching prospects and increasing sales? If you answered “no” or “I don’t know” to these questions, then your company can benefit from PR.

General contractors and construction firms are typically so focused on building projects for clients that they sometimes forget to build up their businesses, reputations and brands. With help from PR, you can increase your visibility, sales and news coverage opportunities for better market position and profitability.

What PR can do for you

Online reputation management – These days, every company has an online presence. Even if you don’t actively pursue it, others are commenting, posting and forming opinions about your company. It is vital that you know what is being said in order to prevent problems before they become major trouble and to help direct the conversation in your favor.

Your reputation precedes you into every event, candidate interview and sales meeting. Potential clients, job prospects and vendors are checking you out long before any face-to-face encounters. But providing valuable content on the right platforms at the moment your target audience is most likely to see it can be confusing and time-consuming. PR professionals can show you how to engage prospects and customers in a meaningful way using social media and other online tools.

Awards and recognition – Tributes and awards are a great way to be recognized for quality work and important contributions to your industry. They can increase your credibility and raise organizational morale and visibility. And you can be sure, people notice. Special honors can come in many shapes and sizes, such as being named for most creative, best use of green materials or leadership attributes. Acknowledgments can also come from outside your industry for achievements like being a best place to work or for contributions to your community. In addition, these recognitions typically attract media attention.

Of course, awards do not just drop into your lap; you have to work for them. Doing this takes identifying relevant award categories and opportunities and positioning your company in the best light. PR experts know the best way to craft your unique story and will help you get the awards that can serve to push your brand to the top of your industry and attract the brightest talent.

Branding – What are the top three words that potential clients think of when they hear the name of your company or CEO? What do you want them to be? Whether you call it “making a name for yourself” or “putting your company on the map,” it’s all branding, and without it, you are as aimless as a plastic bag blowing in the wind. To build customer loyalty and increase your position, people have to know who you are and what they can expect from your company. Some terrific company description possibilities include honesty, durability and family-centered.

Use PR to help you highlight your services in the best light and show why companies should work with you and why candidates should want to work for you.

Why you should consider a PR firm

Branding, winning awards and improving your reputation are just a few of the crucial tasks it takes to grow your business. There is also earning positive news coverage, managing events, crisis management and determining how all this affects your bottom line. Many general contractors and construction firms simply don’t have the time to do it alone.

At Axia Public Relations, we can be your strategic partner in conveying your messages and increasing awareness of your firm. Contact us today or download our e-book, Maximizing Your Public Relations Investment, to learn more about how we can help you further your reach and increase profits.

Learn more about how we can help your construction or general contracting business with PR.

Lisa Goldsberry is a writer for Axia Public Relations with more than 15 years of public relations experience. She specializes in business, higher education and technology PR. Connect with Axia Public Relations on Twitter at @axiapr.