Homeshow ROI For Home Improvement Companies In The “New Normal”

Prior to the Coronavirus pandemic, home shows and renovation trade shows were a valuable marketing tool for home services companies. They were attended by tens of thousands of homeowners. Setting up a booth at a show was a great way for companies to get in front of potential customers.

When COVID-19 arrived in Canada, it wasn’t long before the spring home shows were canceled. Many contractors scaled back their services to meet public health guidelines and to stay afloat. Others chose to close and hunker down for the storm ahead. Homeowners and potential customers started using new methods to search and hire home services companies, especially those considered an essential service throughout the pandemic.

If home shows were your number one method of attracting new business, what is your plan operating without them? As a digital marketing company, RenovationFind has some advice. First, let’s look at some statistics.

Home show ROI pre-COVID-19

RenovationFind is usually one of the marketing partners for the big home shows in Western Canada. We set up a booth, speak with homeowners, and help connect them with RenovationFind Certified home services and renovation companies. With these shows being so well-attended in the past, we speak with a lot of homeowners wanting to renovate.

We sent out a survey to homeowners in Western Canada asking where they found contractors for home projects?

Rated from the most popular search method to the least, 25.7% of homeowners survey said that home shows were their number one choice for finding contractors for home projects. That means that pre-COVID, the ROI for attending a home show was high for contractors and industry-related companies.

With home shows gone, where will that 25.7% of homeowners go to find your home services business?

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Homeowners are turning to the internet to find contractors for home projects

Even though we are in the early stages of the economic relaunch, with each province experiencing a slightly different timeline, homeowners are still using the internet as the primary way to find home services companies. People are practicing social distancing, are working from home, or at home with kids due to school and childcare facility closures. They are using the web now more than ever.

We have seen an incredible surge of web traffic to RenovationFind.com since the pandemic hit. Our web traffic grew 59% from February 2020 to May 2020. 

These statistics have shown us the massive shift from the way homeowners were finding trusted contractors. From home shows, to using trusted online sources like RenovationFind.com.

Homeowners continue to do their research before hiring home contractors

Home shows provided a unique opportunity for homeowners to do practical research on potential contractors for their home projects. What better way to learn about a company than actually meeting the people behind it, and seeing first hand their services and product offerings.

Keep in mind that this face-to-face research was done in addition to online research. Searching for companies online, checking reviews, asking for references, and other background checks should always have been part of the process. For many, it was.

RenovationFind makes it easy for homeowners to do that kind of research. All the companies on our directory have been pre-screened by a third-party organization. We have already made sure the companies have proper licensing and insurance, clean legal and financial history, WCB coverage, and we monitor customer reviews. Once a company passes the check, they become RenovationFind Certified and are given a listing on the website.

When a homeowner sees they are on the site, they know that most of the research work has been done for them. Having all of the trades and contractors they need, vetted and certified, on one website has provided a useful tool for homeowners seeking services throughout the pandemic. As things open up, we believe this trend will continue. This is because large-scale events like home shows will not be in the picture for quite some time. Also, people might feel uncertain about attending them.

What if home shows operate again?

Large events like home shows are not included in the earlier or even middle stages of relaunch strategies. For some provinces, they will be the last thing to resume. Even then, they will not be the same. There will be public health restrictions that will diminish the kind of ROI home services companies might have experienced in the past.

For example, there will be a restriction on patrons allowed into the space at one time to ensure social distancing. That means fewer people in front of your booth. There will also be strict hand sanitizing and potential mask-wearing requirements. Taking these extra steps just to attend a home show might be too inconvenient for regular patrons and they might not attend. For others, they might feel too scared or nervous to attend such a large event, even if it is included in the latest phase of a relaunch.

Home shows operating in the ‘new normal’, whatever that might mean in the future, will not be as lucrative as they were before COVID-19. We don’t know what the future holds, so it’s hard to know if the ROI of a home show will be the same as it was before the public health crisis.

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Today’s Consumers are Digital.

Did you know Google released a stat indicating users check out 10.4 sources before purchase.

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Boosting your online marketing efforts

Long before the decline of home show ROI, we already knew that most people do research online before purchasing something. Prior to the pandemic, marketers depended on word-of-mouth marketing, home show exposure, and other in-person meetings in addition to online marketing. Without those things, we can adjust to meet consumers where they are at – and that is online.

Review your marketing budget

Home shows are expensive, and it’s likely your booth at multiple home and renovation shows took up a large chunk of your marketing budget. According to this marketing spend decision report, companies allocated nearly half of their budgets on trade shows. That is a huge amount of the budget.

It’s possible some of that marketing money has gone to other things to help keep your business afloat during the darkest days of the pandemic. If you’re in good financial shape and are able to do so, the funds you have allocated for home shows can now go to more effective online marketing channels.

Where should I spend money on marketing?

Enhancing your website, investing in search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing, content marketing, email marketing, and digital paid-advertising are all effective ways to market your home services business in the new normal.

Improve your website

If your website is dated or not functioning properly, now is a great time to update it. Users who visit your site should see a professional, modern web design that is easy to navigate. Once they find you online, make sure you’re making a good first impression.

Search engine optimization

If you have the financial resources, hiring a third-party SEO company can help improve search results for your company. By working with keywords and phrases, you can increase your domain authority so you get more leads to your website.

Social media marketing

With more people social distancing and isolating at home, they are spending more time than ever on their social media channels. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, and LinkedIn could provide great opportunities for your company to get in front of those users. Plus, being active on social media will boost your SEO.

Content marketing

Creating your own unique content gives you a tool to connect with potential customers. Use your own blog to provide news, positive stories, how-to articles, and other pieces of content your target audience will find helpful. Then blast those pieces out on social media and through email marketing campaigns.

Social media and Pay-Per-Click (PPC) advertising

Online advertising can be very effective in reaching a specific target audience and increasing web traffic. Whether you’re using Google Adwords or paying for Facebook advertising, you will get clear analytics on custom behaviour, click-throughs, and your online reach. This is also something a third-party company can help you with if data and analytics are not your thing.

Email marketing

If you have a contact list that is compliant with the Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation, you should be utilizing it. Use a user-friendly online mass mailing tool like MailChimp or Constant Contact. These tools allow you to design beautiful emails using a drag-and-drop editor. They also offer free accounts but will have restrictions on the number of contacts you have and emails you send.

Coming out of COVID-19

Right now, businesses are trying to market in times of uncertainty. Business owners are uncertain, and customers are uncertain too. People and businesses are doing their best with the advice provided by health officials, but even that advice seems to change often and with little notice. While every individual has a different tolerance to risk and concern, it is still important to keep your marketing going with that in mind.

Having a crisis recovery plan can help your business emerge more successfully post-COVID-19. If you have already been implementing an emergency response plan for business continuity during the crisis, you’re ahead of the game. Just remember that your marketing strategy needs to adjust to being part of that plan.

Don’t allocate your marketing budget to things you used to, because those things are different now. Don’t be afraid to try something new. It could mean reaching more customers online and gaining new business in this new normal.

Things will get better. Jurisdictions are starting to open for business during various stages of the relaunch. Things will slowly get easier for home services businesses to operate. While that might mean operating within specific health and safety guidelines, we are hopeful that it will still mean businesses can thrive and attract new customers.

RenovationFind can help

RenovationFind spends a lot of time promoting our clients online. Companies get more than just a RenovationFind Certified rating and directory listing. They benefit from a range of online marketing channels. Online blogs, email marketing campaigns, banner ads, social media marketing, online advertising, and SEO strategies all come into play to help boost domain authority to our site, and to our client profiles.

Learn how we can help.

Another Helpful Article is >>> 10 REASONS WHY CUSTOMERS CHOOSE YOU OVER A COMPETITOR

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com

This post first appeared on https://www.homebuilding.co.uk

During the renovation process, it can be hard to picture what a project will look like when it’s complete. You may have an idea in your mind, but putting in on paper can be difficult. However, it doesn’t have to be. With technology becoming more advanced, you may be surprised to find that there’s a digitized way to make plans for your project. The contractors at Bow River Concrete in Calgary have the technology you need to give you a better picture of the project’s potential.

You can see the final product before you’ve started

Starting a project can be overwhelming. There are so many factors to consider, and the road ahead can seem long and challenging. However, the software available through Bow River Concrete can change that. For landscaping projects, you and the team can design the patterning of the material, the shape, and how it could potentially look. And it doesn’t stop there. It can show garages, sidewalks, pathways, patios, stairs, and so much more. Seeing is believing, and being able to see your project’s potential can give you the motivation and ideas to get things moving.

You get an accurate quote

The software blueprints allow you to get a better idea of how much the project will cost. You can see exactly which materials will be used, how much is used, and what it will cost you. It gives you the opportunity to make any necessary changes. Not only does this make planning the project easier, but it can help you stay on budget and puts decisions into perspective.

You can keep it!

Bow River Concrete, once created, gives you a copy of the blueprints to keep with you. With it, you’ll be able to keep track of your concrete transformations in your yard. It keeps you in the loop with what’s going on and makes it easier to communicate any questions or concerns with the contractors. It gives you much more power over your project.

Concrete Contractors in Calgary

Serving Calgary and area for many years as concrete contractors, Bow River Concrete strives to install high-end residential concrete, commercial concrete, floor coatings, and excavation services. They’ve seen it all and can help you every step of the way. No job is too small or too big for concrete and excavation with their knowledgeable crews.

Call Bow River Concrete anytime for a free quote!

Click to Find >>>>> Concrete Contractors in Calgary

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com

  

It’s no secret that interior paint colours will affect moods in different ways. It’s part of what affects interior paint choices, but it also plays a role in attracting potential buyers. You want colours that appeal to the masses, which lets buyers more easily imagine themselves living there.

Tru-Line Painting in Abbotsford is a professional painting company with over 20 years of experience. When it comes to buying appealing interior colours, they have some tips and experience to share:

Neutral but not boring

Neutral typically brings to mind colours such as plain white or light tan, but those aren’t the only options. When you appeal to a buyer, that also means leaving some visual interest in a room. The area should be neutral enough to allow buyers to see themselves in the space, without being too plain. For attractive neutral shades, try a light grey or light browns instead. For something with a little colour, use mauve or pastels like blue and even pink. If you’re staging the house, don’t forget to work with the furniture to avoid clashing colours.

Kitchen: bright with a hint of colour

A cool blue-grey or a crisp white are perfect choices for kitchen colours. Both shades are neutral and add either a calming warmth or crisp brightness. This also leaves plenty of room for buyers to imagine themselves in the kitchen and how to customize the look later. Those bright colours will also add a sense of spaciousness if you have a smaller kitchen without room to renovate.

Once you’ve painted the walls, don’t forget to give those cabinets some attention as well. A safe colour choice is to either leave the cabinets a crisp white or be bold and go dark. Whatever colour those walls are, kitchen cabinets should work to accentuate the room. Aside from whites or darks, pastels are another perfect touch to add just a splash of colour.

Living room: warm is best

You want to create a warm and welcoming space with living rooms, so stick to warm colours. Shades such as orange, browns, or yellows are all considered warm choices. Beige is another popular choice, but for something different, go for white. You don’t want a stark white, so choose either an off-shade or one with soft undertones. That way, your living room has that clean look, but it’s still soft enough to feel welcoming. For large living rooms and even small, warm colours are also a great way to add some spaciousness to the room.

Bedroom: add some colour

Bedroom colours are especially important since you don’t want a bold, bright colour that will keep you awake. A light shade of purple is the perfect way to add a sense of luxury to the bedroom, without dominating the space. Another appealing colour is to choose a cool green or grey with blue undertones. That creates a warm, gentle sense that is very attractive to both bedrooms and buyers.

If you have a master bathroom as well, pair the same colour theme in there. Either choose a complementary colour or choose a shade lighter or darker than the bedroom. That way, the flow of colours throughout the room will continue and create a sense of unity.

Painters in Abbotsford

At Tru-Line Painting, they dedicate themselves to customer satisfaction in both their services and work. They offer a full range of painting services from interiors, exteriors, staining, wallpaper, and much more. Whether you need a small job or a full home painting transformation, Tru-Line Painting is ready to help.

Contact Tru-Line Painting today!

Click to Find >>>>> Painters in Abbotsford.

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com

With the weather getting nicer, it’s the perfect time of year to tackle those home renovations that have been pushed aside. One project on the back burner may be the addition or updating of your garage. When it comes to any renovation, you want the best. Tay-Ky Developments in Calgary is a great choice for building or fixing your garage, and here’s why.

They make a plan and stick to it

Have a budget in mind? Not a problem! Staying on budget is important, and the workers at Tay-Ky keep that in mind when planning. For them, planning is the most important stage. It ensures that the project stays on track, and everyone has a record of what’s going to happen during the renovation process. With the planning stage, they also provide their advice about what they know will or won’t work. You want people with the necessary experience, and Tay-Ky brings that to the table. They will execute your plans and make your dream garage happen.

They have a wide range of materials

Something you want in any renovation is freedom of choice. At Tay-Ky Developments, they don’t limit what materials are available to you. They have developed relationships with many traders, vendors, and suppliers in order to ensure you get the best quality materials and designs out there. With the materials, they also have access to many talented designers in the industry. Not only can they help make your garage fit your vision, but they can offer advice on designs or materials that fit your needs.

They’re flexible

Tay-Ky Developments prides itself on being a small business. When working with any company, you want to know you’re a priority to the people you’re working with. Tay-Ky has great flexibility, and give your project the care it needs and deserves. They keep in contact with you during the process and make time to meet with you about any issues that may arise.

They’re safe and efficient

Now more than ever, health and safety is essential when having any work done in or near your home. Tay-Ky Developments is committed to public health guidelines, and are doing everything they can to keep you, your family, and their employees safe. They practice proper sanitization, social distancing, and wear masks on the job to ensure everyone’s safety during the project.

Garage Builders in Calgary

Tay-Ky Developments knows how difficult renovations can be. They work to ensure that your renovation process goes as smoothly as possible. With their quality materials, team, and safe practices, Tay-Ky is a great choice for your garage or basement renovations.

For more information, contact Tay-Ky Developments today!

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com

If you’re renovating the kitchen, consider installing custom cabinets. Custom cabinets give you creative freedom with your kitchen that you may not have had before. They are tailor-made to fit your kitchen space, giving you the necessary functionality or style you’re looking for. Custom cabinetry is the specialty of the workers at TTK Woodcraft in Calgary, and they have many ideas for how you can work custom cabinets into your kitchen renovation.

Color schemes

Custom cabinets come in numerous colours, making it easy for you to find exactly the color you’re looking for. This can be an opportunity to play around with colour. Colours on-trend include neutral greys, browns, whites, or blacks, but why not try a bold pop of colour? A common cabinet trend is doing the upper and lower cabinets in two different colors. Maybe you want to make a bold statement with bright upper cabinets and dark lowers, or use two different cool tones to make the space more welcoming. From natural finishes, stains, and a wide array of colour options, you can design a kitchen that you’ll love for years to come.

Some open, some not

Do you have too much clutter in your kitchen or something to showcase? With custom cabinets, you can conceal or reveal as much as you want. Want a cleaner look? Keep all of your cabinets closed and keeping everything safely tucked away. However, for a cozier kitchen feeling, allow some cabinets to be installed without doors. It can make the space feel larger since the eye travels to the back of the cabinet. It also gives you the opportunity to show off dishware and decor. Another common trend is to include built-in, open dishracks to hold things like plates or mugs.

Inside the cabinets

Going to the interior of the cabinets, custom cabinets can be made to function as you and your family need. For example, if you need more pantry space, custom pantries can be included with the cabinets, giving you different storage solutions. Other built-in options include wine racks, spice racks, and slide-out shelving. The addition of built-ins inside your cabinets increases organization, storage, and functionality.

Cabinets versus drawers

When it comes to lower cabinets, there’s the choice of your regular cabinets or drawers. Custom cabinets give you the freedom to do both. If you’re looking to break up the uniformity, adding drawers is the way to go. Not only will it look great, storing things in drawers allows for fast, easy access and effective organization.

Custom Cabinets in Calgary

TTK Woodcraft has the dedication you’re looking for in your kitchen renovation. They guarantee to make your vision of your dream kitchen become a reality. They have the creativity and the passion you’re looking for to get the job done.

Interested? Check out TTK Woodcraft today!

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com

This post first appeared on https://www.homebuilding.co.uk

Have you always dreamed about having a custom closet? There are a lot of details that go into a custom closet, which can make it overwhelming and difficult to take the first step to make it happen. One thing to always keep in mind, though: this project is all for you! So plan for what you need or want, and don’t worry about appealing to anyone else.

Calgary Custom Closets in Calgary is a professional closet and storage solutions company. They share a step-by-step guide on how to plan your perfect custom closet:

Step 1: Measure your space

One of the most important parts of planning a custom closet is knowing what space you have to work with. You want to maximize every available inch, but without creating a cluttered or cramped look. As you measure, take care to check the floor-to-ceiling measurements as well. Dead space above your closet is a waste, so plan to have full-length closets or shelves in place.

Make sure also to measure the floor space to ensure you have enough room to walk around. If you only have room to walk in and turn around, it becomes more claustrophobic than an attractive feature. Check out these helpful tips and tricks for measuring your new custom closet.

Step 2: Plan your clothing

Do you have lots of dresses or shirts that need hanging? Are you more of an accessory person with watches and jewelry? Details such as these will play a big role in what sort of design you need. That may mean lots of open shelving, drawers on the lower half, or a special shelf just for your shoes. Part of having a custom closet means the perfect fit for your needs.

A good rule of thumb is actually to limit the number of drawers you use. Use drawers for intimates like socks and underwear or precious jewelry, but keep the rest open. Hangers and open shelves create a final look that is a lot sleeker and more attractive than hiding everything inside. Plus, you can easily walk in and find what you need without the hassle of a search. Don’t forget to add deep shelves as well, which make it easier to stack folded sweaters or bulky clothing.

Step 3: Keep an open floor

Open floor plans are all the rage on the main floor and should be as well when it comes to closets if you have space. Elevate your clothing as much as possible and keep things off the floor, including shoes. Plus, the more floor space you have, the more luxurious feel that walk-in closet will have. It also leaves more room for a few feature additions to really customize the final look.

Step 4: Plan for splurges

Part of the fun of a custom closet is choosing some splurge features to add as the final touch. That may mean a luxury chandelier for a real statement piece, or a closet island for more organization. Even little details such as satin chrome hooks or racks will go a long way with adding a little wow factor. Have good ambient lights, but also use the accent lights to highlight jewelry or for underneath shelves. Add a full-length mirror for not only practicality and luxury, but also for giving the illusion of even more space.

Closet and Storage Solutions in Calgary

At Calgary Custom Closets, they pride themselves on turning clutter into order with their custom closets. Whether it’s maximizing a small space or transforming a large one, they have the help you need. Every room from bedroom closets, home offices, laundry rooms, and more, Calgary Custom Closets has a storage solution.

Don’t wait to get organized; contact Calgary Custom Closets today!

Click to Find >>>>> Closet and Storage Solutions in Calgary.

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com

This post first appeared on https://www.homebuilding.co.uk

   

If your old asphalt shingles are curling, missing or you’ve noticed bare spots, it’s time for a roof replacement. This home improvement will help protect your home from the harmful weather, improve curb appeal and resale value too.

Sargeants Roofing answers some questions you might have about a roof replacement:

How much will it cost?

Your roofing project cost will depend largely on the size of your roof and how complex it is. On average, a typical asphalt roof replacement can cost between $7,000 to $9,000. If you have a small house, it could be as low at $4,000 – $5,000. If you have a massive house with an intricate roof structure, it can be in the mid teens.

The brand of shingles you choose, and the pitch of your home will also play a role in determining the price of your roof replacement.

How long will it take to install the new roof?

For an average home, it will take one or two days to complete the roof replacement. If you have a large home with a complex roof (more valleys and uniquely shaped areas) it could take up to three days or more depending on the size. Weather can play a factor too. Sargeants Roofing will hold off on taking your old shingles off should bad weather be in the forecast, extending the length of time required to replace the shingles.

Should I choose a light shingle or a dark shingle?

Feel free to choose whatever colour shingle you prefer or one that goes best with your home’s colour scheme. If we lived in a climate with extremely hot weather like Arizona or Texas, it might be wise to choose a lighter colour. Since we only get a handful of extremely hot days in the summer, it won’t make much of a difference which colour shade you choose as long as your venting is up to code.

Do I need to replace my gutters too?

Most people do. Gutters and/or eavestrough (interchangeable words) are a critical component of your roof. An effective “non-leaky” eavestrough system will prevent water from coming inside your home at the foundation or walls.. Old gutters that are leaking, not slope properly or just not secured properly to your fascia will increase this risk.

New 5” continuous gutters that are installed with screws and hangers vs. spikes, sloped properly will do the best job removing water from your home. You may also want to consider “Leaf Guards” (see pic in this section). Easy way to not have to clean your gutters ever again. Summer or winter, you will have the peace of mind your roof and gutters are done by a professional when you contact an Edmonton Roofing Company.

Do I need more vents on the roof? Why?

Most older homes don’t have adequate ventilation for their attic. Having proper ventilation is key for your home’s energy efficiency, protecting your home from moisture damage, especially in the winter and extending the life of your shingles. Without good air flow, condensation is your biggest enemy. Any heat lost from your home without proper attic ventilation, will cause issues in the winter. Typically, frost build up in the cold weather turns into water in warmer days (Condensation). This moisture can damage your trusses, roof boards, framing, insulation and ultimately get into your home. Sargeants Roofing will assess your ventilation situation and implement proper ventilation according to code.

Roofers in Edmonton

Sargeants Roofing offers full roof installation including roof replacements and roof leak repairs in Edmonton and surrounding areas. They also offer complete roof system packages that include new eavestroughs, fascia and soffits.

 

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com