Let’s be real: you’re great at fixing roofs, but marketing? Feels like trying to nail jelly to a shingle. You know the work speaks for itself… if only people would call. If your phone isn’t ringing after storms or your calendar’s got more gaps than a damaged tile roof, it’s time for marketing for roofers that actually works.
Forget fancy theories. These are 10 battle-tested marketing strategies used by roofers who stay booked solid:
1. Master the "Near Me" Game (Local SEO)
· Why it works: 90% of roof searches start with “roofer near me” or “emergency roof repair [Your Town].”
· Action: Optimize your Google Business Profile like it’s your digital storefront. Fill EVERY section (photos, services, service areas), use keywords like "emergency roof repair [City]" or "metal roof installation [City]", and beg for reviews. Get listed on local directories (Yellow Pages, Hotfrog, Hipages).
· ROI: Top 3 Google Maps rankings = 70% of the clicks.
2. Show, Don't Just Tell (Killer Before/After Gallery)
· Why it works: Roofing is visual. Homeowners want proof you transform disaster zones into pristine roofs.
· Action: Invest in high-quality photos/videos of EVERY job. Close-ups of damaged areas, the repair process, and stunning finished results. Ditch blurry phone pics. Organize them by roof type (tile, metal, shingle) and problem (leak repair, full replacement). Put this gallery EVERYWHERE (website, Google Profile, social media).
3. Become the Storm Chaser (Targeted FB/IG Ads)
· Why it works: After hail or high winds, homeowners panic-search for roofers immediately.
· Action: Set up Facebook/Instagram ads targeting people in specific suburbs just hit by severe weather. Use urgent messaging: "Storm Damage? Free Roof Inspection Before Your Insurance Claim!" or "Hail Damage? Get Your Roof Repaired FAST." Track leads like a hawk.
4. Turn Happy Clients into Your Sales Team (Referral Program)
· Why it works: Trust is HUGE in roofing. People listen to neighbours.
· Action: AFTER a job is successfully completed (and the client is thrilled!), ask: "Know anyone else needing roof work? We'll give you $200 [or a gift card, discount] for every referral that books." Put it on your invoice and website. Make it EASY.
5. Own the Insurance Claim Angle
· Why it works: Most major repairs are insurance jobs. Homeowners are overwhelmed.
· Action: Create a dedicated webpage: "Navigating Roof Insurance Claims in [Your Area]." Offer a free insurance claim assistance consultation. Position yourself as their expert guide. Mention your experience working with major insurers.
6. Build Trust with "Why Us?" Content
· Why it works: Roofing is a big, scary purchase. People need reasons to choose YOU.
· Action: Create simple, honest content:
o Video: "5 Questions to Ask ANY Roofer Before Hiring Them"
o Blog Post: "Tile vs. Metal Roofing: What's Best for Brisbane Homes?"
o FAQ Page: Answer REAL questions (costs, timelines, warranties, mess cleanup).
· Place it: Website, YouTube, Facebook.
7. Leverage Local Partnerships
· Why it works: Builders, plumbers, electricians, and insurance agents see damaged roofs constantly.
· Action: Build genuine relationships. Offer to be their go-to roofer for referrals. Maybe offer a small reciprocal referral fee. Drop off your cards/brochures. Sponsor a local footy club. Be visible locally.
8. Harness the Power of Video Testimonials
· Why it works: Seeing a real homeowner rave about you beats written quotes 10x.
· Action: After an amazing job (especially a complex insurance claim), ask: *"Mind sharing a quick 60-second video about your experience? We'd love to show others how we handle tough jobs."* Make it easy (film it on your phone). Post these GOLD nuggets on your website and socials.
9. Get Found for Repairs (Not Just Replacements)
· Why it works: Most roofers only chase big replacements. Smaller repairs are constant lead generators.
· Action: Optimize website pages/blog posts for:
o "Roof leak repair [Suburb]"
o "Broken tile replacement"
o "Gutter repair near me"
o "Emergency roof tarping"
· Offer quick, transparent quotes for repairs.
10. Track EVERYTHING & Follow Up Religiously
· Why it works: Most roofers let leads fall through the cracks.
· Action:
o Use a simple CRM (even a spreadsheet) to track every lead (source, name, number, job type, quote status).
o FOLLOW UP: Call within 5 MINUTES of a web inquiry. Follow up quotes after 2 days, then 1 week. Send a reminder email before storm season. Many jobs are won simply by being persistent (but polite!).
The Bottom Line: Stop Waiting for the Phone to Ring
"Look, you didn’t get into roofing to become a marketing guru. But here’s the thing: great work alone won’t keep your schedule full. These strategies aren’t theory – they’re what real roofers use right now to stay busy and beat the slow seasons. You don’t need to do all 10 at once. Pick ONE that feels doable this week. Maybe it’s snapping killer before/afters of your last job, or finally setting up Google reviews. Small steps add up fast. Before long, you’ll spend less time chasing leads and more time doing what you do best – fixing roofs and making customers rave. Your next big job is out there. Go claim it."
5 FAQs Busy Roofers Actually Ask:
1. "How soon will I see results from these marketing tactics?"
It depends! Things like Google Business Profile optimization and review generation can bring calls in 1-2 weeks. Paid ads (like storm-targeting) can work instantly. Content (blogs/videos) takes 3-6 months to build traction but pays off long-term. Start with quick wins (reviews, profile setup) while building slower-burn strategies.
2. "I’m a small crew – which tactic gives the MOST bang for the buck?"
#1: Dominate Google Maps (Local SEO). It’s FREE and targets people actively searching right now. Fill out every inch of your Google Business Profile, add photos/videos, and beg for reviews. 80% of your local leads likely start here. #2: Referrals. Happy clients are your cheapest (and most trusted) sales team.
3. "How much should I spend on marketing?"
*Aim for 5-10% of your target revenue.* If you want $500k in jobs, budget $25k-$50k/year. Focus on ROI, not just cost: A $500 Facebook ad campaign after a hailstorm that lands $30k in jobs is money well spent. Track what works!
4. "Do I REALLY need to learn about insurance claims?"
YES, if you do repairs/replacements. Most homeowners are terrified of the insurance process. Offering clear guidance (even a simple webpage explaining steps) builds HUGE trust and sets you apart from roofers who just quote the job. Position yourself as their advocate.
5. "Can’t I just rely on word-of-mouth?"
You can… until work dries up. Word-of-mouth is powerful (#4 on our list!), but it’s passive and unpredictable. Combining it with active marketing (like SEO or targeted ads) ensures leads keep flowing during slow periods or when competitors move into your area. Don’t leave it to chance.
