Welcome to the GMB Fox blog! Today, we're diving into the 2013 SMB Internet Marketing Survey, focusing on the building and construction sector. You may wonder why this matters to you. Well, if you're in the industry, these insights could be the game-changer you've been looking for. We’ve compiled key findings to help you understand the landscape of digital marketing within your field. Let’s break it down.
Marketing Budgets and Spending Habits
First off, the numbers are in: the average building and construction small to medium business (SMB) spends about $600 a month on marketing, significantly higher than the $400 average across all industries. What does this mean? It indicates that your industry prioritizes marketing to attract new customers more than many others. "Marketing isn’t just an expense; it's an investment in growth," as one survey participant aptly put it.
Additionally, 19% of these businesses spend over $1,000 a month, emphasizing the importance of getting those new leads. Why the higher spend? Building and construction SMBs are focused on acquiring new customers due to the lower rate of repeat business in their sector. When every lead counts, investing more in marketing becomes crucial.
Embracing Digital Marketing
Now, let’s talk about where that money is going. A striking 60% of the marketing budget for construction SMBs goes towards internet or mobile marketing. This is a notable jump compared to the 46% average in other sectors. Nearly a third of construction businesses allocate more than 81% of their budget to online marketing. "The digital landscape is where the battle for attention happens," a construction business owner stated.
The survey reveals that 31% of these businesses plan to increase their internet marketing spend in the next year, showcasing a trend of growing confidence in digital strategies. If you’re still hesitating, it might be time to rethink your approach.
Marketing Channels: What Works Best?
When asked which channels are most effective for bringing in new customers, the results were telling. 26% of respondents found SEO to be their top performer, with 24% relying on word of mouth. This reflects a clear preference for online strategies among construction SMBs, who are more inclined to trust digital avenues than their counterparts in other industries.
"Effective marketing is about knowing where to focus your efforts," emphasized a digital marketing expert. The combination of SEO and local online directories creates a powerful tool for reaching new customers.
The Digital Confidence Gap
Interestingly, while 88.5% of construction SMBs find internet marketing effective at attracting customers, there's a slight dip in confidence regarding mobile marketing. Only 67% consider mobile marketing vital for their future, compared to 77% across all industries. This could be due to the nature of the construction business, where leads often come from face-to-face interactions or phone calls rather than mobile interactions.
Partnering with Experts
On the consultant side of things, 69% of construction SMBs handle their internet marketing in-house, while 23% enlist the help of a freelance consultant or agency. The survey also highlights a significant issue: 46% are contacted daily by internet marketing firms. This frequency could lead to a sense of overwhelm.
"Choosing the right partner in marketing can simplify your process and amplify your results," shared a marketing strategist. Understanding your needs and finding the right fit can help you navigate the noise.
In Conclusion
The insights from the 2013 SMB Internet Marketing Survey reveal a landscape ripe with opportunity for building and construction SMBs. Investing more in digital marketing is no longer optional; it’s a necessity. If you're ready to make that leap, GMB Fox is here to help you navigate the complexities of digital marketing and make your business the first choice for customers.
In a digital world where visibility is everything, GMB Fox ensures your business isn’t just online—it’s the first choice customers make. Let us handle the complexities of digital marketing, so you can focus on what truly matters: growing your business.
Comments