Trades Secrets: Contractor Marketing

Devon Hayes & Amanda Joyce

Trades Secrets: Contractor Marketing is for home services contractors and who are looking for easy to implement marketing tips and strategies. This podcast is for you if you're looking for actionable marketing tactics that are not over your head, and apply to ALL trades. We'll keep you apprised of what's new, and what should be on your radar for all things digital marketing.

  1. 4D AGO

    Where Do I Start with Online Visibility? | Ep 69 | Trades Secrets: Contractor Marketing

    In this episode of Trades Secrets: Contractor Marketing, we break down the real question behind all the buzzwords: where should a contractor actually start to get found online in search and in AI-driven results. We cut through the noise around constantly evolving acronyms like AEO and explain how these tactics connect back to the same fundamentals, then map out a practical way to decide what you need based on your business type and your buyer’s journey. Instead of telling you to “buy SEO,” we explain why your first lever is brand clarity and consistency across the web, then a real assessment before you spend. Learn how trust signals (especially reviews and consistent business info) influence whether humans and algorithms believe you, and why local visibility strategies look very different for a trades business with urgent, transactional searches versus a GC or custom builder with a longer consideration cycle. Key Takeaways:  Google’s Trust Framework EEAT (experience, expertise, authoritativeness, trust) is the lens for what you should fix first.Do a brand audit on yourself: if your name, address, phone, website, logo, or old URLs are inconsistent across platforms, fix that before buying “a package.”Missed an episode? Catch up with our full playlist of Trades Secrets podcasts found here:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-v2ElYWOqX8jZlaKuHz1krepsTZVY1As Plus, explore MORE actionable marketing tactics that are not over your head, and apply to ALL trades here: https://tradessecretpodcast.com  Find out how we can help you grow your business: https://elevmarketing.com/  Read about the latest in the field: https://elevmarketing.com/blog/  Connect with us on social media: FacebookXInstagram (Elevation Digital Marketing)Instagram (Trades Secrets)LinkedInAt Elevation Marketing, we have a tight team of experts in SEO or Search Engine Optimization, Google Ads, Google Local Service Ads, Google Display, Social Media Ads, Search Engine Marketing (SEM), Content Marketing, and Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO). With a niche focus on Contractor Marketing and working for the Trades, we've been able to make a significant impact on our home services clients. We are more than an agency, we're your marketing partner. Elevating you elevates us. Email us at experts@elevmarketing.com to talk! Find out how we can help you grow your business: https://elevmarketing.com/ Trades Secrets: Contractor Marketing is for home services contractors and who are looking for easy to implement marketing tips and strategies. This podcast is for you if you're looking for actionable marketing tactics that are not over your head, and apply to ALL trades. We'll keep you apprised of what's new, and what should be on your radar for all things digital marketing.

    31 min
  2. JAN 12

    How Stephen Spallo Scaled A Contracting Business from $2 Million to $7 Million in Two Years | Ep 68 | Trades Secrets: Contractor Marketing

    In this episode, we sit down with Stephen Spallo, now the Chief Operating Officer at Stag Homes Design Build. Before stepping into that role, Stephen played a key part in growing a residential contracting company from $2 million to $7 million in just two years. He shares the lessons, leadership mindset, and systems that made it possible. A major turning point in his journey was reading Traction: Get A Grip On Your Business by Gino Wickman, which he credits throughout the episode as a game-changer for how he runs operations. Stephen breaks down how business owners can apply these concepts in real life without getting overwhelmed. Whether you're in construction, operations, or just trying to scale your business the right way, this conversation delivers sharp and practical insights from someone who’s lived it. Key Takeaways:  Traction by Gino Wickman shaped his entire business philosophySystems are the secret weapon for scaling service-based companiesGood people and employees are hard to find - make the most out of themBe 1% better than you were yesterday, and you will see successMissed an episode? Catch up with our full playlist of Trades Secrets podcasts found here:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-v2ElYWOqX8jZlaKuHz1krepsTZVY1As Plus, explore MORE actionable marketing tactics that are not over your head, and apply to ALL trades here: https://tradessecretpodcast.com  Find out how we can help you grow your business: https://elevmarketing.com/  Read about the latest in the field: https://elevmarketing.com/blog/  Connect with us on social media: FacebookXInstagram (Elevation Digital Marketing)Instagram (Trades Secrets)LinkedInAt Elevation Marketing, we have a tight team of experts in SEO or Search Engine Optimization, Google Ads, Google Local Service Ads, Google Display, Social Media Ads, Search Engine Marketing (SEM), Content Marketing, and Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO). With a niche focus on Contractor Marketing and working for the Trades, we've been able to make a significant impact on our home services clients. We are more than an agency, we're your marketing partner. Elevating you elevates us. Email us at experts@elevmarketing.com to talk! Find out how we can help you grow your business: https://elevmarketing.com/ Trades Secrets: Contractor Marketing is for home services contractors and who are looking for easy to implement marketing tips and strategies. This podcast is for you if you're looking for actionable marketing tactics that are not over your head, and apply to ALL trades. We'll keep you apprised of what's new, and what should be on your radar for all things digital marketing.

    48 min
  3. 12/29/2025

    2025 In Review - What You Can Expect In 2026 | Ep 67 | Trades Secrets: Contractor Marketing

    In this reflective episode of Trades Secrets, Amanda and Devon review everything that 2025 taught us about marketing, research, agency life, and more. What worked? What didn’t work? And most importantly, why. This is not just a look back. It’s a look forward - through the lens of curiosity, intentionality, and growth. The hosts also outline how they’re thinking about 2026: where to double down, what to release, and how to create work that aligns with your values. Key Takeaways:  AI is here to stay; however, the correct implementation and guardrails are the keys to success with AI in your businessBrand Awareness is critical - make sure all of your branding is cohesive and easy for Google to understand what you do and where you do itReviews are still king and will continue to be in 2026Missed an episode? Catch up with our full playlist of Trades Secrets podcasts found here:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-v2ElYWOqX8jZlaKuHz1krepsTZVY1As Plus, explore MORE actionable marketing tactics that are not over your head, and apply to ALL trades here: https://tradessecretpodcast.com  Find out how we can help you grow your business: https://elevmarketing.com/  Read about the latest in the field: https://elevmarketing.com/blog/  Connect with us on social media: FacebookXInstagram (Elevation Digital Marketing)Instagram (Trades Secrets)LinkedInAt Elevation Marketing, we have a tight team of experts in SEO or Search Engine Optimization, Google Ads, Google Local Service Ads, Google Display, Social Media Ads, Search Engine Marketing (SEM), Content Marketing, and Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO). With a niche focus on Contractor Marketing and working for the Trades, we've been able to make a significant impact on our home services clients. We are more than an agency, we're your marketing partner. Elevating you elevates us. Email us at experts@elevmarketing.com to talk! Find out how we can help you grow your business: https://elevmarketing.com/ Trades Secrets: Contractor Marketing is for home services contractors and who are looking for easy to implement marketing tips and strategies. This podcast is for you if you're looking for actionable marketing tactics that are not over your head, and apply to ALL trades. We'll keep you apprised of what's new, and what should be on your radar for all things digital marketing.

    27 min
  4. 12/15/2025

    AI Hallucinations - What They Are and How to Fix Them | Ep 66 | Trades Secrets: Contractor Marketing

    In this mind-bending episode, Amanda and Devon dive headfirst into the weird and wild world of AI hallucinations. What does it really mean when artificial intelligence "hallucinates"? Why do these systems sometimes get facts completely wrong with absolute confidence? And what can you do to stop it? Check out the Truth Protocol below to help your AI assistant stop hallucinating and start helping! The Truth Protocol: (Give this to your favorite chatbot)  1. Frame the claim. Specify the question/claim, audience, geography, and timeframe. 2. Sources & freshness (3–5). Prefer primary/official or first-party data; record title • publisher • date; prefer recent sources and note any “last major update.” 3. Reconcile & rank evidence. Resolve conflicts: primary > secondary; newer > older; consensus > outlier. Note disagreements. 4. Objectivity guard. Remove bias. If interpretation/opinion is requested, label it and tie it to cited evidence. 5. Show your work. For numbers: show calculations/assumptions. For qualitative claims: summarize the reasoning chain. 6. Cite transparently. Inline-cite every non-obvious claim (source name + date). No fabricated or AI-generated citations. 7. Uncertainty & final gate. State confidence (High/Med/Low) + known gaps. If key facts can’t be verified, say “I cannot confirm this” and don’t assert. Before posting, ask: “Are all claims verifiable, current, bias-free, and cited?” If not, revise. Add “Last checked: YYYY-MM-DD.” Missed an episode? Catch up with our full playlist of Trades Secrets podcasts found here:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-v2ElYWOqX8jZlaKuHz1krepsTZVY1As Plus, explore MORE actionable marketing tactics that are not over your head, and apply to ALL trades here: https://tradessecretpodcast.com  Find out how we can help you grow your business: https://elevmarketing.com/  Connect with us on social media: FacebookXInstagram (Elevation Digital Marketing)Instagram (Trades Secrets)LinkedInAt Elevation Marketing, we have a tight team of experts in SEO or Search Engine Optimization, Google Ads, Google Local Service Ads, Google Display, Social Media Ads, Search Engine Marketing (SEM), Content Marketing, and Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO). With a niche focus on Contractor Marketing and working for the Trades, we've been able to make a significant impact on our home services clients. Email us at experts@elevmarketing.com to talk! Find out how we can help you grow your business: https://elevmarketing.com/ Trades Secrets: Contractor Marketing is for home services contractors and who are looking for easy to implement marketing tips and strategies. This podcast is for you if you're looking for actionable marketing tactics that are not over your head, and apply to ALL trades. We'll keep you apprised of what's new, and what should be on your radar for all things digital marketing.

    16 min
  5. 12/01/2025

    Imposter Syndrome is a Superpower | Ep 65 | Trades Secrets: Contractor Marketing

    Everyone feels like a fraud sometimes. But what if that feeling isn’t a weakness, but a sign that you are growing into something bigger? In this episode of Trades Secrets, Devon and Amanda dive deep into imposter syndrome and reveal how it can actually become one of your greatest tools in business and marketing. Whether you’re a contractor building a business or a marketer trying to prove your value, this episode will help you rethink your self-doubt and turn it into fuel. Episode Highlights: What is Imposter Syndrome?How to use Imposter Syndrome to your advantageMissed an episode? Catch up with our full playlist of Trades Secrets podcasts found here:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-v2ElYWOqX8jZlaKuHz1krepsTZVY1As Plus, explore MORE actionable marketing tactics that are not over your head, and apply to ALL trades here: https://tradessecretpodcast.com  Find out how we can help you grow your business: https://elevmarketing.com/  Read about the latest in the field: https://elevmarketing.com/blog/  Connect with us on social media: FacebookXInstagram (Elevation Digital Marketing)Instagram (Trades Secrets)LinkedInAt Elevation Marketing, we have a tight team of experts in SEO or Search Engine Optimization, Google Ads, Google Local Service Ads, Google Display, Social Media Ads, Search Engine Marketing (SEM), Content Marketing, and Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO). With a niche focus on Contractor Marketing and working for the Trades, we've been able to make a significant impact on our home services clients. We are more than an agency, we're your marketing partner. Elevating you elevates us. Email us at experts@elevmarketing.com to talk! Find out how we can help you grow your business: https://elevmarketing.com/ Trades Secrets: Contractor Marketing is for home services contractors and who are looking for easy to implement marketing tips and strategies. This podcast is for you if you're looking for actionable marketing tactics that are not over your head, and apply to ALL trades. We'll keep you apprised of what's new, and what should be on your radar for all things digital marketing.

    33 min
  6. 11/17/2025

    3 Ways to Generate More Leads in 2026 | Ep 64 | Trades Secrets: Contractor Marketing

    In this episode of Trades Secrets, we are finally together in person for a special retreat edition of Trades Secrets. We share three simple and effective ways for contractors to attract more leads in 2026. Whether you are just getting started or running a large, established company, these lead generation strategies will help you bring in more business and grow consistently. We break down how to get a steady stream of Google reviews, how to use Google Local Service Ads (GLSA) to drive quality leads, and why adding interactive tools like instant roof quotes or siding visualizers to your website can build trust and engagement.  We also explain how to nurture those new leads through smart follow-up strategies that keep your business top of mind when it is time for customers to make a decision. Episode Highlights: Reviews Matter: Build credibility with consistent reviews, respond quickly, and get your whole team involved.Use Google Local Service Ads: These ads can outperform traditional Google Ads and deliver better results when managed correctly.Add Interactive Website Tools: Instant roof quotes, siding visualizers, and other engagement tools help customers take the first step toward contacting you.Missed an episode? Catch up with our full playlist of Trades Secrets podcasts found here:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-v2ElYWOqX8jZlaKuHz1krepsTZVY1As Plus, explore MORE actionable marketing tactics that are not over your head, and apply to ALL trades here: https://tradessecretpodcast.com  Find out how we can help you grow your business: https://elevmarketing.com/  Read about the latest in the field: https://elevmarketing.com/blog/  Connect with us on social media: FacebookXInstagram (Elevation Digital Marketing)Instagram (Trades Secrets)LinkedInAt Elevation Marketing™, we have a tight team of experts in SEO or Search Engine Optimization, Google Ads, Google Local Service Ads, Google Display, Social Media Ads, Search Engine Marketing (SEM), Content Marketing, and Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO). With a niche focus on Contractor Marketing and working for the Trades, we've been able to make a significant impact on our home services clients. We are more than an agency, we're your marketing partner. Elevating you elevates us. Email us at experts@elevmarketing.com to talk! Find out how we can help you grow your business: https://elevmarketing.com/ Trades Secrets: Contractor Marketing is for home services contractors and who are looking for easy to implement marketing tips and strategies. This podcast is for you if you're looking for actionable marketing tactics that are not over your head, and apply to ALL trades. We'll keep you apprised of what's new, and what should be on your radar for all things digital marketing.

    15 min
  7. 11/03/2025

    Raise the Roofle: How Smart Contractors Are Selling Roofs in a Click | Ep 63 | Trades Secrets: Contractor Marketing

    In this episode, we sit down with Roofle’s Matthew McDaniel and Chris Morris to uncover how instant roof quote technology is transforming the way contractors sell, market, and scale their businesses. From its early beginnings as a B2C experiment to its evolution into one of the most impactful SaaS platforms in home improvement, Roofle is helping contractors close more deals, build trust faster, and operate with unmatched efficiency. The conversation dives deep into how buyer behavior has shifted in the era of instant answers, why pricing transparency builds credibility instead of fear, and how agencies like Elevation Marketing are using Roofle’s reseller program to give smaller contractors the same edge as major players. Episode Highlights: How Roofle Was Born - Matthew shares how his background in contracting inspired Roofle’s creation and how the team identified a massive gap in online sales enablement for roofing.The Power of Instant Quotes - Consumers now expect instant answers. Roofle empowers contractors to meet that demand while improving transparency and trust.Missed an episode? Catch up with our full playlist of Trades Secrets podcasts found here:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-v2ElYWOqX8jZlaKuHz1krepsTZVY1As Plus, explore MORE actionable marketing tactics that are not over your head, and apply to ALL trades here: https://tradessecretpodcast.com  Find out how we can help you grow your business: https://elevmarketing.com/  Read about the latest in the field: https://elevmarketing.com/blog/  Connect with us on social media: FacebookXInstagram (Elevation Digital Marketing)Instagram (Trades Secrets)LinkedInConnect with Matthew McDaniel, Founder & Chief of Product: LinkedInAt Elevation Marketing, we have a tight team of experts in SEO or Search Engine Optimization, Google Ads, Google Local Service Ads, Google Display, Social Media Ads, Search Engine Marketing (SEM), Content Marketing, and Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO). With a niche focus on Contractor Marketing and working for the Trades, we've been able to make a significant impact on our home services clients. We are more than an agency, we're your marketing partner. Elevating you elevates us. Email us at experts@elevmarketing.com to talk! Find out how we can help you grow your business: https://elevmarketing.com/ Trades Secrets: Contractor Marketing is for home services contractors and who are looking for easy to implement marketing tips and strategies. This podcast is for you if you're looking for actionable marketing tactics that are not over your head, and apply to ALL trades. We'll keep you apprised of what's new, and what should be on your radar for all things digital marketing.

    51 min
  8. 10/20/2025

    Roofle-ution | Ep 62 | Trades Secrets: Contractor Marketing

    In this episode of Trades Secrets, we share our candid story of how we went from Roofle skeptics (the popular satellite-based roofing calculator) to becoming official resellers (and to be honest, huge fans). We break down how the tool has evolved over the last few years, what’s changed in buyer behavior, and why interactive quoting tools like Roofle are becoming essential for contractors in today’s digital-first marketplace. Episode Highlights: Then vs. Now: How Roofle went from slowing down websites and attracting tire-kickers to becoming a fast, high-quality lead generator.Evolving Buyer Behavior: Why today’s homeowners expect instant quotes, real-time engagement, and digital convenience.Marketing Integration: How Elevation Marketing’s paid and organic strategies supercharge Roofle’s performance.Sales Enablement: How contractors are using Roofle as a live sales tool in the home to close more deals faster.Pipeline Growth: How to turn a simple website plugin into a full pipeline-filling system with three-tier Roofle programs.Missed an episode? Catch up with our full playlist of Trades Secrets podcasts found here:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-v2ElYWOqX8jZlaKuHz1krepsTZVY1As Plus, explore MORE actionable marketing tactics that are not over your head, and apply to ALL trades here: https://tradessecretpodcast.com  Find out how we can help you grow your business: https://elevmarketing.com/  Read about the latest in the field: https://elevmarketing.com/blog/  Connect with us on social media: FacebookXInstagram (Elevation Digital Marketing)Instagram (Trades Secrets)LinkedIn At Elevation Marketing, we have a tight team of experts in SEO or Search Engine Optimization, Google Ads, Google Local Service Ads, Google Display, Social Media Ads, Search Engine Marketing (SEM), Content Marketing, and Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO). With a niche focus on Contractor Marketing and working for the Trades, we've been able to make a significant impact on our home services clients. We are more than an agency, we're your marketing partner. Elevating you elevates us. Email us at experts@elevmarketing.com to talk! Find out how we can help you grow your business: https://elevmarketing.com/ Trades Secrets: Contractor Marketing is for home services contractors and who are looking for easy to implement marketing tips and strategies. This podcast is for you if you're looking for actionable marketing tactics that are not over your head, and apply to ALL trades. We'll keep you apprised of what's new, and what should be on your radar for all things digital marketing.

    11 min

About

Trades Secrets: Contractor Marketing is for home services contractors and who are looking for easy to implement marketing tips and strategies. This podcast is for you if you're looking for actionable marketing tactics that are not over your head, and apply to ALL trades. We'll keep you apprised of what's new, and what should be on your radar for all things digital marketing.