For most contractors, the website has one job: get the phone ringing with the right kind of work. After building sites for concrete, framing, fencing, HVAC and hauling companies around Thunder Bay, here's what we've found actually matters.
1. Say what you do and where, in five seconds
Visitors decide almost instantly whether they're in the right place. Your homepage should answer three questions above the fold:
- What do you do? ("Decks, fences and sheds")
- Where do you work? ("Thunder Bay and area")
- How do I get a quote? (A clear button — and your phone number)
2. A page for every service
One "Services" page listing everything is a missed opportunity. Give each main service its own page — decks, fences, sheds — with photos, what's included and a quote button. Each page can rank for its own searches, and it answers the customer's specific question.
3. Real project photos
Stock photos of smiling models in hard hats don't build trust. Your own work does. A gallery of real projects — especially before-and-afters — is often the most visited part of a contractor site.
Tip: take photos of every job, even quick ones on your phone. Good light and a tidy site are all you need.
4. Proof you're the real deal
People hiring a contractor are nervous about who they let on their property. Show them:
- Reviews from real customers (pull in your Google reviews)
- How long you've been in business
- Licences, insurance and certifications
- The areas you serve
5. An easy quote form
Ask only what you need: name, phone, the type of job and a short description. Every extra field loses people. Make sure the form works perfectly on a phone — that's where most of your visitors are.
6. Click-to-call everywhere
On mobile, your phone number should be one tap away on every page. Many customers would rather call than fill in a form.
7. Built for local search
Your site should be set up so Google understands your services and service area: proper page titles, local business schema, a page for each area you serve, and consistent business details that match your Google Business Profile.
8. Fast and mobile-first
A slow site loses visitors before they see your work. Optimised images and clean code make a real difference, especially on rural connections across Northwestern Ontario.
Putting it together
A great contractor website isn't about flashy effects. It's about clearly showing what you do, proving you're trustworthy and making it effortless to get in touch.
Want to see how we approach it? Take a look at our work, or read more about websites for contractors.
Want more calls from Google?
Send us the details and we'll chat about exactly what we'd improve.