Stop Chasing Scraps and Start Winning the Big Jobs
If you’re running a roofing business in Brisbane, you know the drill. One week you’re flat out with three full re-roofs in Coorparoo, and the next, the phone is dead silent. You’re left wondering if you should drop your prices just to keep the boys busy.
Most roofing contractors I talk to are sick of the 'feast or famine' cycle. They’ve tried paying for leads from those big directory sites, only to find they’re competing against five other blokes for a tiny repair job. It’s a race to the bottom, and it’s a waste of your time.
I’ve seen dozens of local businesses fall into this trap. They think marketing is some sort of magic trick or a money pit. The truth is, getting a steady stream of high-value roofing leads comes down to being in the right place when a homeowner has water dripping through their ceiling or is looking at a rusted-out iron roof and thinking, "It’s time."
Here is exactly how you can stop worrying about where the next job is coming from and start building a business that pays you what you’re worth.
Why Most Roofing Websites are Useless
Look, I’ll be blunt: most roofing websites are rubbish. They look like they were built in 2005, they don't work on phones, and they don't give the customer any reason to call you over the next guy.
Your website shouldn't be an online brochure; it should be your best salesperson. If a homeowner in Chermside is looking for a roofer, they are likely on their phone, probably stressed, and looking for someone they can trust. If your site takes forever to load or makes it hard to find your phone number, they’ll leave in three seconds.
We often see great tradies wondering why their website isn't ringing, and usually, it’s because the site isn't designed to turn a visitor into a customer. You need a big 'Call Now' button at the top, photos of your actual team (not stock photos of American houses), and clear proof that you do good work.
The Power of Being Found on Google
When someone’s roof is leaking, they don't go to Facebook to scroll through cat videos. They go to Google and type in "roof repairs near me" or "metal roofing Brisbane."
If you aren't in those top few results, you don't exist to that customer.
There are two ways to get there: 1. The Fast Way (Google Ads): You pay to be at the top. This works instantly, but you have to pay for every click. If done right, it’s like a tap you can turn on when you need work. If done wrong, you’ll burn through a grand in a week with nothing to show for it. 2. The Long Way (Local Search): This is about making sure Google trusts your business enough to show it to locals for free. This takes time—usually 3 to 6 months—but once you're there, the leads are free.
For most roofers, I recommend a mix. Use ads to keep the cash flowing now, while building up your local presence so you don't have to rely on ads forever. When deciding where to put your money, it's worth looking at which platform gets jobs for tradies, because wasting money on the wrong one is the fastest way to go broke.
Your Reputation is Your Best Sales Tool
Roofing is a high-trust industry. A full re-roof can cost $20,000 to $40,000. No one is going to hand over that kind of cash to a bloke with two stars on Google or no reviews at all.
I’ve seen roofers in the Western Suburbs lose out on massive jobs simply because their competitor had 50 five-star reviews and they only had three. People read those reviews. They want to know you’ll show up on time, clean up the mess, and actually fix the leak.
If you’re struggling to get customers to leave feedback, you need a system. Don't just hope they do it; ask them as soon as the job is finished and they’re happy. Learning how to get more Google reviews is probably the single most profitable thing you can do for your business this month. It’s free, and it stays there forever.
Stop Wasting Money on 'Passive' Marketing
I see a lot of roofers spending money on things that just don't move the needle anymore.
Yellow Pages: Just don't. It's 2024. Flyer Drops: Unless there was just a massive hailstorm in a specific suburb, you're mostly just paying to fill up people's recycling bins. Vague Signage: Having your logo on the ute is great for brand recognition, but it rarely makes the phone ring on its own. If you feel like your ute signage isn't working, it's usually because it's missing a clear call to action or a reason for people to stop and look.
Focus your spend where the 'intent' is. You want to talk to people who are actively looking for a roofer, not people who might need one in five years.
The "Instant Trust" Strategy for Roofers
If you want to win more quotes, you need to show, not tell. Here is a simple strategy that works wonders for Brisbane roofing companies:
1. Before and After Photos: Take a photo of the old, rusty, leaf-filled roof. Then take a photo of the shiny new Colorbond finish. Post these on your Google Business Profile and your website. It proves you can do the work. 2. Local Landmarks: Mention the suburbs you're in. "Another successful re-roof completed today in Ashgrove!" This tells Google and local residents that you are actually active in their area. 3. Video Quotes: Instead of just emailing a PDF, send a quick 30-second video from the roof showing the homeowner exactly where the problem is. This build massive trust and makes it very hard for them to choose a cheaper, 'faceless' competitor.
What Will This Cost and How Long Does It Take?
I’m not going to lie to you—good marketing isn't free. But it should be an investment, not a cost.
Website Fixes: You can spend $2,000 to $5,000 on a solid, high-performing website. This should last you years and pay for itself with the first two or three big jobs it brings in. Google Ads: You should budget at least $1,000 to $2,000 a month in ad spend to see real results in a competitive market like Brisbane. You’ll start seeing phone calls within the first 48 hours. SEO (Being found for free): This usually costs between $1,000 and $2,500 a month. It takes months to kick in, but the goal is to eventually reduce your ad spend because you're winning the 'free' spots on Google.
If someone tells you they can get you to #1 on Google for $200 a month, they are lying to you. Run the other way.
What Should You Do First?
If you’re ready to grow but don't know where to start, do this today:
1. Check your Google Profile: Is your phone number correct? Do you have recent photos? If not, fix it. It takes 10 minutes. 2. Look at your website on your phone: Try to click your phone number. Does it dial? If it’s hard to use, call a professional to fix the layout. 3. Ask your last three happy customers for a review: Send them a direct link to your Google profile.
Marketing your roofing business doesn't have to be complicated. You just need to be visible when people are looking, and trustworthy when they find you.
At Local Marketing Group, we specialise in helping Brisbane tradies get off the tools and grow their businesses by making their phones ring. We don't care about 'likes' or 'impressions'—we care about how many bookings you have in your calendar for next week.
Want to see how we can help your roofing business? Contact us at Local Marketing Group today for a straight-talking chat about your goals.