In today’s world, relying solely on old marketing methods delivers very little results. Online is where businesses need to position themselves. While avenues like Search Engine Optimization can deliver amazing results, online lead sites like Angie’s List and Craigslist are also options.
If you’re a contractor looking to expand and bring in more business beyond referrals, you might be considering platforms like Angie’s List.
Angie’s List is a paid service that specifically caters to contractors. It functions as a membership referral or recommendation site where users can post reviews of the companies and services they use. Consumers browse under various categories, such as Home, Outdoor, Health, Personal Services, and Others, which encompass over 250 overall categories. They can find contact information, accepted payment types, and even special coupons for members.
Crucially, consumers on Angie’s List hire based on reviews left by other members who have used a contractor. Members provide grades on categories like price, responsiveness, quality, and more. They can also share how much they paid for a service, whether they would hire the contractor again, and other comments. Both negative and positive reviews are visible.
So, what does this mean for you as a contractor considering Angie’s List?
- It’s a Paid Service: Unlike some free classified sites, Angie’s List requires an investment.
- Service Quality is Paramount: Because consumers rely heavily on reviews, contractors that advertise on Angie’s List generally offer great service. Just one negative review can turn a lot of consumers off. This means that to succeed on the platform, consistently providing excellent service is essential.
- Transparency is Key: Your performance is publicly reviewed based on specific criteria. There’s also a complaint resolution process, and companies that don’t respond to member complaints may end up featured in the Angie’s List Penalty Box. (Note: this process is not legal counsel).
- Potential for High-Quality Leads: Consumers using Angie’s List are actively seeking contractors based on reputation and service quality, rather than solely price. This might mean they are looking for reliable service over the absolute lowest cost.
- Earn a Badge of Trust: When a business accumulates a certain number of reviews, they may qualify for a special badge that can be displayed on their own website. The sources indicate that plumbers (and presumably other contractors) with this badge tend to attract a lot of business because the badge signifies they provide an excellent and reliable service.
In conclusion, whether Angie’s List is “worth it” for your specific contracting business depends on several factors. It requires a financial investment and a commitment to providing consistently great service because your reputation, built through member reviews, directly impacts your success on the platform. However, for businesses confident in their service quality, the ability to gain visibility through reviews, earn a trust badge, and attract customers who prioritize reliability and quality over just the cheapest price could make it a valuable part of your online marketing strategy.
