MARKET YOURSELF
APRIL EDWARDS
Mastering Marketing:
Lessons from a Fellow Deck Specialist
M
ARKETING CAN FEEL OVERWHELMING when you’re already managing projects, meeting clients, and running your day-to-day operations. That’s why I wrote The Deck Builder Marketing Playbook: Proven Strategies to Attract Clients, Increase Profits, and Grow Your Deck Building Business to help deck builders build clear, actionable marketing strategies that drive real results. Fellow Deck Specialist columnist Brendan Casey, a 17-time national award-winning deck builder, was one of the first deck builders to read my book. Below are his key takeaways. Marketing Is Your First Impression—Make It Count A key lesson he learned was realizing that marketing isn’t just another task on your to-do list—it’s often the first thing your potential clients see. Whether it’s through your website, reviews, or social media, marketing is usually your first handshake with a client, even before you talk. Before a client even picks up the phone, they’ve likely already checked out your website and reviews. If your marketing isn’t strong, you could lose that lead before
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you ever get a chance to pitch your services. Marketing sets the tone for the entire client experience. In Chapter 6: “Don’t Go Cheap: Your Website Is the Foundation,” I explain how your website isn’t just an extra— it’s your digital storefront. If it’s slow, outdated, or hard to navigate, you’re losing potential clients before they even give you a chance. A strong, fast-loading site that’s easy to navigate and showcases your work is critical. Checklist: • Website Check: Is your site easy to use? Does it load quickly on phones? Make sure there’s a clear way for clients to reach you, like a “Free Estimate” button. • Project Photos: Show off your best work. High-quality images help clients trust you. • Local SEO: Include phrases like “custom deck builder in [your city]” to attract people in your area searching for your services. Your Online Presence Builds Trust and Boosts Visibility Your entire online presence—Google Business Profile, reviews, and social media—helps you establish trust with