 The roof is a tremendous part of a home’s appeal – it contributes as much to the appearance of a home as the exterior paint job. But once a buyer figures out how long ago the roof was replaced and whether it will need work any time soon, their interest usually ends. So, how do you entice people to engage with your website enough to choose you as their roofer?
Simple: Don’t expect them to read it. Website users don’t read. They scan. User design specialists have uncovered an F-shaped reading pattern that informs the way most people read websites. That means they start at the top of the page, scan to the side, then scroll down a bit more and scan to the side again. Finally, they scan the left side – the stem of the F. In other words:
With differences in browsers, display sizes, and other factors, it’s almost impossible to ensure your website looks exactly the same to everyone. Understanding the F-shaped reading pattern isn’t about a perfectly uniform experience, but about knowing what matters to users. The lesson for roofing contractors is this: Act as if every piece of content on your website is the only one a person will look at – and that they won’t read it all. Roofing contractors who embrace this have an easier time with digital marketing. It’s simpler to develop roofer marketing collateral that attracts leads and accelerates sales. It motivates you to think from the customer’s perspective – what if this one page was all they knew about you? So, every piece of content should:
Visitors to your roofing website probably won’t share your content far and wide, but that doesn’t mean you can’t impress them. If each piece of content is handcrafted to meet their needs, they’re more likely to spend time on your site and ultimately call you. Here’s how you can make the right impression: 1. Stay Focused On What Matters Most To Your Customers New roofing technologies are rolling out on a regular basis, from metal residential roofing to high quality synthetic underlayment. But most customers will focus on the three main ideas.
2. Use Plain Language When Describing Products and Services Try to keep content light, short, and to the point. Remember, people are scanning each page for what resonates with them – they could gloss over technical terms. Show them the differences between roofing options with photos or brief videos. If you have to use any roofing jargon, be sure to include a brief explanation so homeowners of all experience levels know what you mean. 3. Hook In Traffic From The DIY Crowd Most roofing contractors agree roof repair projects should be handled by the experts. You’re sure to have some website visitors who drop by for tips on how to maintain their roof, though – and you should consider making content for them, too. This is the group that’s willing to dive into a detailed guide about the latest roofing products and how to use them. When they’re presented with the facts, however, many will realize they’ll save time, money, and aggravation by having you do the work. 4. Have A Conversion Goal For Every Piece Of Content On Your Website Roofing contractors know it could take days, weeks, or months before someone decides to repair or replace a roof. Remember the principle: If this piece of content is the only one someone will read, what does it need to achieve? The answer: It needs to build the relationship. That means a conversion from website wanderer to roofing lead. What are the biggest conversions to keep track of for roofing contractors?
5. Always Be Learning About Your Customers’ Needs And Wants The f-shaped reading pattern portrays something important about people: They’re always on the hunt for what interests them the most, even when they have to sort through a huge amount of information. What matters to customers can change on a dime, so be sure you’re collecting feedback – both on your website and from your customers. Don’t settle for the same old content customers could find from other roofing contractors in your area. The creative team at New York Ave helps you stand out. To learn more, contact us. |