Why Marketing Is a Long-Term Game (And How to Play It Right)

Lisa wanted a new kitchen.

She was tired of the outdated cabinets, the cramped layout, and the worn-out countertops. She imagined hosting family gatherings in a beautifully remodeled space, with a sleek island and modern finishes.

But Lisa wasn’t in a rush.

She spent months browsing Pinterest, watching kitchen makeover videos, and collecting ideas. She asked friends for recommendations, checked out contractor websites, and read online reviews.

Then she requested a few quotes—and… waited.

She wasn’t ready to pull the trigger just yet. She wanted to compare pricing, explore financing options, and feel 100% confident in her decision.

Six months later, she finally made the call.

And who did she choose?

The contractor who had been consistently showing up in her inbox, on social media, and in Google searches.

The one who sent her helpful emails about kitchen remodeling costs, shared before-and-after photos on Facebook, and stayed top of mind while she was making her decision.

That’s how homeowners buy.

  • Research their options for weeks or months.
  • Look at different contractors before deciding.
  • Need time to save money or get approval from a spouse.

Most contractors think marketing is about getting leads today and closing deals tomorrow—but that’s not how it works.

Marketing is a long-term game

If you’re not staying in front of leads, following up, and building trust, you’re losing jobs to the contractors who do.

So if you’re tired of marketing that isn’t working, here’s how to fix it once and for all.

Step 1: Stop Expecting Immediate Results

Most home improvement businesses treat marketing like a slot machine.

They:

  • Run an ad for a week—no calls, so they shut it off.
  • Post on social media a few times—no engagement, so they stop.
  • Try SEO for a month—no rankings, so they quit.

Here’s the truth: 80% of homeowners don’t buy immediately.

They:

  • Research their options for weeks or months.
  • Look at different contractors before deciding.
  • Need time to save money or get approval from a spouse.

So if you’re not constantly in front of them, they forget about you—and hire the contractor who stayed on their radar.

Pro Move


Instead of chasing quick sales, build a long-term system that keeps leads engaged until they’re ready.

Step 2: Own Google—Because That’s Where Homeowners Start

Where did Lisa start her search for a Kitchen contractor?

Google.

If your business isn’t showing up, you’re invisible to potential clients.

How to Dominate Google & Stay Top of Mind:

  • Claim & optimize your Google Business Profile (so you show up in searches)
  • Get 50+ five-star reviews (because people trust businesses with more reviews)
  • Write blog posts answering common homeowner questions
  • Use SEO to rank for location-based keywords (e.g., “Kitchen renovation in Vancouver”)

Pro Move


SEO takes 6-12 months to show full results—but once you rank, leads come in automatically.

Step 3: Follow Up (Because Most Leads Aren’t Ready Today)

Lisa didn’t hire the first contractor she got a quote from.

She needed time to think, compare, and decide—just like most homeowners.

If you don’t follow up, they forget about you.

How to Follow Up Like a Pro:

  • Send an instant email & text when a lead inquires (so they don’t move on to someone else)
  • Automate a 6-month follow-up sequence (most contractors quit after one email)
  • Use retargeting ads to stay on their radar (so they keep seeing you)
  • Check in personally after 3-6 months (because they might be ready now)

Pro Move


Set up a CRM (Customer Relationship Manager) to track and manage every lead—so no potential client falls through the cracks.

Step 4: Build a Brand That People Remember

Not every homeowner is ready today—but that doesn’t mean they won’t be ready in three, six, or nine months.

Most contractors run Facebook or Google ads for a few weeks, don’t see instant results, and quit.

That’s like planting seeds and expecting a full-grown tree the next day.

How to Use Ads the Right Way:

  • Post project photos & videos regularly (before & after transformations work best)
  • Share customer testimonials & reviews (social proof builds trust)
  • Be active in local Facebook & Nextdoor groups (where homeowners ask for recommendations)
  • Educate instead of just selling (help homeowners make informed decisions)

Pro Move


Post 3-4 times per week on social media and email your leads every few weeks to stay relevant.

Step 5: Use Ads to Keep Leads Warm Until They’re Ready

Not every homeowner is ready today—but that doesn’t mean they won’t be ready in three, six, or nine months.

Most contractors run Facebook or Google ads for a few weeks, don’t see instant results, and quit.

That’s like planting seeds and expecting a full-grown tree the next day.

How to Use Ads the Right Way:

  • Run Google Ads for people searching NOW (e.g., “Kitchen renovation contractor near me”)
  • Use Facebook and Google retargeting ads to stay in front of visitors who didn’t call
  • Run testimonial ads to build trust over time
  • Offer limited-time promotions to push action

Pro Move


The best contractors run ads consistently, not just when business is slow.

The Bottom Line: Marketing Takes Time, But It Pays Off

Lisa's story is how most homeowners buy.

If you:

  • Stay in front of them
  • Follow up over time
  • Build trust with helpful content
  • Use Google, SEO, and ads consistently

You’ll win the job when they’re finally ready to buy.

Marketing isn’t about quick wins—it’s about long-term growth.


Want a marketing system that brings in steady leads and helps you book high-value projects?

Let's talk! Click here to book a free strategy call!

About the author 

Michelle Castillo

Michelle is an online marketing expert , passionate about helping business owners to benefit from today’s online technology. I provide my clients with hype-free concise advice and services about the reality of what online success requires.

{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}