Contractor Growth Network cover image

Contractor Growth Network

Latest episodes

undefined
Sep 8, 2023 • 35min

#415 Implementing AI Into Your Contracting Business (feat. Tim Brown - Hook Agency)

Logan Shinholser is joined by Tim Brown, owner of Hook Agency, to discuss the impact of AI on marketing agencies and the future of marketing. They touch upon the fear and excitement surrounding AI's role in their industries and how it's changing the landscape. The conversation delves into various AI tools and applications they use or have come across in their work. They discuss Mid Journey on Discord, a bot that generates images based on descriptions, and the potential it offers for content creation. They also mention the changing landscape of AI tools, emphasizing the need for adaptability in the face of rapidly evolving technology. Photoshop's newer beta version is highlighted as an example of AI-enhanced image editing capabilities. The main topics explored in the podcast include AI's impact on content creation, SEO, and generative search. Google's shift towards rewarding high-quality content regardless of its AI involvement is discussed, and they emphasize the importance of human curation to avoid AI-generated content feeling robotic. The conversation further explores the idea of using AI to analyze and extract valuable information from client reviews, aiding in content creation and improving services based on client feedback. Overall, the discussion revolves around the ways AI is transforming the marketing industry, raising the standards for content creation, and how agencies like Hook Agency are adapting to these changes.   www.contractorgrowthnetwork.com  
undefined
Sep 1, 2023 • 27min

#414 Are You Making Content For People or Google? (feat. Ian Miclean & Mike Kyle)

In this podcast discussion, the focus centers on the relationship between SEO and user experience. While some individuals seek only SEO solutions, it's emphasized that a well-designed and user-friendly website is essential for effective SEO results. The analogy of a salesperson with no successful sales despite numerous calls is used to highlight the importance of a website's structure and content. The conversation delves into indicators suggesting a website's issues might extend beyond SEO. These include the inability to generate leads despite SEO efforts, content not ranking or engaging users, and a website's visual inadequacy compared to competitors. A user-friendly website is described as one with clear language, intuitive navigation, and engaging visuals and videos. It's portrayed as a digital storefront or resume, serving as the foundation for a business's online presence. Content creation is emphasized as a pivotal factor for SEO success. Quality, engagement, and addressing user queries are prioritized over content length. Both SEO and social media platforms assess user engagement to determine content quality and relevance. The overarching advice revolves around creating valuable, engaging content that caters to users' needs while also adhering to SEO best practices.   www.contractorgrowthnetwork.com  
undefined
Aug 25, 2023 • 20min

#413 Set Your Business Up For Success With THIS Tactic (feat. Tom Droste - Estimate Rocket)

In this episode of the podcast, host Logan Shinholser interviews Tom Droste, co-founder of Estimate Rocket, a software solution for service contractors to efficiently manage their businesses.  The conversation centers around the importance of documentation and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for businesses, even though it might not be the most exciting or glamorous aspect of running a company. Tom discusses his background in accounting and the creation of Estimate Rocket as a tool to help contractors save time and money, allowing them to focus on their customers and essential work. Tom emphasizes the significance of documentation as a business grows and team members increase. He highlights the need for SOPs, especially for processes that don't occur daily but still impact the business. Tom also talks about the practical approach to creating SOPs, suggesting starting with basic core processes, such as sales and workflow processes. He advises business owners to avoid overloading the initial documentation with too much detail but rather focus on creating a simple outline first and then refining it over time. He recommends tools like Google Docs or project management software like Basecamp to create, organize, and access these playbooks. The discussion also touches on the challenges and benefits of having team members contribute to creating SOPs, as it can provide a more diverse and comprehensive perspective. The episode concludes with a reminder to make SOPs relevant, refine them over time, and not to aim for perfection in the first attempt. Tom's insights provide valuable guidance for contractors seeking to streamline their businesses through effective documentation and SOPs. www.contractorgrowthnetwork.com
undefined
Aug 18, 2023 • 12min

#412 - We 4x'ed Our Social Media Views With ONE Change

In this episode, we unveil the shift that skyrocketed our content strategy. We traded generic content for captivating material, resulting in a staggering 107,000 views in just a month. But it's not just us—Premier Ponds saw YouTube subscribers soar from 4,000 to 150,000 by infusing entertainment into their content. Why does an entertainment-based approach matter? It's your brand's gateway, leaving a lasting impact even if viewers don't convert immediately. Discover the sweet spot ratio—our 3-to-1 rule for balancing engaging content with sales-oriented posts, though you can customize it. Hungry for practical content ideas? We've got you covered, from before-and-after project visuals to captivating walkthroughs. Plus, learn the art of maintaining anticipation throughout your content, inspired by halftime surprises. Visit our Instagram for real-world examples and strategies from successful contractors. A Prepare to elevate your content strategy by combining engagement and entertainment. Let's dive in!   Check out our Instagram! www.instagram.com/contractorgrowthnetwork1   www.contractorgrowthnetwork.com  
undefined
Aug 11, 2023 • 9min

#411 How To Avoid Your SEO Dropping Off

REGISTER FOR THE MILE HIGH PROFIT SUMMIT: tinyurl.com/milehighcgn Today on the podcast we uncover the evolution of content and SEO techniques. Join us as we dissect the myths around old content and learn from our host's experiences. Discover Google's stance on retaining older content, debunking the notion that freshness is the only factor that matters. We provide actionable insights for dealing with outdated content, whether it's enhancing existing articles or managing content during a website transition. Learn from real-world examples about the potential consequences of neglecting SEO value during these changes. Whether you're a business owner, marketer, or SEO enthusiast, this episode equips you with practical strategies to optimize your content approach. Tune in to understand the dynamic interplay between content quality and search engine rankings, and gain insights that can elevate your website's visibility and engagement. Listen now for valuable insights on content and SEO that can reshape your digital strategy for the better. www.contractorgrowthnetwork.com
undefined
Aug 4, 2023 • 11min

#410 Creating A Culture Of Content

Join our video email series! https://diy.contractorgrowthnetwork.com/free-video-marketing-series Welcome back to the Contractor Growth Network podcast! I'm excited to dive into the world of content marketing and how it can revolutionize your contracting company's growth. I share my journey of introducing content marketing to my dad's pond company back in 2014. At that time, content marketing was a relatively new concept, and it was met with skepticism by some team members. However, through dedication and perseverance, I was able to create a culture of content that transformed the company's marketing efforts. One of the most crucial aspects of creating a culture of content is buy-in from the top. As a contracting company owner or marketing leader, you need to wholeheartedly believe in the power of content marketing and lead by example. When your team sees your enthusiasm and commitment, they'll be more inclined to embrace content creation and promotion. But it doesn't stop there. Making content creation easy and accessible for your team is essential for sustained success. I'll share with you the practical strategies I used to get my team on board. By providing clear guidelines and creating a simple form for photo uploads, I made it easy for team members to contribute to our content marketing efforts. Furthermore, I'll emphasize the importance of having a dedicated content creator. When you have someone solely responsible for content production and promotion, it ensures consistency and quality. Having a designated person also allows other team members to focus on their core responsibilities, preventing content creation from becoming an afterthought. The impact of a strong content marketing strategy goes beyond marketing itself. As I'll explain, when your clients see engaging content showcasing your team's expertise and personality, it builds trust and establishes your company as an industry leader. This newfound recognition empowers your team and instills a sense of pride in their work. By the end of this episode, you'll have a clear understanding of how to create a culture of content within your contracting company, making content marketing a central pillar of your growth strategy. So, join me on this journey, and let's unlock the power of content marketing for your contracting business. If you find this episode valuable, please consider leaving a review and sharing it with fellow contractors who can benefit from this game-changing approach. Tune in now and embark on the path to success through content marketing!   www.contractorgrowthnetwork.com
undefined
Jul 28, 2023 • 12min

#409 Why SEO Isn't Enough...

REGISTER FOR THE MILE HIGH PROFIT SUMMIT HERE: tinyurl.com/milehighcgn Welcome to the Contractor Growth Network Podcast. On this week’s double-feature episode, we’ll take a deep dive into the powerful interplay of SEO and branding and unravel the game-changing concept of Google's 'information gain score.' In our first half, we explore the often overlooked but crucial role that branding plays in SEO. This in-depth analysis uncovers the intimate bond between SEO and branding, revealing how they can work together to maximize visibility on Google and strengthen your brand's presence throughout the customer journey. Lastly we discuss why having a brand makes SEO even easier for your company.  In the second half of the episode, we shift gears to unravel the mysteries of Google's "information gain score," a crucial element in SEO that quantifies the uniqueness of your content. Since Google patented this game-changing algorithm in June 2022, understanding and utilizing this score has become pivotal to enhancing search rankings and visibility. We'll take you behind the scenes of Google's "helpful content update" and show you how the information gain score can affect AI-generated content and new content farms. Our deep dive will also cover strategies for generating high-ranking content using unique data sources, competitive analysis, and content-creation tools like ChatGPT. We wrap up with a look at the implications of the surge in AI-generated content and the necessity of cutting through the noise to make your content stand out. Join us on the Contractor Growth Network Podcast, where we delve into these integral topics, transforming your understanding of SEO and empowering you with practical tips and strategies to help your contracting business achieve unprecedented growth and visibility. Let's dive in!   www.contractorgrowthnetwork.com
undefined
Jul 25, 2023 • 56min

#408 Gearing Up For The Mile High Profit Summit (ft. Tom Reber - The Contractor Fight)

REGISTER FOR THE MILE HIGH PROFIT SUMMIT HERE: tinyurl.com/milehighcgn Join us for an exciting episode of the Contractor Growth Network Podcast, where host Logan Shinholser chats with Tom Reber, the mind behind The Contractor Fight. Tom discusses his journey from being a contractor to becoming a business coach, sharing valuable lessons learned from his early days in the industry. This episode is packed with insights into the importance of networking, daily sales consistency, and never backing down in the face of competition. Listen as Tom discusses the upcoming Mile High Profit Summit, its key offerings, and this year's theme, "Sell Unafraid". The conversation also delves into maintaining work-life balance, the relevance of family involvement in business, and the significance of investing in personal growth and development. Tune in to this informative episode for a crash course in overcoming hurdles and embracing success in the contracting industry.   Reminder: When you register through our link you get a FREE marketing strategy and access to a group social media coaching call!  tinyurl.com/milehighcgn tinyurl.com/milehighcgn  
undefined
Jul 21, 2023 • 20min

#407 Building Trust With Google (Marketing News July 21, 2023)

On today's podcast, we dive deep into the strategies that will help you build trust and boost your online reputation on Google. In this enlightening discussion, we'll explore three key elements: Google's brand reputation guidelines, the impact of AI content, and the power of effective keyword research. By mastering these aspects, you'll be on your way to establishing yourself as a trusted authority in the digital realm. Google's brand reputation guidelines are essential to understand. We'll unravel the secrets behind making it easy for Google to grasp what your company is all about. From showcasing your expertise and unique services to leveraging engaging content that resonates with your audience, we'll guide you on the path to building a strong brand reputation. Next, we'll delve into the world of AI content. The rise of AI has brought new perspectives to content creation. We'll explore Google's evolving stance on AI-written content and the ultimate truth: good content is king. Discover how to craft high-quality content that meets user needs, regardless of whether it's AI-generated or human-written. We'll discuss the importance of user engagement metrics and how they impact Google's perception of your content. Lastly, we'll uncover the power of effective keyword research. Understanding what topics and keywords resonate with your target audience is key to optimizing your content and increasing your visibility on Google. Dive into the intricacies of keyword research, including uncovering search intent, identifying competitor strategies, and incorporating related keywords into your content. By aligning your content with search queries, you'll enhance your chances of being discovered by the right audience. So, if you're ready to take your online presence to the next level, join us in this captivating YouTube video. We'll provide you with the insights, tips, and strategies you need to unlock Google's trust and build a stellar online reputation. Hit that play button and embark on the journey to digital success!   www.contractorgrowthnetwork.com
undefined
Jul 14, 2023 • 14min

#406 Explaining Threads and Google's Latest Lawsuit (Marketing News July 14, 2023)

Welcome back to the Contractor Growth Network Podcast! In this episode, host Logan Shinholser dives into the latest developments in the marketing world and how they relate to your contracting business. Get ready for an insightful conversation on two main topics: Meta's new app, "Threads," and Google's legal action against fake reviews. First up, Logan unpacks Meta's Threads app, which is making waves as the competitor to Twitter. With Elon Musk's takeover of Twitter causing some turbulence, Meta saw an opportunity to step into the business ring. Threads offers a similar interface to Twitter and has already gained over 100 million users within a week. Logan explains why even though Threads may not be the perfect fit for contractors right now, it's crucial to stay aware of its significance, considering the dominant presence of Meta, Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp in the online world. Next, Logan delves into Google's fight against fake reviews. He exposes the shady practice of "rank and rent," where scammers manipulate search rankings by creating fake websites and Google business profiles with phony reviews. Google has recognized this fraudulent behavior and is taking legal action to crack down on those involved. Logan warns contractors to be cautious if approached with rank and rent opportunities, emphasizing the importance of building your brand and SEO organically to align with Google's efforts to maintain a trustworthy online ecosystem. In addition to these intriguing topics, Logan shares valuable insights on effectively communicating your company's vision. Drawing from his recent experience at Contractor Growth Network's end-of-quarter meeting, he highlights the impact of visualizing and sharing the company's direction with the team. Discover how a clear vision can foster team morale, engagement, and a sense of purpose. So, if you're a contractor looking to stay ahead of the game, this episode is a must-listen! Tune in to gain valuable knowledge about the Threads app, the importance of authentic SEO practices, and the power of communicating your company vision. Subscribe to the Contractor Growth Network Podcast for more exciting discussions and expert tips on marketing strategies for contractors.   www.contractorgrowthnetwork.com

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!
App store bannerPlay store banner
Get the app