Expanding your fence company into new cities can feel like a big step. It’s exciting but also comes with challenges. This guide will walk you through simple, practical steps to grow your business into new areas while keeping things manageable.
FenceWebs, a marketing agency serving fence companies for over five years, has helped many contractors expand successfully. Whether you’re looking to boost your online presence or attract local customers, we’ve got you covered with easy-to-follow tips.
Why Expand to New Cities?
Expanding to new cities means more customers and more revenue. It’s a chance to grow your brand and build a stronger reputation. But it’s not just about jumping into a new market—you need a plan to make it work.
New cities can bring fresh opportunities. You can tap into areas with less competition or higher demand for fencing services. With the right strategy, your fence company can thrive in multiple locations.
Research Your Target City
Before you expand, do your homework. Research the new city to understand its market. This step is crucial to avoid wasting time and money.
Understand Local Demand
Look into the demand for fencing in the new city. Are homeowners building new properties? Are businesses upgrading their perimeters?
Check local housing trends and construction data. Websites like Zillow or local government portals can show you if the area is growing. High demand means more potential customers for your fence company.
Analyze the Competition
Who else is offering fencing services in the city? Visit their websites, check their Google Business Profiles, and read customer reviews.
See what types of fences they offer—wood, vinyl, chain-link, or ornamental. Note their pricing and services. This helps you find gaps you can fill to stand out.
Know Local Regulations
Every city has its own rules for fencing. Some areas have strict height limits or material restrictions. Others require permits for certain types of fences.
Contact the city’s planning or zoning department to get the details. This ensures you’re prepared to meet local requirements when you start work.
Build a Strong Online Presence
A solid online presence is key to breaking into a new city. Most customers search for fence contractors online before making a decision. Make sure they can find you easily.
Create a City-Specific Website Page
Your website should have a dedicated page for the new city. Include the city’s name in the page title, headings, and content. For example, “Fence Installation in [City Name].”
This helps with search engine optimization (SEO). When people search “fence company in [City Name],” your page is more likely to show up. FenceWebs can build a professional, SEO-optimized page for you.
Optimize Your Google Business Profile
A Google Business Profile (GBP) is a free tool to attract local customers. Set up a profile for the new city, even if you don’t have a physical location there yet.
Add your services, hours, and photos of past projects. Encourage happy customers to leave reviews. A strong GBP boosts your visibility on Google Maps and local searches.
Use Local SEO Strategies
Local SEO helps your business rank higher in specific areas. Use keywords like “[City Name] fence installation” or “fence contractors near [City Name].”
Write blog posts about local fencing needs, like “Best Fences for [City Name] Weather.” FenceWebs specializes in local SEO to get your company noticed in new markets.
Market Your Services Effectively
Marketing is how you let people know you’re in town. Use a mix of online and offline strategies to reach potential customers. Keep it simple but consistent.
Run Google Ads
Google Ads can put your business at the top of search results. Target keywords like “fence company [City Name]” or “fence repair near me.”
Set a budget you’re comfortable with and track the results. Google Ads can drive quick leads while you build your organic presence. FenceWebs can manage your ads for maximum results.
Try Facebook Ads
Facebook Ads are great for targeting specific audiences. You can focus on homeowners, property managers, or businesses in the new city.
Use eye-catching images of your best fence projects. Include a clear call-to-action, like “Get a Free Quote Today!” These ads are affordable and effective for local outreach.
Leverage Organic Social Media
Post regularly on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Share photos of your work, customer testimonials, and tips for fence maintenance.
Engage with local community groups online. For example, join a [City Name] homeowners’ group and offer helpful advice. This builds trust and brand awareness.
Build Local Partnerships
Connections in the new city can help you grow faster. Partnering with local businesses or organizations gives you credibility and referrals.
Connect with Contractors
Reach out to general contractors, landscapers, or home builders in the area. They often need fencing services for their projects.
Offer to collaborate or provide discounts for repeat referrals. These partnerships can lead to steady work as you establish your presence.
Join Local Business Groups
Join the local chamber of commerce or business networking groups. Attend events to meet other business owners and promote your services.
These groups often share leads and recommendations. Being active in the community shows you’re invested in the city’s success.
Offer Competitive Pricing and Services
To win customers in a new city, your pricing and services need to stand out. But don’t just compete on price—focus on value.
Research Local Pricing
Find out what other fence companies charge in the new city. Use this to set competitive prices without undercutting yourself.
Offer clear pricing on your website and in ads. Transparency builds trust with potential customers.
Highlight Unique Services
What makes your fence company different? Maybe you offer eco-friendly materials or faster installation times.
Promote these unique selling points in your marketing. For example, “Custom Vinyl Fences Installed in 48 Hours!” makes you memorable.
Provide Free Quotes
Offer free, no-obligation quotes to attract leads. Make it easy for customers to request a quote through your website or phone.
Quick responses to inquiries show you’re professional and ready to serve. This can set you apart from slower competitors.
Hire or Train a Local Team
Expanding to a new city might mean hiring new staff or training your current team. A reliable crew is essential for delivering quality work.
Hire Local Talent
Local workers know the area and its customers. They can also help you navigate city-specific challenges, like weather or regulations.
Post job listings on local job boards or ask for referrals from your network. Look for experienced fence installers to maintain your quality standards.
Train Your Team
If you’re sending your existing team to the new city, train them on local needs. For example, teach them about the city’s fencing regulations or popular styles.
Regular training keeps your team skilled and confident. It also ensures consistent service across all your locations.
Track Your Progress
Once you’ve launched in the new city, track how you’re doing. This helps you see what’s working and what needs improvement.
Monitor Website Traffic
Use tools like Google Analytics to track visitors to your website. Look at how many come from the new city and which pages they visit.
This shows if your SEO and ads are working. FenceWebs can provide detailed reports to guide your strategy.
Measure Lead Generation
Keep track of how many calls, emails, or quote requests you get from the new city. Compare this to your marketing spend to see your return on investment.
If leads are low, adjust your ads or SEO approach. Consistent tracking helps you stay on top of your growth.
Ask for Customer Feedback
After completing jobs, ask customers for feedback. Send a quick survey or request a review on your Google Business Profile.
Positive reviews build trust and attract more customers. Address any negative feedback promptly to show you care about quality.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Expanding isn’t always smooth. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
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Skipping Research: Entering a city without understanding its market can lead to wasted efforts.
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Ignoring SEO: Without a strong online presence, customers won’t find you.
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Overextending Resources: Don’t spread your team or budget too thin across multiple cities.
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Neglecting Local Rules: Failing to follow city regulations can result in fines or delays.
Tools to Help You Expand
Here’s a quick table of tools to support your expansion:
|
Tool |
Purpose |
How It Helps |
|---|---|---|
|
Google Analytics |
Track website traffic |
Shows which cities drive visitors |
|
Google Ads |
Run targeted ads |
Attracts local leads quickly |
|
Google Business Profile |
Boost local visibility |
Improves ranking in local searches |
|
Facebook Ads |
Reach specific audiences |
Targets homeowners in new cities |
|
Local SEO Tools |
Optimize for local searches |
Helps you rank for city-specific keywords |
Stay Consistent and Patient
Expanding to a new city takes time. You won’t see results overnight, but consistency pays off. Keep marketing, building partnerships, and delivering great work.
Over time, your reputation will grow, and so will your customer base. Stick to your plan, and you’ll see steady progress.
How FenceWebs Can Help
At FenceWebs, we’ve helped fence companies like yours expand for over five years. Our services—website design, SEO, local SEO, GBP optimization, Google Ads, and Facebook Ads—are tailored to make your growth easier.
Ready to take your fence company to the next city? Contact us for a free consultation. We’ll create a custom plan to help you succeed.
Final Thoughts
Expanding your fence company into new cities is a smart way to grow. With the right research, marketing, and team, you can build a strong presence in new markets.
Start small, stay focused, and use tools like SEO and ads to get noticed. With patience and effort, your fence company can thrive in multiple cities.
