How to Avoid the 3 Biggest Marketing Mistakes Contractors Make

In this episode of the Service MVP Podcast, America’s Service Sales Coach Joe Crisara sits down with Joseph Hughes of Contractor Dynamics to unpack the three biggest marketing mistakes contractors make—and how to fix them.

Whether you’re investing in sales coaching services, exploring sales coaching certification, or just trying to figure out how to grow your business, this blog is packed with actionable insights tailored to HVAC, plumbing, roofing, and service professionals.

To view our podcast episode conversation, you can view it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9EbRfYDQvnw&list=PLauv4V5XMYgWdAZJD1m3KyHKy3yvTxLPl&index=73

Meet Joseph Hughes: The Contractor Marketing Coach

Joseph Hughes didn’t just fall into the marketing world. As a sixth-generation contractor, Joseph founded Contractor Dynamics with a mission to help service business owners take control of their brand. Instead of outsourcing all marketing to third parties, Joseph focuses on training contractors to own their message.

This isn’t a done-for-you agency. Contractor Dynamics provides a full 12-month marketing training program that helps companies build their internal marketing engines while also collaborating more effectively with any external vendors.

Mistake #1: Throwing Money at Marketing Without a Plan

One of the most common errors Joseph sees is companies simply throwing money at marketing, hoping for magic. Ads, leads, and outsourced content don’t work unless you’re involved.

Solution:

Dedicate 6 to 10 hours a week to your own marketing efforts. Whether it’s writing blog posts, going to networking events, or creating videos for social media, someone in your organization must actively build the brand.

This is the kind of mindset Joseph instills in his clients. As Joe Crisara put it, "Marketing is a conversation you're having with potential clients. Only you know how to speak from the heart."

Mistake #2: Waiting Until You Need Leads

Many contractors only start marketing when they hit a slow season. Joseph warns against this reactive approach.

Solution:

"Dig your well before you’re thirsty."

Start marketing now, so when the busy season hits, your audience already knows, likes, and trusts you. This is foundational to customer service sales training and even more critical in sales and marketing seminars focused on lead conversion.

When you build brand familiarity, customers come to you pre-sold. The sales process becomes more about confirming the decision rather than persuading.

Mistake #3: Waiting for Perfection

Many business owners avoid launching marketing campaigns because they think it needs to be polished or "professional."

Solution:

Just get started. Authenticity outperforms polish every time.

Whether it’s a 30-second Instagram Reel or a 15-second TikTok tip, customers respond best to real people solving real problems. If you struggle with content ideas, just talk about a challenge you solved that day—an approach that aligns with modern elearning sales training and interactive customer service training methods.

Bonus Tip: Own Your Numbers and Your Team

Contractor Dynamics helps business owners not only market more effectively but also understand the metrics that matter. Even if you’re using a third-party firm for SEO or ads, Joseph's team teaches you how to evaluate their performance.

This bridges the gap between sales training companies and technical marketing providers, allowing for better ROI.

Inside Contractor Dynamics' Training Model

• 12-month structured program

• One-on-one coaching and small group calls

• Access to an online university and private group

• Optional collaboration with outside marketing vendors

• Bonus: Business coaching from an active 8-figure contractor

Whether you’re investing in sales learning management systems or looking to sharpen your message in in-person sales training, this program helps you build a repeatable, scalable marketing system.

Final Thoughts: Marketing Is a Long Game

Marketing isn’t about gimmicks or hacks. It’s about showing up consistently, telling your story, and solving customer problems before they even reach out. This is how you move from being a commodity to a trusted partner.

As Joe Crisara summed up, "Marketing companies only fail when the effort stops."

Get in Touch with Contractor Dynamics

► Visit: contractordynamics.com
► YouTube, Facebook, TikTok: @ContractorDynamics
► Free resources, guides, and training videos available

Take control of your marketing. Build your brand. Grow your business.