Content Marketing Strategies For Small Businesses (With a little help from AI)

The list of things to do as a small business owner seems to be never-ending am I right?

Work never stops, customers need attention, estimates need to be done, orders placed, employee fires need to be put out, payroll, on and on and on.

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Then you’re told by some internet guru that the best way to attract new customers is to create content that shows how you’re the expert at what you do and will make people want to work with you.

Sounds great, but WHAT content should you create? Saying to create content is useless without a plan on exactly what type of content. You need to know what you should be making even to be able to get your team to help.

Well, that’s where this blog post comes in. I’m going to share some ideas that are useful and are guaranteed to get potential customers to start to know like and trust your business.

If you run a local service-based business—whether you’re a roofer, landscaper, plumber, or contractor—you know how competitive the market can be. Word of mouth may be your bread and butter, but if you really want to attract new customers and grow your business, you need a strategy that works even when you’re not actively seeking out leads.

That’s where content marketing comes in.

Content marketing is one of the most effective ways to build an audience and establish trust with potential customers. And guess what? You don’t have to be a writer or spend hours on marketing to get results. Plus, with AI tools making content creation easier than ever, you’ll have plenty of help along the way.

These stats demonstrate the significant ROI that content marketing can deliver, making it an essential strategy for businesses looking to attract more leads and drive sales.

In this guide, I’ll show you how you can use content marketing to grow your local service business and attract more customers, all without overwhelming yourself. We’ll also look at how AI tools can simplify the process so you can focus on what you do best—serving your clients.

Why Content Marketing Works for Local Service-Based Businesses

As a local service-based business, content marketing is a game-changer. Whether you’re fixing roofs, installing HVAC systems, or landscaping beautiful yards, you’re solving real problems for people. The key is to use content to showcase your expertise and build trust before someone even picks up the phone to call you.

What Makes Content Marketing Effective?

Here’s why content marketing is especially powerful for local service-based businesses:

• It builds trust: People need to know they can trust you with their homes or businesses. By sharing helpful content, you position yourself as a knowledgeable professional.
• It reaches your local community: Focusing on content that addresses local concerns allows you to build a connection with your immediate community.
• It’s cost-effective: Content marketing costs 62% less than traditional marketing but generates three times as many leads (Content Marketing Institute).
• It helps with SEO: Creating content that answers the questions your customers are asking will boost your search engine rankings. When people in your area search for services you offer, you’re more likely to show up.

Now let’s dive into specific content marketing strategies that can work for your business.

Create Educational Blog Posts

One of the simplest ways to start content marketing is through blogging.

You’re reading a blog post right now. 🙂

This blog post was written to not only help small businesses with content marketing but it’s also a way for us to get in front of potential clients.

Let me guess, before you found this post you had never heard of Boost Leadz right?

Well now you have.

Works the same way for your potential customers.

Here are a few blog post ideas for different service-based businesses:

For Roofers

• “5 Signs You Need a Roof Repair”: Walk homeowners through the early warning signs that their roof might need professional attention. This helps them identify issues before they become bigger (and more expensive) problems—and positions you as the go-to person for inspections.
• “How to Prepare Your Roof for Winter”: Cold weather can be tough on roofs. A seasonal guide helps your customers prepare while encouraging them to book a preventative inspection with you.

For Landscapers

• “How to Maintain Your Lawn During a Hot Summer”: Give practical tips for keeping a lawn green and healthy during harsh weather conditions. At the end, you can offer your services for those who need help keeping up with maintenance.
• “The Best Plants for Curb Appeal in [Your City]”: Help local homeowners beautify their yards by recommending plants that thrive in your area’s climate. Include a call to action to contact you for professional planting or design services.

For Contractors

• “How to Choose the Right Contractor for Your Home Remodel”: Many homeowners don’t know what to look for when hiring a contractor. Write a post that walks them through the process, and show why your business stands out.
• “Common Home Renovation Mistakes and How to Avoid Them”: By sharing common pitfalls, you’re educating your audience and helping them make smarter choices—while positioning yourself as the expert who can avoid these mistakes.

Blogging also helps improve your website’s SEO, which is key to getting found in local search results. When potential customers search for topics like “best roofer near me” or “lawn care tips for summer,” your blog posts can be the first thing they see.

Create Engaging How-To Videos

Videos are a fantastic way for service-based businesses to connect with potential customers. Many people prefer watching a quick how-to video rather than reading a long blog post, especially when it comes to hands-on services like repairs or landscaping.

You don’t need expensive equipment or professional editing skills to create great videos. Your smartphone will do just fine! What matters is that your content is clear, helpful, and relatable.

Here are some video ideas you can create for your business:

For Roofers

• “How to Check Your Roof for Damage After a Storm”: Show homeowners how to spot damage that needs professional repair, and include a call to action to contact you for a full inspection.

For Plumbers

• “How to Unclog a Sink”: Share basic DIY tips for unclogging a kitchen or bathroom sink. Many viewers will still prefer to hire you rather than attempt it themselves!

For Landscapers

• “Lawn Care Tips for Spring”: A quick video explaining seasonal lawn maintenance tasks will help homeowners keep their yards looking great—and remind them to book you for bigger jobs.

Videos are perfect for social media platforms like YouTube, Facebook, or Instagram. You could even create short clips for TikTok that offer bite-sized tips while showcasing your expertise. And don’t forget to post your videos on your website to boost SEO!

Leverage Customer Testimonials and Case Studies

People want to know that they’re hiring someone trustworthy and skilled. One of the best ways to build that trust is by showcasing happy customers. Testimonials, case studies, and before-and-after photos are all powerful forms of social proof.

Testimonial Blog Posts

Write about a recent project where you helped a customer solve a big problem. For example, a roofer could share a story about how they saved a homeowner from a major repair by catching damage early. Include photos, quotes from the customer, and a clear call to action encouraging readers to contact you for a consultation.

Before-and-After Photos

If you’re a landscaper or contractor, show off your work! Posting before-and-after photos of projects on social media or your website can be a huge draw for potential customers. Visual proof of your skills helps people imagine how you can transform their own space.

Video Testimonials

Ask satisfied customers to record a short video talking about their experience with your service. Even a quick clip explaining how you helped them can make a big impact on potential clients who are still deciding whether to hire you.

Write Seasonal or Timely Content

One of the best ways to keep your content relevant is by focusing on seasonal topics. Different times of year bring different challenges for homeowners, and they’re more likely to search for solutions that apply to their current needs.

For Roofers

• “Why Spring is the Best Time for a Roof Inspection”: After the cold winter months, homeowners should check for damage. A blog post about spring inspections is a timely way to remind them that now is the perfect time to book an appointment.

For Landscapers

• “Fall Landscaping Tips to Prepare Your Yard for Winter”: Explain how to prepare a yard for the colder months, and offer your services for tasks like aeration, leaf removal, or planting fall perennials.

For Contractors

• “Home Renovation Trends for [Year]”: Write about what’s trending in home design and renovations. Use it as an opportunity to showcase your experience in executing modern projects.

Send Regular Email Newsletters

Email marketing is an easy way to stay in touch with your existing customers and nurture relationships with new leads. By sending out regular updates, tips, and promotions, you keep your business top of mind.

Here’s what to include in your email newsletters:

• Seasonal Tips: Share advice that’s relevant to the current time of year. For example, a landscaper could remind customers about the importance of fall fertilization.
• Special Offers: Let your customers know about discounts, promotions, or referral bonuses.
• Recent Projects: Share before-and-after photos of your latest work to inspire your audience and showcase your skills.

Use AI to Streamline Your Content Creation

Now, you might be thinking, “This all sounds great, but I barely have time to run my business—how can I create content on top of that?” The good news is that AI tools can make the process much more manageable.

Here are some ways AI can help you with content marketing:

AI Writing Tools for Blogs and Social Media

AI writing assistants like ChatGPT, Jasper, or Copy.ai can help you brainstorm blog ideas, draft social media content, or even write parts of your email newsletters. Just give the AI a prompt, and it will generate relevant content that you can tweak and personalize.

For example, if you’re a roofer, you can ask an AI tool to help you draft a blog post on “How to Prepare Your Roof for Winter,” saving you hours of writing time.

For instance, if you’re a landscaper, you might discover that “lawn care tips in [Your City]” is a popular search term, and you can create content around that.

Automated Content Scheduling

Tools like Hootsuite or Buffer use AI to help you schedule and plan your social media posts in advance. These tools analyze your audience’s engagement patterns and suggest the best times to post, so you don’t have to guess when your content will perform best.

Final Thoughts: Consistency is Key

Content marketing is an incredibly effective way for local service-based businesses to attract more customers and build long-term relationships. By creating valuable, educational content and leveraging AI tools to make the process easier, you can establish yourself as the go-to expert in your field.

Remember, consistency is key. You don’t have to do everything at once—start small, maybe with a blog post or video every couple of weeks, and build from there. Over time, your content will help you attract more leads, build trust with your community, and grow your business.