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Getting on more construction bid lists is a great way for subcontractors to get more leads and win more projects.
One way that subcontractors can get more construction leads is to get on contractor project bid lists. These bid lists provide subcontractors with information on projects that are up for bid and searching for sub bids. It’s a great way to get leads sent to you instead of spending time searching for them.
The question is, how can subcontractors get on these bid lists to find potential projects accepting bids? Here’s a shortlist of five proven strategies that work.
Key Takeaways
- Join local contractors' associations and bid exchanges to put yourself in front of the right people and get more bid opportunities flowing your way.
- Keep your online presence strong — a regularly updated website, directory listings, and active LinkedIn and Facebook profiles make it easier for contractors to find and contact you.
- Look into reverse trade shows hosted by schools, universities, and large institutions to get face time with key decision-makers who are actively looking for vendors.
- Complete vendor prequalification applications with public entities so you're already on their approved list when new projects open up for bid.
- Register on bid sites like PlanHub to match your company with relevant opportunities by trade, location, and project size — so the right leads come to you instead of you chasing them.
Five ways subcontractors can get on more bid lists
1) Networking
Everyone knows that in this industry, it’s not what you know but who you know. You also already know the value of networking for your business, so we’re not going to waste time discussing it. The key is knowing where to network to get the most bid opportunities.
The best organizations to join are your local contractors’ associations, bid exchanges, and the industry organizations specific to the type of work you perform. Contractors’ associations and bid exchanges offer more benefits than just bidding opportunities, so being a member of these organizations is a valuable investment when you are trying to build relationships. Membership in industry organizations provides a sense of authority to your business, which could mean you get more opportunities.
Attending industry conferences is another great way to meet potential clients. Attend general construction industry events, as well as those geared to your particular work. Take the time to get to know some of the attendees, whether it’s over lunch or drinks after the conference. Make sure you have plenty of business cards to hand out.
To learn more about PlanHub’s full selection of game-changing networking tools, sign up for a free demo today!
2) Online presence
The more places your business is listed online, the easier it is for potential customers to find you. Now, this doesn’t mean you have to have an account for everything and purchase advertising everywhere. However, having some key listings is essential to be found on the internet.
Let’s start with a company website. It doesn’t have to be complicated or flashy, but you need to update it on a regular basis. To be found by search engines, you’ll want to ensure you have some key terms on your site. These terms may include your company’s name, the type of work you do, and your service area.
List your company with as many online directories as you can. These directories, like YP, Yellow Pages, and DEX, allow you to list your company and purchase advertising if you’d like. Although phone books have mostly gone extinct, listing in these directories is still crucial as it boosts your online presence, which improves your chances of being found online.
Social media is a popular way for contractors to advertise their business. You don’t have to purchase advertising, but you should use the platforms to share news about your company and work. You don’t have to be on every platform, but Facebook and LinkedIn are the best for businesses looking for potential customers.
3) Reverse trade shows
Reverse trade shows are events organized by large organizations looking for vendors to work with them. Sometimes, these shows are geared just for construction opportunities. They are often hosted by schools, universities, and other large multi-site companies and institutions. These shows are a great way to meet potential new clients and get in front of key personnel.
4) Vendor prequalification
Large organizations, primarily public entities like cities, schools, and universities, often have open prequalification periods for contractors who want to work with them. You’ll be asked to submit an information packet about your company, including past project experience, references, bonding capacity, and team resumes. Once approved as a vendor for these organizations, you’ll be on the list to hear about new opportunities as they are released for bids.
5) Bid sites
Online bid sites like PlanHub are a great way to find subcontractor bidding opportunities. When you register for these sites, you enter your company information, as well as information on the geographic areas you serve, the scope of work you provide, and the size of projects you’re interested in. Once you’ve entered this information, you can wait to be contacted or search for open opportunities on the site.
Bid sites are an excellent idea for gaining more opportunities because they provide your company with another online presence, which means you’ll show up higher in search results.
Securing a spot on contractors’ bid lists is a crucial step for any subcontractor looking to expand their opportunities and grow their business. By implementing strategic approaches to join construction bid lists, such as networking, showcasing expertise, and maintaining a strong online presence, subcontractors can enhance their visibility and reputation in the industry. Understanding the dynamics of the construction bid list and consistently refining your approach can significantly increase your chances of being included in the bid list for construction projects. By staying proactive and continually seeking new opportunities, subcontractors can remain competitive and relevant in an ever-evolving market.
Ready to take your business to the next level? Sign up with PlanHub today to get more high-quality construction leads and networking tools.
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