These marketing ideas for roofers are yours to steal.
Learn how to boost your brand, drive leads, and get more roofs under contract without breaking the bank.
The best way to make your roofing business better is with marketing.
But if marketing ideas for roofers grew on trees, every roofer would do it. The truth is that marketing eats time, drains effort, and pulls dollars straight from your pocket.
You’ll need grit to get it done right. It’s not a stroll through the park—it’s more like fixing a leaky roof in a storm. The kind of work that leaves calluses on your hands and sweat on your brow. You won’t always like it, but you’ll love what it does for your bottom line.
Here’s the good news: with the right ideas, you can get the job done without sinking all your time or cash into it. You’ve got tools, and it’s time to use them. Some are free, some will cost you, but all of them work when you put them to use.
Marketing can feel like herding cats, but when you crack the code, it turns into a well-oiled machine. You’ll land more customers than you can shake a shingle at, and your business will grow faster than a weed after a summer rain.
But first, let’s address the elephant in the room…
How Much Should A Roofing Company Spend On Marketing?
The best marketing is free marketing. No argument there. But paid marketing? It’s got its place, too. Free marketing builds trust and puts your name in folks’ ears. It’s the word-of-mouth, the reviews, the referrals. It doesn’t cost dollars, but it’ll cost sweat. You’ve got to roll up your sleeves and work for it.
Paid marketing? That’s the shortcut. It buys you visibility fast. Whether it’s an ad on a homeowner’s Facebook feed or a shiny billboard on Main Street, paid marketing gets eyes on you quickly. Just like you wouldn’t slap cheap shingles on a premium roof, you can’t toss dollars at bad ads and expect them to hold up.
Roofers should expect to spend about 5% to 12% of their revenue on marketing if they want to see real results. It’s an investment, but one that pays off when done right.
Both strategies work hand in hand. Free marketing keeps the foundation strong, while paid marketing boosts you higher when you need to grow fast. You wouldn’t roof a house with just a hammer; same goes for marketing. You need the right tool for the job.
We’ll cover both sides—ideas that won’t cost you a dime and strategies where you’ll need to spend. Whether you’re running lean or ready to invest, you’ll find something here to grow your business without breaking a sweat—or the bank.
Digital Marketing Ideas for Roofers
In this section, we’ll break down marketing ideas for roofers that bring results. Whether you want free strategies to get noticed or you’re ready to invest in paid ads, digital marketing gives you control. You decide when to hit the gas or let it idle.
From ranking high in local searches to showing up in social media feeds, digital marketing for roofing companies gets the job done. It boosts your name and, more importantly, gets people moving. Stick with us as we dive into free and paid methods to help you grow your roofer marketing and land more customers without draining your wallet.
Free Digital Marketing Ideas
Optimize Your Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile acts as your storefront online. Keep it current with hours, services, and reviews to show up when folks search “roofers near me.” The more reviews and photos you gather, the higher you climb in local searches, pulling in new leads.
Leverage Social Media
Platforms like Facebook and Instagram let you showcase your work. Post before-and-after shots, share roofing tips, and engage with followers through Q&As. Social media shines when you have strong visual content, but avoid it if your audience prefers word-of-mouth over scrolling.
Write Blog Posts
A blog that answers common roofing questions turns you into experts homeowners’ trust. Optimize posts with roofing keywords to push your site up in search rankings. This works well in competitive markets, but if writing’s not your strength, consider hiring help.
Start a YouTube Channel
Homeowners love videos that show them what’s happening on their roofs. Share repair clips, customer testimonials, or tips on spotting roof damage. YouTube works for roofers who want to educate and build trust, but if filming feels overwhelming, skip it for now.
Utilize Email Newsletters
Email newsletters keep you in touch with past clients and prospects. Share offers, roofing tips, and reminders, staying fresh in their minds. Newsletters work best for those with a growing client list but avoid them if your list is too small or you can’t commit to regular sends.
Paid Digital Marketing Ideas
Google Ads (PPC)
Google Ads put you in front of homeowners searching for roofing services. Bid on keywords like “roof repair near me” to drive leads straight to your site. This works in competitive markets where people are ready to buy, but manage your budget closely—costs can snowball.
Facebook & Instagram Ads
Target homeowners by interests and demographics to zero in on your ideal customer. Showcase promotions or highlight your past projects in these visually driven platforms. Facebook and Instagram ads work for building awareness but avoid them if your audience doesn’t spend much time online.
Paid SEO Services
Paid SEO helps your site rank higher for competitive roofing keywords, making it easier to find. Agencies handle everything from keyword research to backlinks, helping you climb the rankings. SEO works for roofers playing the long game, but don’t expect quick results—this takes time to pay off.
Retargeting Ads
These ads bring back visitors who’ve already been to your site, giving them a nudge to take action. It’s a gentle push to people who showed interest but didn’t commit. Retargeting works great for roofers with lots of web traffic, but if your site’s still new, it might not make sense yet.
Video Ads
Video ads on platforms like YouTube or Facebook show your work in action, grabbing attention fast. Whether it’s drone footage of roof installs or a customer’s rave review, video builds trust. It works best for roofers with strong visual content, but if you’re not ready to invest in quality production, think twice.
Traditional Marketing for Roofers
Digital marketing might be the new kid on the block, but traditional marketing still packs a punch. From yard signs to radio ads, these methods have stood the test of time because they reach people where they live, work, and drive. When you combine traditional and digital marketing, you cover all your bases—building brand recognition in the real world while capturing leads online.
Free Traditional Marketing Ideas
Direct Mail with a DIY Approach
Sending personalized letters to homeowners in your area is a hands-on way to reach potential clients. You can keep costs low by crafting simple, direct mailers that highlight your services or current promotions. This strategy works best in smaller communities where personal touches still matter, but avoid it if you don’t have the time or manpower to follow up on responses.
Handwritten Thank You Cards
After every job, send a handwritten thank you card to your customers. It leaves a lasting impression, shows you care, and often leads to word-of-mouth referrals. This tactic works wonders for roofers who build relationships with their clients. But if you’re juggling multiple jobs a day, you might find it tough to keep up with.
Community Flyers and Posters
Post flyers in local businesses, libraries, or community centers to spread the word about your roofing services. You can include a discount or special offer to grab attention. This works well in tight-knit communities. But if your service area is more spread out, it might be harder to make an impact.
Speaking at Local Events
Offer to give a talk on roofing maintenance at homeowner association meetings or local community events. You get to position yourself as the go-to roofing expert while building trust with your audience. This works best for roofers who feel comfortable speaking in front of a crowd. That said, if public speaking isn’t your strong suit, you might want to stick with other methods.
Partner with Local Businesses
Build relationships with other service-based businesses, like landscapers or contractors, to exchange referrals. You can create partnerships where they recommend you for roofing jobs and you return the favor for their services. This strategy works best when your partners have complementary services. Avoid partnerships that start feeling one-sided.
Paid Traditional Marketing Ideas
Billboards
Placing a high-visibility billboard in a strategic location gets your name in front of thousands of drivers every day. You can advertise a special offer or simply build brand awareness by showcasing your business. This approach works best in busy areas with high traffic, but avoid it in rural spots where foot traffic or views are limited.
Radio Ads
Local radio ads let you reach homeowners during peak listening hours, like their morning or evening commute. A catchy jingle or a strong message can make your roofing business stick in people’s minds when they need repairs. Radio ads work well in areas where local stations are popular, though you might not get great results if your audience has moved to streaming services.
Direct Mail Campaigns
Professionally designed and printed postcards with roofing promotions can grab attention in mailboxes. With the right design and a compelling offer, you’ll encourage homeowners to give you a call for estimates or roof inspections. This method works best when you target specific neighborhoods where you’ve already done jobs and posted your yard signs.
Local Newspaper Ads
Advertising in the most-read sections of local newspapers, such as home and garden or real estate, puts you in front of homeowners who are already thinking about improvements. A well-placed ad can drive calls and leads, especially from an older demographic that still reads print. But in areas where print media is fading, this might not deliver the return you’re hoping for.
Vehicle Wrap Advertising
Turning your work trucks into mobile billboards with a branded vehicle wrap spreads your business name wherever you go. Every time you drive through a neighborhood or park at a job site, potential customers see your logo and contact info. This approach works best for businesses with a fleet of vehicles, but if you don’t travel far from your base, you might not get enough exposure to justify the cost.
Referral Marketing for Roofers
The best leads often come from the customers you’ve already served. By tapping into your satisfied clients, you build trust and expand your reputation where it matters most—through word-of-mouth. Referral marketing spreads your name in a way that feels genuine and reliable, making you the top choice when homeowners in your area need roofing services.
Free Referral Marketing Ideas
Ask for Referrals
Train your crew to ask satisfied customers for referrals after each job. A simple request can go a long way—people trust friends and family more than any ad you’ll run. This works best when your team builds strong relationships with homeowners, but don’t expect referrals if you don’t consistently deliver top-notch service.
Create a Referral System
Offer discounts or rewards to customers who refer friends and family to your roofing business. People love getting something back, whether it’s a gift card, a future discount, or a cash incentive. A well-structured referral system works best when it’s easy to understand and use, but it loses steam if the rewards don’t spark interest.
Encourage Online Reviews
Ask your happy customers to leave reviews on Google, Yelp, or social media. Reviews boost your reputation and improve your local search rankings. This strategy works best if you ask customers right after a job, but if you wait too long, they may forget to follow through.
Networking at Community Events
Attend or sponsor local events where homeowners gather, like festivals or neighborhood clean-ups. These events let you shake hands, talk roofing, and build face-to-face trust in the community. Networking works best when you actively engage with people, but don’t expect results if you’re just handing out business cards without making genuine connections.
Build Relationships with Influencers
Work with local influencers or real estate agents who can recommend your roofing services. They’ll spread your name to a wider audience, especially among homeowners looking for trusted service providers. This works best when the influencer has a strong local following, but don’t bother if their audience doesn’t match your target market.
Paid Referral Marketing Ideas
Customer Referral Incentives
Offer cash or gift cards for every successful referral a customer sends your way. People love tangible rewards, and it motivates them to spread the word about your business. This works best in markets where neighbors trust each other’s recommendations, but avoid it if the cost of the reward outweighs the lead value.
Affiliate Marketing
Partner with complementary businesses like home inspectors or contractors, offering them a percentage of sales for referrals. This approach expands your reach to homeowners already seeking related services. It works well when your partners have steady clients, but avoid it if you’re not ready to offer an attractive commission.
Paid Influencers
Collaborate with local influencers who cater to your target homeowners. They’ll promote your services through social media, videos, or blog posts, leveraging their followers’ trust to recommend you. This method works best when the influencer has a solid local reputation, but avoid it if their followers don’t match your ideal customer.
Loyalty Programs
Create a paid loyalty program where customers earn points for referrals, which they can redeem for discounts at local stores or restaurants. This rewards your repeat customers and pushes them to bring in more business. Loyalty programs work well for businesses with repeat clients, but won’t be effective if most of your jobs are one-offs.
Paid Review Platforms
Invest in software that makes collecting and showcasing positive reviews easier. These platforms automatically ask customers for feedback and post reviews on Google, Yelp, or other sites. Paid review platforms work great if you want to quickly boost your online presence, but if the budget’s tight, manual requests for reviews may work just as well.
If you need a platform that generates reviews in your sleep, check out ProLine. It’s a CRM that automates review requests from your business phone and email.
Local Marketing for Roofers
Building trust starts right in your own backyard. Local marketing helps you connect with homeowners where they live, shop, and spend time. When you join business groups or sponsor events, your name gets out there, front and center. It earns you goodwill and visibility where it counts. Whether you offer free inspections at fairs or put yard signs at finished jobs, local marketing builds relationships that lead to more business.
Free Local Marketing Ideas
Join Local Business Groups
Get involved with local chambers of commerce or trade groups. These groups connect you with other business owners. They can refer clients or partner with you on projects. This works best when you attend meetings regularly and engage with the members. Avoid it if you just want to hand out business cards without forming real relationships.
Offer Free Inspections at Local Events
Set up a booth at home expos, fairs, or community events, and offer free roof inspections. This gives you the chance to meet homeowners face-to-face. Building trust starts with providing something valuable right away. It works best at events with lots of homeowners, but won’t pay off if your target audience isn’t there.
Attend Local Networking Events
Go to local networking events to meet business owners, community leaders, and future clients. These events let you spread the word about your roofing services through personal interaction. If you’re comfortable with networking, this can be a powerful strategy. But if you just show up without engaging, it won’t do much for you.
Sponsor Community Events
Offer free or discounted roofing services to schools, charities, or local sports teams in exchange for sponsorship. Your name gets featured in front of a local crowd, boosting your credibility and getting you noticed. This works best when the event aligns with your audience. But avoid it if the sponsorship won’t put you in front of potential customers.
Yard Signs
Put yard signs in the lawns of homes where you’ve finished roofing jobs. Every person who passes by gets a reminder of your business, which sparks curiosity and possible referrals. Yard signs work best in busy residential areas, but they won’t help in places where signs aren’t allowed or the homeowner doesn’t want them.
Paid Local Marketing Ideas
Local Sponsorships
Sponsoring local teams, events, or charities puts your name in front of the community. It shows that you’re invested in the area. Whether it’s a logo on a Little League jersey or a banner at a charity event, sponsorships give you good exposure. This works best when the event aligns with your audience, but avoid it if the sponsorship doesn’t reach the right people.
Local TV Ads
Running ads on local TV channels lets you reach a broad audience across your service area. TV ads build strong brand recognition, especially when you showcase your work or include customer testimonials. This works well for roofers with bigger budgets. But avoid it if your ideal clients are more likely found online.
Home Shows and Trade Exhibits
Paying for a booth at local home shows or trade exhibits puts you face-to-face with homeowners. These are people actively looking for roofing services. You get the chance to show off your expertise and even schedule consultations. This works well when the event draws your ideal customers, but avoid it if the cost outweighs the leads.
Paid Local Directories
Pay to list your roofing company in premium local directories. Homeowners often use these to find reliable contractors. These directories increase your chances of being seen. They work well in areas where people still use them. But if most people in your area prefer Google or social media, you might not see a return on investment.
Geo-targeted Ads
Use Facebook or Google to create ads targeting specific neighborhoods in your service area. Geo-targeting ensures only homeowners in the areas you want will see your ads. This makes your marketing dollars stretch further. It works best if you want to focus on high-value areas, but avoid it if your budget can’t support ongoing campaigns.
Conclusion
You’ve now got 35 solid marketing ideas right at your fingertips, covering digital, traditional, referral, and local strategies. Success doesn’t come from trying everything at once. It’s about picking the right tools for your roofing business and putting them to work. Whether you’re running lean and sticking to free methods or ready to invest in paid strategies, the most important thing is to get started.
Grab a few ideas from each section and give them a try. See what drives leads, what clicks with your community, and what makes your phone light up. Some will hit the mark, others might not, but you won’t know until you roll up your sleeves and dive in. Start small, stay consistent, and watch your business grow faster than a storm brews on a hot summer day.
And if you want to make the most of your marketing, book a ProLine demo.