Contractor Growth Network

In this episode of the Contractor Growth Network podcast, Sean Holleran and SEO expert Patrick dive into how AI is reshaping search—and what that means for contractors relying on SEO. They break down the shift from traditional keyword ranking to AI-powered answer engines like ChatGPT and Google’s AI Overview, and explain how to structure your content to still get found. Whether you’re wondering if Google is dead (it’s not) or how to optimize for tools like Perplexity and Bing, this episode will help you stay ahead of the curve. Key Takeaways AI Search Is Changing the Game Google and ChatGPT are rewriting how people search: * AI now scans for concise answers, not full-page rankings. * Questions and paragraph snippets matter more than ever. * It’s no longer just about clicks—being the answer is the goal. Concise Answers Beat Long-Form Hooks Content must lead with the answer: * Gone are the days of slow storytelling intros. * Start with the clear, factual response—then build context. * This helps tools like Google AI and ChatGPT surface your content. Google Isn’t Dead, It’s Adapting Despite the hype, traditional SEO still matters: * Google still dominates local and service-based searches. * Schema, page speed, links, and on-page SEO are still relevant. * Now it’s about blending classic SEO with AI-readiness. Search Everywhere Optimization It’s no longer about ranking on one platform: * Get reviews on Bing, Angi, Houzz, and Facebook—not just Google. * Claim and optimize your Bing Places listing. * YouTube videos (with transcripts) are also being surfaced in AI answers. AI Loves Structure and Fresh Data Make your content AI-scannable: * Use schema markup to define FAQs, videos, and pages. * Replace large paragraphs with bullet points or tables. * Update outdated blog posts for relevance and accuracy. Memorable Quotes “If you’re not found everywhere, you’re not really found at all.” “The best answer wins now—not the biggest website.” “Google isn’t dead. It’s just changing the rules—and fast.” Actionable Advice * Rewrite for Answers: Lead with a concise answer before diving into storytelling. * Use Schema Markup: Help AI interpret your FAQs, videos, and images. * Diversify Reviews: Get client reviews across Google, Bing, Angi, and Houzz. * Update Your Old Content: Refresh data, fix broken links, and add question-style headings. * Test It Yourself: Search on ChatGPT, Google AI, and Perplexity as if you're a client. Meta Description: SEO is changing fast. Learn how AI tools like ChatGPT and Google SGE are shifting search—and how to adapt your content to keep showing up and driving leads.

Are you paying for SEO but not seeing results? Patrick, CGN’s in-house SEO specialist, joins us to expose the truth behind SEO strategies that don’t work—and how to tell if your current SEO investment is really paying off. We break down how to measure SEO performance the right way, what bad SEO looks like, and the key tools every contractor should have access to. Key Takeaways: - The 3 (actually 4) pillars of SEO: Technical, Content, Off-Page, and Local SEO - What SEO ROI really means and how to calculate it - How to set SEO goals that align with business growth - Red flags that your SEO company is doing nothing - Why page 2 on Google might as well be invisible - The tools you must own: Google Analytics, Google Search Console, Google Business Profile - Why thin content and doorway pages waste your money - How to track keyword rankings and spot real improvement - The danger of relying on impressions and clicks alone Own your data. Know your rankings. And stop paying for SEO that doesn’t work.  Visit ContractorGrowthNetwork.com to get an audit or speak with an expert. 💻 Ready to grow your contracting business?  Visit https://www.contractorgrowthnetwork.com for expert resources and support! Connect With Us: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/contractorgrowthnetwork1/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/contractorgrowthnetwork/ ✨ View Recent Projects: https://www.contractorgrowthnetwork.com/featured-projects/ 🎙️ Listen to Our Podcast: https://www.contractorgrowthnetwork.com/podcast/

In this episode,Logan Shinholser interviews Dr. Anna Hunter, Director of Learning & Development at JobTread, to unpack how human behavior directly impacts digital adoption in construction companies. Anna explains why technology is only as effective as its implementation, how to create true team buy-in, and how contractors can avoid wasting thousands on unused tools. The conversation dives into key behavioral strategies like building software champions, structuring healthy incentives, and identifying root problems before investing in tech. With practical analogies and tactical steps, this episode bridges the gap between strategy and psychology in software rollout. Key Takeaways: Clarity Comes Before Software Before adopting software, companies need to clearly define their core operational problems. Jumping into tech without this clarity often leads to frustration and failure. The Champion Model Works Successful tech rollouts often rely on "champions" — team members who believe in the software and lead by example. Identifying the right personality types for this role (not just the loudest volunteer) is crucial. Start with the Team, Not the Tool The most effective companies get their teams involved in diagnosing problems and shaping processes before software ever enters the picture. Top-down mandates often backfire. Incentives Should Match the Culture Incentivizing new habits (like filling out daily logs) can work, but it must be tied to accountability. Small, visible rewards can spark pride and momentum, especially when tied to public progress tracking. Staged Rollout vs. All-In: Choose Wisely Rolling out software can happen gradually or all at once, but both approaches require preparation, peer support, and leadership alignment. Owner’s Role: Understand and Translate Leaders don't need to be tech experts, but they do need to understand the software well enough to explain its value to their team — and to calm fears about being replaced. Memorable Quotes: “Software is only as good as how much you use it.” “Jumping into tech without clarity just means you're scaling chaos.” “You're not rushing adoption—you’re building belief.” Actionable Advice: * Define the Real Problems First: Use tools like whiteboards or flowcharts to uncover root causes before selecting a solution. * Nominate the Right Champion: Identify someone who is both tech-comfortable and respected by the team—not just the loudest person in the room. * Use Live Incentives: Create transparent incentive systems that track progress publicly and build pride over time. * Start Small or Go All-In — But Plan Either Way: Whether you're doing a phased rollout or flipping the switch company-wide, preparation is key to success. Learn more about JobTread : https://www.jobtread.com/

Overview Want to know why some contractors dominate local search while others don't even show up? In this episode of the CGN Podcast, we sit down with CGN's SEO Manager, Stephanie, to walk you through how to optimize your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) and turn it into a lead-generating machine. From avoiding common mistakes that lead to suspension, to learning how to rank in Google Maps, this episode is packed with actionable steps for contractors serious about growing their local presence online. Episode Highlights * What is a Google Business Profile (GBP) and why it matters for contractors * The difference between local SEO and traditional SEO * The exact checklist CGN uses to audit client profiles * How to properly set up NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) consistency * Photo and video best practices to boost conversions * How to use posts, reviews, and core service offerings to improve ranking * Troubleshooting common issues like duplicate listings and account suspensions * Advanced tips for expanding visibility using business hours and insights Key Takeaways * GBP is your digital storefront—often the potential clients' first impression of your business. * You should aim to have 2–5 well-defined core offerings on your profile, not an overwhelming list of everything you do. * Posting weekly, uploading high-quality photos, and responding to all reviews (good and bad) significantly helps local SEO. * Extend your business hours if available—it can help you rank during off-hours searches. * Use Google Business Insights to monitor clicks, calls, and profile views—it's free and powerful. Book your GBP Audit with Stephanie! https://www.contractorgrowthnetwork.com/contact/

In this episode of the Contractor Growth Network podcast, Logan Shinholser sits down with Kyle Hunt, remodeling business coach and founder of Remodelers on the Rise. Kyle breaks down his signature "Remodelers Roadmap"—a six-system framework designed to simplify and strengthen every core aspect of a remodeling business. From financials and marketing to people and operations, Kyle shares actionable advice and mindset shifts that help remodelers move from chaos to clarity in their business strategy. Key Takeaways: Start with Strong Financials Kyle emphasizes that a healthy remodeling business begins with financial clarity: * Understand job costing, gross vs. net profit, and pricing strategy. * Establish a solid financial foundation to support sustainable growth. * Avoid burnout by making your business serve your life—not the other way around. Marketing Isn’t Optional—It’s the Engine Kyle shares how too many remodelers treat marketing like a side task instead of a strategic priority: * Every business owner must be a student of marketing—even if they’re not executing it directly. * Build a clear marketing plan and pair it with a defined budget. * Track lead sources consistently to make data-backed decisions. Sales Requires a Repeatable Process A wishy-washy sales approach leaves clients confused and kills conversion: * Define your “This is how we work” process in 3–5 clear steps. * Display your sales process on your website and reinforce it in person. * Charging for design becomes easier when clients understand the value and flow. Production Is About More Than the Build Kyle urges remodelers to elevate the client experience from day one on the job site: * Pre-construction meetings are essential to set expectations and avoid surprises. * A systematic “final 5%” process ensures projects end as strong as they start. * Communication, cleanliness, and consistency are critical soft skills on the job. Your People System Drives Your Success The quality of your remodeling business is directly tied to the quality of your team: * Empower team members with 1-on-1s, leadership development, and capacity checks. * Great leaders create space for others to lead—inside and outside their roles. * “Your people are more important than your profit margin.” Operations Aren’t Just Software—They’re Structure Behind-the-scenes systems create forward momentum: * Use software to track jobs, log daily updates, and align estimating with accounting. * Establish a meeting cadence with clear agendas, action steps, and timekeeping. * Effective meetings are a business unlock—and a leadership responsibility. Memorable Quotes: “If you’re wondering why your remodeling business feels so hard—it’s because it is hard.” “Don’t try to implement five things halfway. Pick one thing and really implement it.” “The quality of your remodeling business will never outpace the quality of your people.” Actionable Advice: * Identify Your Starting Line: Before tackling all six systems, get clear on time management, pricing, and financial health. * Document Your Sales Process: Put it in writing, share it online, and walk clients through it every time. * Run Better Meetings: Prepare agendas, assign timekeepers, and prioritize action over updates. * Track Marketing Sources: Don’t just “feel” like something works—measure it. * Choose the Next Right Thing: Focus on one area, implement fully, and move forward with momentum.