As the summer busy season starts to wind down, now is a great time to think about the things you wish you had more time for, like marketing! It can feel daunting at first but with a little “off season” preparation and planning, your brand is sure to gain more recognition and loyal customers.
We asked the Lumbermen’s Marketing team members to each share one tip Dealers can consider when amping up their marketing efforts this fall. Looking for more guidance? Don’t forget that Lumbermen’s offers free marketing consultation and services. Click here for more info.
Social Media – Celebrate Your Employees
When it comes to social media, a big question is “How do I engage with my audience?” People who follow your Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn are more likely to give a Like or leave a comment if they find a connection to the content that you choose to post.
We’ve found that posts celebrating our Employee Owners receive high rates of engagement. Our audience connects to people being recognized for their accomplishments, photos of them working hard in the field, or volunteering in their community. When posting content, try to include multiple photos or a video within the post. Social media algorithms prefer content that will keep audiences engaged for longer periods of time, and therefore make your posts more visible. Our Employee Owners also love seeing their efforts spotlighted on our social platforms, so it is a win across the board!
-Ryan Terpstra, Media Manager
Design – Fonts Matter
A font can convey your brand’s story and messaging. Your font does not have to be boring or basic to communicate well with your audience. Fonts like Futura, Proxima Nova or Century Gothic provide more of a modern, sleek look while being highly legible. These fonts also have a variety of weight options which allows you to go from light to bold easily and provide interest to readers.
Consistency in using the same general typeface is important, whether you are creating a flyer, letterhead, or billboard. Being intentional about this will give your projects and platforms a cleaner look that is easier to digest and allow your brand to be more recognizable.
-Sam Ballast, Lead Designer
Design – Fonts Matter
A font can convey your brand’s story and messaging. Your font does not have to be boring or basic to communicate well with your audience. Fonts like Futura, Proxima Nova or Century Gothic provide more of a modern, sleek look while being highly legible. These fonts also have a variety of weight options which allows you to go from light to bold easily and provide interest to readers.
Consistency in using the same general typeface is important, whether you are creating a flyer, letterhead, or billboard. Being intentional about this will give your projects and platforms a cleaner look that is easier to digest and allow your brand to be more recognizable.
-Sam Ballast, Lead Designer
Google Business Profiles – Is Yours Up to Date?
A lot of pre-purchase consideration is conducted via Google, where an estimated 92% of all online search traffic happens. That’s why it is so important to make sure that your Google Business Profile is up to date with accurate information including your hours, phone number, website, and physical address. It can also be beneficial to ask satisfied customers to submit Google Reviews for your business. With a higher Google Business rating, you will be more likely to show up in search results and reach more customers.
-Caleb Krugman, Digital Marketing Specialist
Marketing Planning – Helpful Tools to Keep You on Track
There are several tech tools and platforms that can help you stay organized. Most aren’t costly and can save you a bunch of time.
Social Media – Platforms like Buffer, Sprout Social and Hootsuite are designed to manage several accounts, and allow you to schedule posts in advance, as well as analyze your results and engagement.
Project Management – If you find your campaigns have several steps and people involved, or you want to better document your projects and tasks, platforms like Monday.com, Google Workspace and Basecamp are all good options.
Content Calendars – Mapping out what to promote and when will not only make you more prepared, you’re also more likely to capture your audience’s attention at the right times. For example, summer is deck season, but your customers will start thinking about it in early spring. By using a Content Calendar template, you can plan and organize your content in advance. This way, you can track the progress of your content creation, assign tasks and measure performance. There are several online, or you can even simply use software like Excel.
-Jill Carroll, Director of Marketing
Marketing Planning – Helpful Tools to Keep You on Track
There are several tech tools and platforms that can help you stay organized. Most aren’t costly and can save you a bunch of time.
Social Media – Platforms like Buffer, Sprout Social and Hootsuite are designed to manage several accounts, and allow you to schedule posts in advance, as well as analyze your results and engagement.
Project Management – If you find your campaigns have several steps and people involved, or you want to better document your projects and tasks, platforms like Monday.com, Google Workspace and Basecamp are all good options.
Content Calendars – Mapping out what to promote and when will not only make you more prepared, you’re also more likely to capture your audience’s attention at the right times. For example, summer is deck season, but your customers will start thinking about it in early spring. By using a Content Calendar template, you can plan and organize your content in advance. This way, you can track the progress of your content creation, assign tasks and measure performance. There are several online, or you can even simply use software like Excel.
-Jill Carroll, Director of Marketing
These practical tips, combined with the free marketing consultation and services offered by Lumbermen’s, can set you on the path to marketing success and long-term growth. Happy Marketing!
Culture, Challenges, and Opportunities: A Q&A with Jeff Malloch, VP of Building Materials
Eight months into his new role, Lumbermen’s VP of Building Materials Jeff Malloch discusses the company, market trends, and dealer opportunities.
Spring for Storm Doors—2 Great Options from Larson & Lumbermen’s
After a long, dark winter, Midwest homeowners are eager for fresh air and sunlight, making spring the perfect time to promote storm doors to your customers.Lumbermen’s proudly offers a comprehensive inventory of Larson Storm Doors, ensuring we are your go-to source for their products.
3 Strategies to Grow Your Decking Business
Growing your decking business requires more than just quality craftsmanship—it takes strategic planning and effective customer engagement. Whether you’re looking to attract new clients, improve your sales approach, or enhance your brand’s visibility, having the right tools and knowledge at your disposal is essential. Here we explore three key strategies to help you expand your reach and increase your success.
4 Reasons Dealers Should Use Email Marketing to Connect with Customers
When meeting with Dealers to talk about marketing, I usually ask if they are using email marketing. Often, they aren’t—despite having a decent list of names and email addresses. The truth is, email marketing is a powerful tool for strengthening relationships with customers.
4 Steps to Elevating Your Decking Sales
Decking season is upon us and if the forecasts are accurate, the opportunities will be immense. In this article, we’ll share actionable steps and valuable insights to help you elevate your sales game and drive success in 2025.
Q&A with Shawn Klysen, Senior Sales Advisor, Minnesota Door Division
As part of Lumbermen’s exciting expansion of Door Manufacturing and Distribution operations in Minnesota, we were thrilled to welcome Shawn Klysen to our team as Senior Sales Advisor in December.
In this Q&A, Shawn shares his insights on the industry, his plans for driving success in Minnesota, and what excites him most about joining the Lumbermen’s family.
Preventing Frost and Condensation: Tips for Homeowners with Therma-Tru Entry Doors
When temperatures drop to zero degrees or below, it’s common for door dealers to receive calls from homeowners concerned about condensation and frost forming on their windows and doors. Aluminum components like ADA sills and astragals are more likely to form frost during these conditions due to the transference of exterior cold, mixed with warm moist air in the home.
Rethinking Relationship Building: Creating Unique Experiences Beyond the Golf Course
Are the events you plan aligned with what your customers really want? It’s important that they genuinely enjoy their time with you, so why not ask them what they’d like to do? You might be surprised by their suggestions.
4 Strategies to Boost Storm Door Sales
As the weather cools and we prepare for what’s predicted will be a particularly cold winter, now is a great time to promote your storm door offerings. In this article, we share actionable steps and valuable tools to help you elevate your sales game and drive sales!
Piece By Piece Podcast, Episode 3: Developing and Leading a Sales Team
“I really believe that there is a difference between motivation and discipline,” shares Shawn Montague, Vice President of Building Materials. “So finding disciplined people who are intrinsically motivated…that’s one of the first things that we look for.”
Join us for a conversation about how Lumbermen’s approaches this topic and gain insights to help enhance strategies and development of your own sales team in the building materials industry and beyond.
Lumbermen’s & Therma-Tru Launch Social Media Campaign Aimed to Drive Leads to Dealer
Lumbermen’s and Therma-Tru have recently initiated a dynamic social media campaign with the goal of enhancing customer engagement and increasing sales leads for dealers. This approach uses digital marketing strategies to emphasize the distinctive qualities and benefits of their products.
Enhancing Your Showroom with Inspirational Product Displays
SHOW, don’t just Tell. This is a business slogan that resonates throughout our industry when it comes to selling building materials. Customers having the ability to handle a roof shingle, see the exact shade of brown on a deck board, or test the sturdiness of a piece of siding can make all the difference when it comes to their purchasing decision.
Navigating Your Business in Uncertain Times
While the ride in the building materials industry has been pretty incredible the past couple of years, the truth is that a potential slowdown is looming. We can hope for changes addressing inflation and high interest rates, but in the meantime the focus should be on what you can control. Choose to take this time to finally take a breath and reevaluate your business and strategy.
Piece By Piece Podcast, Episode 2: Developing Customer Relationships
During this conversation, Shawn Montague, Vice President of Building Materials, dives in to the balance of achieving great results, while also caring for others. “Developing relationships with your customer requires providing value, while also achieving an understanding of each customer’s needs,” he shares.
Join us for a conversation about how Lumbermen’s approaches this topic, and gain insights to help enhance your own customer relationships!
Unlocking Innovation: Door Industry Highlights from the International Builders Show 2024
Every year, Las Vegas welcomes members of the building industry to the International Builders Show, and Lumbermen’s was there, along with thousands of other folks from around the world! There is so much to see and do, it is hard to take it all in, so here are some highlights from our friends in the Door industry and what they are excited about in 2024.
Piece By Piece Podcast, Episode 1: Business Strategies for 2024
In this episode, Shawn Montague, VP of Building Materials, talks about strategies and expectations for 2024. “Find a way to create win-win scenarios between all the people that are involved in your business” was one strategy shared.
Taking Door Frames To The Next Level
Lumbermen’s toured GM Wood Products, showcasing their DuraFrame rot-resistant door jambs and DuraTech laminated jambs, offering durability and long-term warranties.
3 Ways to Add Warmth with Stone, Beams and Wood Paneling Accents
When it comes to creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere in your home, few design elements rival the timeless appeal of natural elements like stone and wood. Not only do they bring a touch of elegance, but they also add warmth and character to any space. Here we explore the transformative power of these products when used as accents – just in time when interior home projects are on the rise.
6 Advantages of Storm Doors
Storm doors are often an overlooked feature in many homes, yet they offer a wide range of benefits that can enhance both the aesthetics and functionality of your living space. Here we explore the many advantages of storm doors, from energy efficiency and security to natural light and improving indoor comfort.
Door Color Trends
Time to talk door color trends and in this article, we shine a light on popular exterior door colors. Last year, we saw Black become the color of choice for homeowners when it came to painting their exterior door, and according to Fixr.com, Black was once again king in […]
Holiday Door Décor Recommendations
Spread some holiday cheer this season without scratching your beautiful front door! ‘Tis the season to decorate, and that means sprucing up your front door! As homeowners, we want the entryway to our home to appear merry and bright, especially when the in-laws arrive. Here are some holiday tips from Lumbermen’s Door Division to ensure […]