How to Break Into Commercial Work as a Contractor: A Digital Marketing Guide for Remodeling Pros

Recently, I saw a great question asked in a contractor Facebook group:

“I own ______________ — we specialize in exterior remodeling like decks, siding, soffit, fascia, gutters, fences, and pool cages. I’m trying to figure out how to get my foot into the commercial side of things. Our main service is James Hardie siding. If anyone can point me in the right direction, I’d appreciate it!”

I thought it was such a valuable question — and one that many skilled contractors are asking — that I decided to answer it directly and expand on it in a blog post. Whether you’re based in South Florida or anywhere in the U.S., if you’re ready to grow your business beyond residential jobs and get your foot in the door with commercial projects, this guide is for you.

At The Social Handle, we work with contractors across the U.S. who are looking to grow strategically. If you’re ready to shift your service offering into the commercial space — this post is for you.

1. Optimize Your Website for Commercial Services

Most contractors don’t land commercial jobs because their website only speaks to homeowners. If your online presence doesn’t clearly state you offer commercial remodeling, you're missing out on serious opportunities.

Action step:
Add a dedicated page on your website called “Commercial Services” or “Commercial Remodeling.” Talk directly to property managers, HOA boards, and general contractors. Highlight what matters to them:

• Scalability of your crew

• Materials used (e.g., James Hardie siding = durability + fire resistance)

• Compliance with building codes

• Warranty options and long-term maintenance

Include strong photos, testimonials, or case studies — even if they’re from larger residential jobs — to showcase your ability to handle big projects.

2. Leverage Google Business & SEO

Update your Google Business Profile to include keywords like “Commercial Contractor” or “Commercial Remodeling in [Your City].” Google prioritizes relevance, so make sure your categories, services, and photo captions mention the commercial side of your business.

Bonus tip:
Write a blog post (like this one!) about why James Hardie siding is ideal for commercial buildings in Florida. These types of educational articles boost your local SEO and position you as an expert.

3. Build a Digital Portfolio That Sells

Create a commercial-ready digital portfolio. Even if you haven’t landed a commercial project yet, use high-quality images of your best residential work — especially multi-unit jobs, larger homes, or anything that shows scale and professionalism.

What to include:

• Job details (materials used, timeline, square footage)

• Challenges solved (weather resistance, code requirements, HOA approvals)

• Before/after photos

• Video walkthroughs or drone footage, if possible

Host this on your website and share it across social media platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook.

4. Targeted LinkedIn Networking

If you're not already active on LinkedIn, now's the time. It’s where many commercial decision-makers hang out — from property managers and real estate developers to architects and general contractors.

Start by:

• Updating your profile to reflect your interest in commercial projects

• Connecting with professionals in your area

• Posting once a week about current projects, industry tips, or material features

You don’t need a huge following — you just need the right eyes on your work.

5. Run Paid Ads with a Commercial Angle

Use Facebook and Google Ads to get in front of the right people. Target audiences like:

• Property managers

• General contractors

• Small business owners

• HOA board members

Your ad message should focus on professional-grade remodeling/commercial services and how your team is equipped to handle commercial jobs with efficiency and compliance.

6. Partner with Other Commercial-Focused Contractors

One of the fastest ways into the commercial space is by forming strategic partnerships. Connect with other professionals who already serve commercial properties — such as roofers, painters, or HVAC contractors — and explore ways to:

• Cross-promote each other’s work on social media

• Refer each other to property managers

• Collaborate on large-scale jobs or bids

You can start building these relationships digitally through Facebook Groups, trade associations, or even Instagram DMs.

Final Thought: Think Bigger — and Show It

Moving into commercial work is about mindset as much as marketing. If your business is ready to scale, your online presence needs to reflect that confidence and capability. The right combination of web content, targeted outreach, and strategic advertising can open the door to larger, more profitable jobs.

Need help building a digital strategy that speaks to commercial clients?
That’s what we do at The Social Handle. Whether it’s building a commercial-ready website, managing local ads, or helping you network digitally — we’ve got your back. Let’s chat.