Shows
Digital Marketing for ContractorsThe Real Cost of Bad Leads (And How to Eliminate Them)Send us a textNot all leads are created equal — and cheap leads often come with the highest price tag.In this episode of Digital Marketing for Contractors, hosts Caitlyn Noble and Meredith Medlin break down the hidden costs of low-quality leads and how they quietly drain your time, your team’s energy, and your company’s growth.From shared leads and lead aggregators to poor qualification and vanity metrics, Caitlyn and Meredith explain why chasing volume instead of conversion leads to lower close rates, frustrated sales teams, and even brand damage...
2026-02-0418 minDigital Marketing for ContractorsStop Leads from Slipping — How to Use AI to Capture & Qualify Every InquirySend us a textIn this episode of Digital Marketing for Contractors, we sit down with Bryan Shankman, co-founder & CEO of LeadTruffle, an AI-powered platform built specifically for home-service contractors to capture every lead, respond instantly, and route qualified jobs into your CRM. Bryan walks through the origin story, how LeadTruffle works (website widgets, missed-call text-back, AI qualification), contractor use-cases that doubled bookings, and a practical playbook for any contractor looking to lock down lead flow and never lose another call.Want to find out how we can create a custom digital marketing game plan...
2026-01-1422 minDigital Marketing for ContractorsRewind Series - Revisiting SEO Trends You Can't IgnoreSend us a textIn the final episode of our Rewind Series, Caitlyn and Meredith revisit the most-listened-to episode in Digital Marketing for Contractors history: SEO Trends You Can’t Ignore — and update it for 2026.When the original episode aired, Google had just rolled out more than 5,000 algorithm updates in a single year, and the industry was bracing for massive change. Now, two years later, those predictions didn’t just come true — they accelerated.In this episode, we break down what SEO fundamentals still matter, what has changed...
2026-01-0722 minDigital Marketing for ContractorsRewind Series - Revisiting Google Business Profile — What Contractors Must Know in 2026Send us a textGoogle Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) has evolved from a simple listing into one of the most powerful — and fragile — digital assets a contractor owns.In this Rewind Series episode of Digital Marketing for Contractors, Caitlyn and Meredith revisit one of the podcast’s earliest and most popular episodes, originally recorded in 2023, and break down what still matters, what’s changed, and what contractors must do heading into 2025 and beyond.The big takeaway? Your Google Business Profile is now your digital storefront. For many homeowne...
2025-12-3122 minDigital Marketing for ContractorsRewind Series - Revisiting Brand Awareness: What's Changed Since 2023Send us a textIn this episode of the Rewind Series, Janet and Caitlyn revisit one of the most popular episodes in Digital Marketing for Contractors history: Building Brand Awareness — originally recorded in October 2023 — and break it down through a 2025 lens.While the fundamentals of brand awareness haven’t changed, how it shows up, how homeowners evaluate it, and how Google rewards it absolutely have.In this conversation, we unpack what still holds true, what’s changed dramatically, and what contractors should be doing right now to build trust, visibili...
2025-12-2425 minDigital Marketing for ContractorsRewind Series - Revisiting Google Analytics 4: What's Changed Since 2023Send us a textIn the first episode of our new Rewind Series, Janet and Caitlyn revisit Google Analytics 4 (GA4) and break down what’s actually changed since its rollout in 2023—and what home improvement contractors need to pay attention to now.When GA4 first launched, it left many contractors frustrated, confused, and unsure how to find the data they relied on in Universal Analytics. Fast forward to today, and while GA4 still isn’t perfect, it has evolved. In this episode, we cut through the noise to explain what matters, what’s...
2025-12-1727 minDigital Marketing for ContractorsFall 2025 Home Improvement Industry & Digital Marketing News RoundupSend us a textIn this episode of Digital Marketing for Contractors, Janet and Caitlyn break down the headlines, market shifts, and digital marketing updates shaping the home improvement industry heading into 2026. Fall 2025 brought a mix of encouraging wins—like a 20-year high in women’s employment across the construction industry—and some shocking shakeups, most notably the abrupt overnight closure of Renovo Home Services, a private-equity-backed roll-up that included iconic brands like Reborn Cabinets, DreamStyle Remodeling, NewPro, and more. The fallout? Nearly 3,000 jobs lost and homeowners across multiple states left mid-pr...
2025-12-1040 min
Discos Graves MixesDΣMӨᄂΣЯ011 - NICO FATCAT (The Vinyl Brothers, COL)Nico Fatcat es un músico, productor y Dj Colombiano, amante de las músicas con
raíz africana y del mundo, con una fuerte influencia del Disco el House y sonidos
Baleáricos. actualmente participa activamente con su selección musical en
diferentes espacios de Bogotá y Colombia, hace parte del colectivo de
coleccionistas “The Vinyl Brothers” y ha sacado Edits para el sello Bogotano “Ritmo
Terco”
2025-10-011h 07Digital Marketing for ContractorsSpeed to Lead & Beyond: How Smith.ai Helps Contractors Convert More Calls & ClicksSend us a textIn this episode of Digital Marketing for Contractors, Janet and Caitlyn sit down with Maddy Martin, SVP of Growth at Smith.ai, to tackle one of the biggest challenges contractors face: missed opportunities from slow lead response. Maddy shares why speed-to-lead is critical, how Smith.ai helps contractors answer every call, chat, and text, and how better lead handling drives ROI. From practical tips to real-world success stories, this conversation is packed with strategies to help contractors stop wasting leads and start booking more jobs.Want to find out...
2025-09-2436 minDigital Marketing for ContractorsSummer 2025 News Roundup: Remodeling Trends, Surveys & Digital Marketing UpdatesSend us a textIn this special summer roundup episode, Janet and Caitlyn break down the latest news and research shaping the home improvement and remodeling industry. From builder confidence reports and Harvard’s remodeling forecasts to surveys from Qualified Remodeler, AIA, and Houzz, we connect the dots on what these shifts mean for your business. We also dive into the latest platform updates from Meta, Google, and AI-driven search—and how they’re already affecting contractors’ lead generation.What you’ll learn in this episode:Why housing slowdowns may actually fuel remodeling...
2025-09-1736 minDigital Marketing for ContractorsThe Power of the Pitch: Featuring Dean Curtis of Ingage.ioSend us a textIn this episode of Digital Marketing for Contractors, Janet and Caitlyn sit down with Dean Curtis, CEO of Ingage, to talk about transforming the in-home sales presentation. Dean shares how Ingage helps contractors close more deals with polished, interactive, and data-driven presentations that boost professionalism and consistency across sales teams. You’ll hear real success stories, tips for overcoming adoption challenges, and a sneak peek at what’s next for the platform. Plus, Janet and Caitlyn announce that FatCat Strategies is now a Certified Ingage Design Partner—helping contractors get the most out of the...
2025-09-1032 minDigital Marketing for ContractorsThe Power of Customer Reviews for Home Improvement ContractorsSend us a textCustomer reviews aren’t just “nice-to-haves” anymore—they’re one of the most powerful tools in your marketing toolbox. In this episode of Digital Marketing for Contractors, Janet sits down with Arden, FatCat account manager, to talk about:Why 88% of people trust online reviews as much as personal recommendationsHow reviews boost your SEO and even impact Local Service AdsThe role AI is playing in shaping how reviews show up online in 2025Practical tips to actually get more reviews (timing, QR codes, staff training & automation)How to respond to both good and bad re...
2025-09-0325 minDigital Marketing for ContractorsFrom CEO To Strategic Consultant featuring SPECIAL GUEST: Chris EdelenSend us a textWhen it comes to growing a home improvement business, most contractors focus on hitting revenue goals. But what if you could build a company that not only thrives today but is also positioned for a profitable sale tomorrow? That’s exactly what Chris Edelen, former CEO and owner of Safe Showers, did—and in this episode of Digital Marketing for Contractors, he shared his incredible journey with hosts Janet and Caitlyn from FatCat Strategies.https://fatcatstrategies.com/podcast/special-guest-chris-edelen-planning-your-exit/Want to find out how we can...
2025-08-2742 minDigital Marketing for ContractorsPlan My Exit Strategy Series TeaserSend us a textHome Improvement Business Owners, are you interested in planning your exit strategy? We're kicking off a NEW series with Chris Edelen this Wednesday on our Digital Marketing for Contractors podcast. Listen to the teaser below and submit your questions to be featured on the podcast by following this link: https://fatcatstrategies.com/planmyexit/Want to find out how we can create a custom digital marketing game plan for your contractor business? Schedule a call with us at fatcatstrategies.com.
2025-08-2502 minDigital Marketing for ContractorsStaying Human in the Age of AI: Trust, Authenticity & Competitive EdgeSend us a textIn this episode of Digital Marketing for Contractors, Janet and Sasha wrap up our three-part AI series with a conversation about staying human in an AI-driven world. From chatbots and CRMs to automated reviews and follow-ups, AI is now built into nearly every tool contractors use. But instead of replacing people, it should be seen as a partner—freeing up time for the authentic, personal connections homeowners really value.The hosts dive into why trust signals, reviews, team bios, and before-and-after photos still matter, and how contractors can balance automation with au...
2025-08-2028 minDigital Marketing for ContractorsTactics Rewired – What Still Works, What Doesn’tSend us a textIn this episode of Digital Marketing for Contractors, Janet and Arden tackle a big question for 2025: How can home improvement contractors protect their lead flow in an AI-driven marketing world?From SEO to paid ads to CRM follow-up, the tools you’ve always used still matter—but the way you use them has changed.You’ll learn:How to create content that Google’s new AI Overviews will actually quote (and why it matters for your traffic)How to let AI help with ad targeting—without letting it...
2025-08-1321 minDigital Marketing for ContractorsThe Shift Has Begun: How AI is Changing the Online GameSend us a textIn this first installment of a three-part mini-series, hosts Janet and Meredith explore how AI is fundamentally transforming the way homeowners search for services online and what that means for home improvement contractors trying to generate leads.The conversation centers around the shift from traditional keyword-based SEO to AI-generated answers in search engines like Google, and the rise of “answer engines” like ChatGPT and Siri. These tools provide immediate, conversational responses, often without users needing to click on any links.The hosts explain how this change is reducing website traf...
2025-08-0621 minDigital Marketing for ContractorsSPECIAL GUEST: Aging in Place - Tapping into the Home Access Market with Ross GaskinSend us a text In this episode, Janet Mobley and Meredith Medlin chat with Ross Gaskin, VP of Sales at Health at Home, about the fast-growing “aging in place” market and how contractors can seize this opportunity. Ross shares insights into home accessibility trends, common contractor mistakes in barrier-free bathroom installs, and why selling grab bars could be your ticket into larger remodel projects. If you're a contractor looking to diversify your services or add meaningful value to your bath remodels, this episode is packed with practical advice, product knowledge, and business-building tips.Want to find...
2025-07-3037 minDigital Marketing for ContractorsSPECIAL GUEST: Ryan Cohn from BlazeoSend us a textIn this episode of Digital Marketing for Contractors, Janet and Caitlyn sit down with Ryan Cohn, Content Marketing Manager at Blazeo, to dive into the massive impact of speed to lead and how automated, real-human follow-up can supercharge your sales pipeline. Formerly known as Apex Chat, Blazeo has evolved into a powerful suite of tools for contractors—offering live chat staffed by trained U.S.-based agents, 24/7 call center support, AI-powered voice and chat features, and seamless CRM integrations.Ryan breaks down how Blazeo helps contractors respond faster, qualify leads better, an...
2025-07-2327 minDigital Marketing for ContractorsSPECIAL GUEST: HeavySet Tech with Scott BermanSend us a textIn this episode, we’re joined by Scott Berman, veteran home improvement leader and the founder of HeavySet Forms. Scott shares how his 30+ years in the industry — and the challenges he faced at Florida Window & Door — inspired him to create a powerful lead automation tool.HeavySet Forms helps contractors automate appointment scheduling, follow-up, and confirmation using AI — converting more web leads (even after hours) without relying solely on call centers. You’ll hear real data on how it reduces cancellation rates, increases close rates, and helps your marketing budget go further. This conve...
2025-07-1636 minDigital Marketing for Contractors41. TV and OTT Advertising in Digital StrategiesSend us a text In the final episode of the Build, Grow, Dominate series, Janet and Caitlyn dive into how home improvement contractors can leverage TV and OTT (Over-the-Top) advertising to supercharge their brand presence. From the basics of how these platforms differ to tactical tips on creative production, tracking ROI, and real-world success stories—this episode breaks down how traditional and streaming ads fit into a modern, high-performing digital marketing strategy.Whether you're already investing in digital or just stepping into video ads, this episode will help you align your messaging, amplify you...
2025-07-0920 minDigital Marketing for ContractorsSPECIAL GUEST: Why Your Sales Team Needs a CRM Built for ConstructionSend us a textIn this episode of Digital Marketing for Contractors, we’re joined by Erik Vargas, co-founder of FollowUp CRM. Built from inside a commercial roofing company, FollowUp CRM is tailor-made for construction contractors with a commercial and residential division. Erik dives into why traditional CRMs fall short in this industry, how poor follow-up is killing your close rate, and what separates high-performing contractors from the rest.We talk about:The origin of FollowUp CRM (and why Salesforce didn’t cut it)How lack of follow-up is losing you businessThe challenges of swit...
2025-07-0429 minDigital Marketing for Contractors40. Multi-Channel Marketing: Integrating Digital Campaigns with Traditional MediaSend us a textIn this episode of Digital Marketing for Contractors, Janet and Caitlyn explore how to unlock the full potential of your marketing strategy by blending digital tactics with traditional media. Whether you're running TV and radio ads or building out Google PPC and social campaigns, this episode explains how to ensure your messaging is cohesive, your channels are aligned, and your results are trackable. They break down real-world tactics, share a powerful case study, and introduce the “marketing triangle” strategy that combines online, offline, and in-person channels for maximum impact. If your goal is to b...
2025-07-0223 minDigital Marketing for Contractors39. Field Marketing Meets Digital: A Hybrid ApproachSend us a textIn this episode of Digital Marketing for Contractors, Janet and Caitlyn dive into one of their favorite strategies—hybrid marketing. Designed for contractors who are beyond the startup phase and actively scaling, this episode explores how to integrate field marketing tactics (like home shows, canvassing, and signage) with digital marketing strategies (like SEO, PPC, and email nurturing).Listeners will learn:What hybrid marketing really means for home improvement businesses.How to track offline efforts like signage and events using QR codes and phone numbers.The importance of syncing your CRM wi...
2025-06-2521 minDigital Marketing for ContractorsSPECIAL GUEST: How to Use Project Map It to Build Trust and Book More JobsSend us a textSpecial Guest: Steve Spence, Managing Director of Project Map ItIn this episode of Digital Marketing for Contractors, Janet and Caitlyn sit down with Steve Spence, the managing director of Project Map It—a powerful tool that helps contractors showcase completed projects, collect reviews, and ultimately close more deals.Steve shares the story behind the software, how it’s helping contractors build trust, and why it works for both new and established companies. From interactive maps and review capture tools to seamless CRM and supplier integrations, Project Map...
2025-06-2031 minDigital Marketing for Contractors38. Maximizing Manufacturer Leads Through Digital CampaignsSend us a textIn this episode, Janet and Caitlyn break down a powerful yet underutilized strategy for lead generation: integrating manufacturer leads into your digital marketing campaigns. Perfect for home improvement businesses in growth or scale mode, this episode outlines how to go beyond word-of-mouth and aggregator leads by partnering more effectively with product manufacturers.Key Takeaways:What manufacturer leads are and why they’re so valuable.How to build meaningful relationships with your manufacturer reps.Unlocking co-op marketing dollars (that manufacturers don’t advertise!).Creating product-specific landing pages and optimizing with...
2025-06-1826 minDigital Marketing for Contractors37. Choosing the Right Digital Marketing Agency for GrowthSend us a textIn this episode, Caitlyn and Janet dive into what growing home improvement contractors should consider when choosing a digital marketing agency—especially if you're outgrowing that set-it-and-forget-it vendor relationship. If your business is scaling past the $5M mark and you're looking for a strategic partner (not just a task-taker), this episode will show you exactly what to look for.They outline:The 3 qualities of a growth-focused agency: process, industry expertise, and strategic thinkingWhy you should demand transparency, ownership of outcomes...
2025-06-1125 minDigital Marketing for ContractorsSPECIAL GUEST: Creative Ways Contractors Can Use Gift Cards to Drive Leads, Loyalty & ReferralsSend us a textUsing Gift Cards to Boost Leads and Loyalty with Evan Crum from PerfectGift.comIn this episode, we’re talking with Evan Crum from PerfectGift.com about how home improvement companies can use gift cards to:Drive more leads through incentivesImprove review generationMotivate and reward employeesCreate smarter canvassing campaignsAvoid one-leg appointments with strategic incentivesPerfectGift.com offers customizable Visa/Mastercard and retail gift cards with powerful tracking and support tools. Plus, their PerfectGift+ product gives recipients total choice—from brands to cash.🎁 Listener Exclusi...
2025-06-0632 min