How Many Builders in the UK?
How Many Builders in the UK?
The are approximately approximately 98,610 registered construction contractors*
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Table of contents:
How to Market to Builders and Building Company Owners: A Complete Campaign Guide
When it comes to construction and building businesses, marketing is often underestimated. Many believe that building company owners rely purely on word of mouth or tender processes. While these channels still matter, the truth is: builders are online, they’re looking for suppliers, and they respond well to smart, targeted marketing.
Whether you’re a supplier of materials, tools, equipment, or services like insurance, software, or finance — this guide will show you exactly how to reach building company owners effectively. We’ll cover a variety of marketing campaign types that work specifically for this audience, so you can connect, convert, and grow your business.
Let’s build this right from the foundation.
Understanding the Builder Audience
Before launching campaigns, it’s crucial to understand the mindset and behaviours of building company owners.
✔️ Time-poor but result-driven — Builders are busy managing projects, crews, and deadlines. They value suppliers who save them time or simplify operations.
✔️ Local focus — Many building companies operate regionally, meaning local targeting is critical.
✔️ Reputation-conscious — Their business relies heavily on trust and delivering quality, so they’re cautious with suppliers.
✔️ Price-sensitive, but quality-first — They look for cost-effectiveness but won’t sacrifice quality, especially for tools or materials.
With these points in mind, let’s explore the marketing campaigns that work best.
1. Email Marketing Campaigns
Email marketing remains one of the most effective and direct methods to engage builders.
Why it works:
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Direct communication with decision-makers.
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Can nurture leads over time with valuable insights.
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Easily measurable and scalable.
Campaign Ideas:
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Product Launches: Notify builders of new tools, materials, or software that can improve efficiency or reduce costs.
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Educational Series: Send a sequence like “5 Ways to Cut Build Time Without Cutting Corners.”
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Case Studies: Showcase how your solutions helped similar companies.
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Exclusive Promotions: Builders respond well to time-sensitive offers, bulk buy discounts, or trade-only deals.
✅ Pro Tip: Use a clean, verified builder and construction company database to ensure deliverability and relevance.
2. Social Media Advertising and Organic Campaigns
Many assume builders aren’t active on social media — but the reality is different. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and even LinkedIn are excellent for reaching construction professionals.
Platforms to Prioritise:
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Facebook: Local business groups, job ads, and community-focused content.
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Instagram: Visual showcase of tools, materials, and project highlights.
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LinkedIn: Target business owners with ads for professional services.
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YouTube: Demonstration videos for equipment and tools.
Campaign Ideas:
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Project Showcases: Highlight how your materials or services have supported successful builds.
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Video Demonstrations: Show tools or materials in action.
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Promoted Posts: Run geo-targeted ads to reach builders in specific regions.
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Testimonial Videos: Builders trust peer recommendations.
3. Google Ads and Local SEO
When builders need supplies or services, they turn to Google.
Why it works:
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High buyer intent.
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Local targeting is possible.
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Fast traffic generation.
Campaign Ideas:
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Search Ads: Target keywords like “bulk building materials near me” or “construction insurance for builders.”
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Local Service Ads: Appear at the top of local search results.
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Remarketing Campaigns: Stay top of mind by remarketing to visitors who have checked your site but not yet converted.
Additionally, invest in local SEO by optimising your website for location-based keywords like “building material supplier in [City]” to attract organic traffic.
4. Trade Shows and Industry Events
Builders still value face-to-face connections, and trade shows are a perfect opportunity to showcase your offerings.
Events to Consider:
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UK Construction Week
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The Build Show
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Toolfair UK
Campaign Ideas:
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Live Demos: Show your products in action.
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Lead Capture: Use QR codes or digital forms for easy data collection.
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Exclusive Event Offers: Provide show-only discounts to encourage purchases.
Post-event, follow up with a tailored email sequence to nurture leads.
5. Print Advertising and Trade Publications
Print is far from dead in the construction industry. Builders often read industry magazines and catalogues during downtime.
Campaign Ideas:
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Product Features: Showcase new innovations in publications like Professional Builder or Construction News.
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Print Catalogues: Mail printed catalogues to building companies — a tactile way to stand out.
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Trade Magazine Ads: Target publications with ads that highlight your USPs.
Combining print with digital campaigns amplifies your message.
6. Referral Programmes
Builders trust other builders. A well-structured referral programme can quickly expand your customer base.
Campaign Ideas:
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“Refer a fellow builder and get 10% off your next order.”
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Offer rewards for referrals that lead to purchases.
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Provide easy-to-share referral links or printed cards.
This leverages the tight-knit nature of the building industry.
7. Educational Content and Webinars
Position yourself as an expert by creating content that helps builders do their job better.
Campaign Ideas:
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“How-To Guides: “Choosing the Right Materials for UK Weather Conditions.”
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Webinars: Partner with industry experts for live webinars on building regulations or project efficiency.
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Blog Content: Regular articles on construction trends, cost-saving tips, and best practices.
This not only boosts SEO but builds long-term trust.
✅ Pro Tip: Use your educational content to drive email signups and retargeting ads.
8. Direct Mail Campaigns
Well-designed direct mail still cuts through the noise, especially for busy builders.
Campaign Ideas:
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Catalogues: Highlight product ranges with clear pricing and order info.
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Promotional Flyers: Special offers for bulk purchases.
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Sample Packs: Physical samples of materials or tools.
Follow up with personalised emails or calls to maximise conversions.
Final Thoughts
Marketing to builders and building company owners requires a thoughtful, multi-channel approach. Builders value trust, reliability, and time-saving solutions. By using a combination of targeted email campaigns, local SEO, trade shows, and social proof, you can position your brand as the go-to partner for construction professionals.
The key is consistency and relevance. Whether you’re promoting premium tools, safety equipment, finance solutions, or specialist services, always focus on how your offer saves builders time, cuts costs, or boosts their reputation.
Need help reaching building company owners directly?
Our GDPR-compliant, verified B2B data lists connect you with thousands of construction decision-makers across the UK.
➡️ Get in touch for a free consultation and sample list today!
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Results Driven Marketing
info@rdmarketing.co.uk
0191 406 6399
