Quite a while back I wrote about the business blogs I read. It’s time for a construction industry roundup.
There’s a lot out there. I know, “out there” is vague. But it’s true. You are a Google search away from just about anything you want to know.
To write for an industry, you have to read their publications. Here’s what I read.
Publications
Isn’t it funny which one becomes your favorite? It’s hard to believe that a drywalling rag could be my favorite but I love the writing.
The paper magazine has sections for management, supervision, and estimators that can be useful, frankly, for any trade. The online version has very few in the archives, unfortunately.
So much of our work in Southern California involves concrete. As you may have read from our epoxy injection post, we have quite a few tilt-up buildings here, and they often need to be repaired or even replaced (we did that, too).
An example of an article that’s helpful to anyone, not just concrete contractors is “Keep Architectural Concrete Looking Great.” This article discusses aesthetics, mix design, reinforcement, and waterproofing.
This magazine just started coming our way. Its target market is facility managers. As a commercial general contractor, we love facility managers — they’re often the ones who hire us.
This magazine can help you get to know what’s going on in their world and give you insight into how to meet their needs better.
A good example is “Put the ‘M’ back in FM” which discusses the needs of facility managers to invest in leadership and marketing skills to overcome the view that their department is just a cost instead of a benefit.
You can subscribe here.
Construction Marketing Blogs
Tess gives insight not only for why contractors should write (blog) but gives ideas of what kind of writing is effective including before and afters, storytelling, and customer testimonials.
Read: “Benefits of Blogging for AEC Companies”
Darren and his team share marketing tidbits both in blogs and videos that are useful to construction companies. I’ve learned more than I can remember from this blog — from website tips and tricks to framing a message to your audience.
Read: “Why Should Contractors Rely on Responsive Web Design?”
Safety
Kyle writes about safety and maintenance of forklifts. Now, it seems more warehouse and materials handling centered but many construction sites make use of forklifts, either rented or existing.
A good example is: “Why You Can’t Drive it Like a Rental.”
WitzShared is the blog of WarehouseFlow Advisors
This blog highlights news stories and gives a what you should have done perspective. We say, “safety first” frequently in this industry, as our mantra, yet reality isn’t always a pure reflection. This blog teaches us that it’s better to learn from other’s mistakes, not our own.
So, what are you reading?
Leave a comment below linking to your favorite construction industry publications.
I appreciate the mention, Riggins! Thank you!
Of course. You’re one of the best. Period. End of story.
Very grateful for the mention and listing of other resources. Thank you.
Thank you, Phil. You’re the best!