In this episode of The Builder’s Edge, host Deanna Lucas dives into a critical mistake that could be draining your business budget and stunting growth: running ads before your digital presence is ready. Deanna breaks down why more traffic doesn’t always mean more clients, using the story of a business owner whose ad spend led to clicks but no conversions. From outdated websites to missing reviews and unclear branding, she reveals the trust and authority gaps that sabotage ad campaigns. This episode is packed with actionable advice to ensure your digital house—your website, reviews, and Google Business Profile—is in order before you invest in ads. Tune in to learn how to align your message, build trust, and turn clicks into loyal customers, ensuring every ad dollar amplifies your business.

Deanna emphasizes that ads only work when your digital foundation is strong, offering practical steps to create a customer-focused online presence that converts. She shares insights on crafting a clear website, leveraging recent reviews, optimizing your Google Business Profile, and ensuring consistent follow-up systems. Whether you’re a builder, contractor, or service provider, this episode will help you avoid wasting money on ads and instead create a digital strategy that scales. Don’t miss Deanna’s free resource, the Builder’s Digital House Checklist, to guide you in tightening your online presence and building trust that turns prospects into clients.

Main Points Featured in the Episode:

• Digital Foundation First: Ads amplify existing problems if your website, reviews, or branding lack clarity or trust signals.

• Customer-Focused Website: Ensure your homepage clearly states what you do, who you serve, and the next steps for customers to avoid confusion.

• Reviews as Trust Signals: Recent, responded-to reviews on your Google Business Profile act as digital referrals to build credibility.

• Optimized Google Business Profile: Include hours, location, recent photos, keywords, and Q&A to answer customer questions and boost trust.

• Consistent Follow-Ups: Implement email sequences or callback systems to engage prospects quickly and maintain trust.

“People don’t buy when they understand you. They buy when they feel like you understand them.” - Deanna Lucas

Learn more about Deanna Lucas through the following links:

DND Website

Facebook Group

Facebook

Builders Visibility Blueprint

In this episode of The Builder’s Edge, Deanna Lucas honors Military Appreciation Month by spotlighting Matt Anderson, a veteran with six years of active duty in the Army and one year in the National Guard, now thriving as the owner of a SunMed Health and Wellness in Quincy, Illinois. Matt shares his remarkable transition from military service to entrepreneurship, driven by a personal mission to educate his community about holistic wellness. Reflecting on his journey, from his time in military intelligence to navigating the challenges of opening a retail business during the 2020 pandemic, Matt reveals how his military-honed values - loyalty, duty, respect, honor, integrity, selfless service, and personal courage - shape his business and advocacy for responsible cannabis regulations. His story is a powerful testament to resilience, purpose, and the pursuit of continuous learning.

Matt dives into practical strategies for building a mission-driven business, from demystifying cannabis through transparent education to fostering community through events like the Army-Navy Showdown. He also shares insights on balancing the demands of entrepreneurship with personal life, emphasizing mindfulness and adaptability. With real-world examples, like third-party lab testing for product safety and community-driven initiatives, Matt offers actionable advice for entrepreneurs looking to make an impact. Whether you’re a veteran, a business owner, or simply seeking inspiration, this episode will motivate you to build with intention and lead with integrity.

Key Takeaways:

• Military Values in Business: Leverage core Army values like loyalty, duty, and integrity to create a strong foundation for ethical entrepreneurship.

• Transparency and Education: Build trust by prioritizing transparency, such as third-party lab testing, and educate consumers to demystify complex products like CBD.

• Community Engagement: Strengthen your brand through community events, like the Army-Navy Showdown, to foster camaraderie and drive local impact.

• Advocacy for Industry Standards: Advocate for responsible regulations to ensure safe, accessible products, reflecting a commitment to consumer well-being.

• Work-Life Balance: Embrace mindfulness and adaptability to navigate the ever-changing demands of business and personal life.

“The military taught me to live with transparency and discipline, and I carry that into my business. Whether it’s third-party testing our products or advocating for safe access, it’s about building trust with every step.” — Matt Anderson

Learn more about Deanna Lucas through the following links:

DND Website

Facebook Group

Facebook

Builders Visibility Blueprint

In this episode of The Builder’s Edge, host Deanna Lucas dives into the art of writing Google reviews that make a real impact for both customers and businesses. Far from being just a star rating, a well-crafted review is a digital testimony that builds trust, drives business, and multiplies impact within your community. Deanna shares a powerful parable of two farmers at a well; one who simply takes what they need and leaves, and another who places stones to guide others: illustrating how a thoughtful review can lead more people to quality services. With practical tips and a downloadable email template, this episode equips business owners, particularly contractors, with the tools to encourage meaningful reviews that elevate their online presence.

Deanna emphasizes the importance of storytelling in reviews, guiding listeners on how to teach clients to share specific, impactful experiences rather than vague praise. She breaks down a simple yet effective email template designed to prompt clients to leave detailed five-star reviews, complete with QR codes for ease and suggestions for highlighting quality, timeliness, and problem-solving. By fostering a culture of “sowing honor” through reviews, businesses can become local guides on Google, gaining authority and visibility. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to transform their online reputation and stand out in a competitive market.

Key Takeaways:

• Storytelling in Reviews: Encourage clients to share specific stories about their experience - before, during, and after - to create trust and connection.

• Simplify the Process: Use QR codes, short links, and clear instructions to make leaving reviews frictionless for clients.

• Guide Client Feedback: Provide suggestions for reviews, like mentioning quality, timeliness, communication, and location, to ensure impactful content.

• Build Community Authority: Consistent, detailed reviews elevate your Google ranking and establish you as a trusted local guide.

• Reciprocity of Reviews: Sowing honor through reviews for others encourages reciprocal reviews, amplifying your business’s visibility.

“A good Google review isn’t just a pat on the back—it’s a bridge that connects someone with a problem to your solution, multiplying impact and building trust in your community.” — Deanna Lucas

Learn more about Deanna Lucas through the following links:

DND Website

Facebook Group

Facebook

Builders Visibility Blueprint