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7 Simple Ways to Enhance your Business Website

A professional and user-friendly website is a crucial element for any business' success, including construction companies.

A business' website is often the first point of contact with potential clients, and it plays a big role in shaping their perception of your brand and can also play a huge part in one's marketing plan. To make the most of your company's online platform, take advantage of seven simple but effective ways to improve your business' website. Take a few minutes to read our blog, and apply them to your website today.

 

(1) Streamline Navigation
A user-friendly website is critical in keeping visitors engaged. Make sure your website is intuitive, clear, and easy to follow. A great rule of thumb is make the customer's experience on your site as easy as possible. Use a logical menu structure that categorizes your services, projects, and other essential information. Avoid overwhelming website visitors with too many menu options or excessive drop-down menus. Again, keep it simple. Think about the possible journey your customer may make on your site, and navigate it like you're visiting your own site for the first time. If it takes too many steps, make changes to simplify it. 

 

(2) Showcase Projects with High-Quality Visuals
Construction is a visually appealing industry. Make them work to your advantage by showcasing your projects (in all phases of construction, not just the final product!) through high-quality images and videos. It's worth the money to invest in professional photography to capture your completed projects, but don't be afraid of taking quick photos or videos on your phone. Many cell phones these days take fantastic quality photos and video. This not only impresses potential clients but also demonstrates the quality of your business' workmanship.

 

(3) Incorporate Testimonials
Ask satisfied clients for testimonials and feature them on your website to build trust and credibility with future clients. Client testimonials not only highlight successful projects, but also your team and the full process. Genuine feedback adds authenticity to your business and helps further potential clients see the benefit of working with you.

 

(4) Mobile-Optimization
Having g a mobile-responsive website is essential. We live in a digital age; it's hard finding an individual who doesn't have a cell phone on their person at all times! Ensure that your website is optimized for different screen sizes, such as desktop/laptop, tablets, and mobile devices, and and that it functions seamlessly from device to device. It should be just as easy to navigate your website on a phone or tablet as it is on a desktop or laptop computer. A mobile-friendly website also positively impacts your search engine rankings.

 

(5) Clear Call-to-Actions (CTA)
Help website visitors to taking their next step by providing clear and prominent calls-to-action, such as 'Register Now,' 'Call Now', or 'Request an Estimate'. Whether it's requesting a quote, scheduling a consultation, or signing up for a newsletter, a strong CTA helps guide visitors towards (what else?) taking action and contacting your company to get down to business.

 

(6) Highlight Safety and Compliance
Construction companies have to prioritize safety and adherence to industry regulations. Use your website as an easy to access showcase of your company's commitment to safety standards, certifications, and compliance. This creates a sense of reliability and professionalism that clients seek when choosing a construction partner.

 

(7) Implement Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
To help ensure your business can be easily found online via Google, Bing, or another search engine, optimize your content with relevant keywords, meta tags, and descriptions. If your website has a blog, regularly update it with informative articles related to your business' specialty, services your business offers that others do not, and the construction industry. SEO practices can significantly improve your website's ranking, driving more organic traffic to your site and helping it be seen by more prospective clients.

 

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Improving your company's website doesn't have to be a complex undertaking nor does it have to cost a lot of money. By implementing these seven simple yet powerful strategies, you can create a digital presence that captures the essence of your brand, impresses potential clients, and drives business growth.

Remember, your website is an ever-evolving platform, so continue to monitor its performance, gather feedback, and make necessary adjustments to stay ahead in the ever competitive construction industry.

10 Reasons Why Your Crew Should Hire Veterans

When looking to add exceptional talent to your construction company or firm, don't overlook the immense potential of one particular group that stands above the rest --- veterans.

These brave men and women bring a unique set of skills and qualities to the table, making them exceptional hires and top-notch members of your team. As today is National Hire a Veteran Day, let's dive into 10 reasons why veterans are the perfect fit for your construction crew.

 

LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
Veterans have undergone rigorous training, instilling in them a sense of discipline and leadership. Using their communication skills, they know how to take charge and inspire their team to work together efficiently towards a common goal. Veterans also don't give up easily since they are used to high stakes. The building industry needs leaders to ensure projects are completed on time. In fact, 17.4% of veterans work in management, business or financial operations.

 

PROBLEM-SOLVING
Service in the military can be unpredictable and with its number of difficult challenges, so veterans must think on their feet and find creative solutions. Their resourcefulness and adaptability allow them to handle sudden changes and pick up new information quickly, making them invaluable in the ever-changing world of construction. In fact, adaptability is one of the top skills companies need the most.

 

STRONG WORK ETHIC
Veterans understand the importance of hard work and dedication, holding themselves accountable for their part in the group's mission. They are no strangers to putting in the extra effort to get the job done right and on time. Their determination could also be inspiring to their crew mates to work harder. Self-discipline is an important trait when dealing with tight deadlines.

 

ATTENTION TO DETAIL
Many business procedures involve careful planning and workload management. With any construction project, there are a dozen moving parts. Ordering of supplies, meeting with clients, creating design blueprints...the list goes on. Thankfully for a veterans' employer, precision is a hallmark of military training. Veterans carry this strategic thinking and attention to detail into every aspect of their work, ensuring that construction projects are executed with accuracy and quality.

 

TEAM PLAYERS
Collaboration is second nature to veterans who have worked in close-knit military units; everyone knows their role and works together. They understand how to take orders and are used to working with a diverse group of people, allowing them to seamlessly integrate into construction teams.

The military relies on debriefings, analyzing a mission afterward by assessing what happened and determining what could have been done to make things better for the next time. Veterans are able to take criticism and apply it to their work for improvement, to stay on top of their end goal, and ensure its a quality job completed.

 

KNOWLEDGE OF HEAVY MACHINERY OPERATION
Veterans are used to working with advanced machineries, such as bulldozers and cranes. A veteran's knowledge of operating procedure, maintenance and regulation are an incredibly valuable asset. When regular upkeep of machinery allows for it to last longer, for example, this is a huge advantage for a business (especially if you're a small operation!). 

 

SAFETY FOCUS
Safety is paramount in the military, and service members have had extensive training and are aware of safety protocols for both themselves, the welfare of their team and others. Veterans will bring this safety-first mindset to a working construction site. Their respect for precaution and protocol helps ensure the protection of employees, equipment and materials.

 

STRESS MANAGEMENT
The military teaches individuals how to handle high-pressure situations. A tight deadline or unexpected change to a projects' plans is plenty stressful, and veterans have been trained to remain calm under pressure, making them reliable and composed even during the most challenging of situations.

 

INTEGRITY & LOYALTY
When you hire a veteran, you gain a committed team member who will go the extra mile to achieve project success. They understand their actions impact others, and with this mindset, they are better at taking accountability when unexpected situations arise. 

 

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
The military is a diverse environment, and veterans bring a wealth of experiences and perspectives to the construction industry. Embracing this diversity leads to enhanced creativity and innovation on the job.

 

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Leadership, problem-solving skills, work ethic, and focus on safety can contribute significantly to the success of your projects. Moreover, a veterans' team-oriented approach, stress management, and unwavering integrity create a positive work environment that fosters productivity and job satisfaction.

So, if you want a construction crew that operates like a well-oiled machine while upholding the highest standards, consider hiring our nation's veterans. Not only will you be making a smart business decision, but you'll also be giving back to those who have already given so much for our country. As labor shortages continue, contractors and construction companies should consider hiring and benefiting from all a veteran has to offer. It's a win-win situation for everyone.

Paving the Path Forward with Advancements in Smart City Construction

In today's fast-paced world, the building and advancement of smart cities has emerged as a path forward for progress and efficiency. These interconnected urban areas, driven by digital technologies, present huge opportunities for the commercial sector.

As a builders exchange serving the needs of Minnesota's construction industry, we understand the importance of staying up to date with the latest industry trends. Here, we'll explore the cutting-edge advancements in smart city construction that hold great potential for commercial sector contractors.

 

Connectivity and Infrastructure
Connectivity is a key enabler when it comes to the world of smart cities. Commercial contractors continue to play a pivotal role in building the digital infrastructure required to support these cities. The deployment of 5G networks is quickly changing the landscape, relaying real-time data readings and powering the Internet of Things (IoT). This presents exciting opportunities for constructing smart buildings with integrated sensors and systems, for areas such as:

• Traffic flow, congestion detection at intersections, and parking lot availability;
• Environmental monitoring for air quality, humidity, temperature control, and noise pollution in different parts of a city;
• Smart meters for a building's electrical grid energy consumption patterns, peak demand periods, and overall performance; and
• Water management in water supply networks and irrigation systems for quality monitoring, identifying leaks, and measuring water consumption patterns.

These types of interconnectivity throughout a smart city, among others, create an environment where businesses can thrive through streamlined operations and enhanced productivity.

 

Sustainable Urban Planning
Smart cities prioritize sustainability, aligning perfectly with the industry's growing focus on environmental, sustainability, and responsible construction practices. Forward-thinking urban planning techniques focus on energy efficiency, waste management, and integration of renewable energy sources, such as solar power, wind power, geothermal heating, and capturing biogases.

Commercial contractors can contribute to the construction of green buildings equipped with such energy-saving technologies, supporting a more sustainable future that will also attract environmentally-conscious businesses and tenants.

 

Data-Driven Decision Making
Data holds the key to unlocking the potential of smart cities, and the commercial sector can greatly benefit from its insights. Contractors can leverage the vast amounts of data generated by smart city infrastructure and systems (as explored in the section titled 'Connectivity and Infrastructure') for predicting repairs and a city's needs in the future

Data-driven decisions can also keep jobsites connected and continually striding towards a project's completion by leveraging real-time data to improve project management, enhance safety, streamline operations, and increase productivity. Tracking equipment usage and location, material expected delivery dates, identifying potential project delays, assessing potential environmental risks, and sharing the latest project updates are all examples of how construction companies can stay on top of a project's progress while also delivering intelligent, efficient, and cost-effective buildings.

 

Citizen Engagement and Inclusion
Citizen engagement and inclusivity are also vital considerations. Commercial contractors have the opportunity to create spaces that foster community engagement and enhance the urban experience for residents and businesses alike.

By including smart technologies and design principles that prioritize accessibility, such as smart digital and interactive signage, real-time language translators, smart wheelchair systems for navigating urban landscapes autonomously, and voice-guided navigational assistance (to name a few), contractors can help in developing inclusive spaces that meet the needs of a widely diverse city. The more inclusive a commercial project, the higher the appeal to creating vibrant and thriving urban centers. 

 

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Commercial contractors can become a strong backbone in shaping and building technologically advanced cities. By embracing connectivity, sustainability, data analytics, and citizen engagement, there's no end to the transformative possibilities ahead for the urban landscape. 

Ensuring Safe Working Conditions Amid Poor Air Quality

Another day, another air quality alert.

As construction professionals, we are no strangers to the challenges posed by nature. However, when the air quality is severely impacted by external factors (such as wildfires in Canada), it becomes very necessary to prioritize the safety and well-being of our teams. Over the month of June, there have been numerous reports from the National Weather Service highlighting the up-and-down air quality in Minnesota (we had the worst air quality in the country last Wednesday, June 14), making it crucial to adopt appropriate measures and utilize specific types of gear to mitigate the risks.

Here, we discuss the importance of safe working conditions and provide guidelines, along with recommended gear, for construction professionals operating outdoors during times of awful air quality.

 

Understanding the Risks
Wildfire smoke can contain harmful pollutants and particulate matter that can significantly impact air quality. These fine particles can penetrate deep into the respiratory system, causing respiratory issues, eye irritation, and exacerbating existing health conditions. Prolonged exposure to poor air quality can have severe consequences, and it's best to be proactive in addressing these risks.

 

Monitor Air Quality
Stay updated with the latest information from the National Weather Service or local authorities regarding air quality index (AQI) readings. Utilize reliable air quality apps or websites to track real-time data for your specific area. 

Some popular air quality apps include:

• AirNow - The official app from the United State Environmental Agency (EPA) provides real-time AQI information and forecasts for various locations.
• Plume Labs - This app offers personalized air quality forecasts, real-time pollution apps, and health recommendations based on your location.
• BreezoMeter - Breezeometer provides hyperlocal air quality data, along with a user-friendly interface, to help you stay informed about the air quality conditions in your area.
• IQAir - Known for its air purifiers, IQAir also offers an app that provides real-time air quality information, personalized health recommendations, and historical data analysis.
• PurpleAir - This app utilizes data from a global network of air quality sensors to provide real-time air quality information, including particle pollutions (PM2.5 and PM10) levels.

Please Note: It's recommended to check your local region for specific air quality apps that may be more relevant and accurate for your area.

 

Adjust Work Schedules
Whenever possible, consider rescheduling outdoor activities to periods with better air quality. If the work cannot be postponed, plan tasks in a way that minimizes exposure during peak pollution times.

 

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Important pieces of PPE on days with low air quality should include Respiratory Protection with N95 or higher-rated masks, which offer effective filtration against harmful particles present in wildfire smoke. Fit-testing should be conducted to ensure a proper seal. Eye Protection, such as safety glasses or goggles, should be encouraged to protect the eyes from smoke and irritants. Depending on the nature of the work, consider providing gloves for Hand Protection against hazardous materials and irritants.

 

Create Safe Zones
Establish designated areas with clean air where workers can take breaks from the poor air quality. These zones should ideally be indoors or protected by effective air filtration systems.

Signs to watch for among your workers for potential illness due to the poor air quality:

• Respiratory Symptoms - coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest tightness.
• Irritated Eyes, Nose + Throat - watery or itchy eyes, a runny or congested nose, and a sore or scratchy throat.
• Headaches and Dizziness - persistent headaches, dizziness or lightheadedness.
• Fatigue + Weakness - unusually tired, weak or a general lack of energy not typical.
• Allergic reactions - frequent sneezing, nasal congestion, skin rashes, or hives.
• Worsening of Existing Health Conditions - illnesses such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can easily become exacerbated.

Please Note: Signs may vary from person to person, and the severity of symptoms can also differ. 

 

Hydration and Rest
Encourage workers to stay well-hydrated and take regular breaks in a clean environment, helping reduce fatigue and ensuring their overall well-being.

 

Education and Awareness
Conduct regular safety meetings to educate your team about the risks associated with poor air quality and the importance of adhering to safety guidelines. Encourage open communication and address any concerns or questions they may have.

 

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The health and safety of our workers should always be our priority, especially when faced with challenges such as severe air pollution. By closely monitoring air quality, encouraging workers to seek medical attention if they're feeling unwell, and utilizing specific types of gear such as N95 masks, safety glasses, and gloves, we as an industry can ensure a safer working environment.

Remember, proactive steps taken today will go a long way in safeguarding the well-being of our teams and mitigating potential health risks. Stay informed, stay safe!

Six Actionable Tips for Ensuring Trench Safety in Minnesota

June has been declared National Trench Safety Month by the National Utility Contractors Association. For Minnesota's construction professionals working literally in the trenches, safety must be a priority due to the unique challenges posed by the state's soil conditions and climate.

Within this post, we will explore actionable tips specific to Minnesota for construction pros to create a safe working environment when dealing with trenches.

 

1.) Understand Minnesota's Soil Conditions
Minnesota's diverse geography presents varying soil types, including clay, sand, and loam. Familiarizing oneself with the specific soil conditions found on your jobsite will help your crew assess the stability and potential risks associated with trench work. Consult soil engineers or geotechnical experts for guidance on shoring and shielding techniques appropriate for the soil composition. Minnesota's Geospatial Information Office offers information about county-level and statewide digital data sets describing the soils of Minnesota.

provides information about county-level and statewide digital data sets that describe the soils of Minnesota. Status information and links to detailed descriptions of the characteristics and limitations of the data sets are provided.

2.) Account for Extreme Weather Conditions
Minnesota experiences harsh winters and heavy rainfall, which can impact trench safety. Plan trench work to avoid freezing temperatures whenever possible. During the rainy season, implement proper drainage systems to prevent water accumulation. Monitor weather forecasts regularly and take necessary precautions to maintain a safe working environment.

3.) Comply with Minnesota OSHA Regulations
Familiarize yourself and your crew with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations specific to Minnesota. Ensure that your site adheres to the state's excavation and trenching standards, including proper slope angles, benching, and shoring requirements. Stay updated on any changes in regulations and incorporate them into your trench safety protocols.

4.) Engage in Ongoing Training and Certification
Encourage your workforce to undergo training programs that address trench safety. Organizations like the Minnesota Safety Council offer specialized courses on excavation and trenching safety. Encourage workers to obtain certifications such as Competent Person Training to enhance their knowledge and expertise in trench safety practices.

5.) Collaborate with Local Utility Companies
Before starting trenching work, contact local utility companies to identify the location of underground utilities. Collaborate closely with them to ensure proper utility markings and to avoid accidental utility strikes during excavation. Remember to follow the guidelines set forth by Minnesota's "One Call" system to protect underground infrastructure.

6.) Stay Informed about Local Safety Resources
Minnesota provides various safety resources and organizations to assist construction professionals in promoting trench safety. Familiarize yourself with resources such as the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry's Construction Codes and Licensing Division, which provides guidance on safe excavation practices.

 

By focusing on trench safety with a Minnesota-specific approach, construction professionals can effectively mitigate risks and ensure the well-being of their workers. Adhering to state regulations, understanding local soil conditions, and leveraging available resources will enable you to create a safe working environment. Prioritizing trench safety is crucial for project success, worker protection, and overall industry advancement in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

7 Women Who Paved the Construction Industry

As we celebrate and recognize the many women working throughout the construction industry during Women in Construction (WIC) Week, we want to take a moment to recognize those who paved the way. 

Women were mentioned as construction workers as early as the 13th century. In the 19th century, individual women began defying gender restrictions to fill important construction roles, although their contributions were not fully realized at the time. From the woman who supervised construction of the Brooklyn Bridge when her husband became ill to the first female architects to an originator of ergonomic design, these women made history and paved the way for future generations of women in the field.

World War II gave women new opportunities for non-traditional work. By 1943, with thousands of men serving overseas in the military, women were filling many of the country's critical mechanical, technical, and physical labor roles. Rosie the Riveter became a symbol of the times. Westinghouse trained dozens of women in electrical engineering because of the shortage of male workers. But when the war ended, many of these opportunities evaporated. 

As labor shortages continue to grow in the construction industry, bringing additional women into the workforce represents and opportunity. In addition, a 2020 report by McKinsey & Co. showed that highly gender-diverse companies are 25% more likely to achieve above-average profitability than companies with less diversity. Plus, we already know women have a lot to offer in a competitive industry like construction.

We recognize and applaud the following six women for their participation in architecture, engineering and construction, and their names may not be as famous as some of their male counterparts, but the industry would not be the same today without their contributions.

 

LADY ELIZABETH WILBRAHAM (1632 - 1705)
Lady Elizabeth Wilbraham is the first known woman architect to draw up her own designs. She designed grand houses for her extended family. Wilbraham may have been involved in hundreds of other buildings for which she could not take credit at the time, including several London churches which are officially attributed to famous architect Christopher Wren.

 

EMILY WARREN ROEBLING (1843 - 1903)
Emily Roebling became one of the first documented women in construction. In 1872, after her husband fell ill, Roebling took over as a representative of his position of chief engineer to oversee the completion of the Brooklyn Bridge. Although her husband retained the title, Roebling carried out the duties of Chief Engineer knowledgably --- learning materials science, stress analysis and cable performance --- to serve as project manager and construction supervisor for 11 years until the project's completion. Roebling was also honored as the first person to ever walk across it.

 

ETHEL CHARLES (1871 - 1962)
In 1898, the first woman architect gained full professional recognition in England when Ethel Charles was admitted to the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). Unable to win large commissions, she worked on improving laborer' cottages. Her designs are now regarded as significant contributions to the garden city concept, in which residential communities are surrounded with greenbelt land.

 

JULIA MORGAN (1872 - 1957) 
After gaining a degree in civil engineering from the University of California in 1989, Julia Morgan was the first woman to be admitted to the renowned architecture program at Ecole de Beaux-Arts in Paris. She returned to California and became the first licensed female architect in the state and an outstanding residential designer in the Arts and Crafts style. Her most famous residence, however, was Hearst Castle, for which she applied her knowledge of classical architecture and reinforced concrete. She was both designer and construction supervisor on the 28-year project.

 

EDITH CLARKE (1883 - 1959) 
Edith Clarke is an important figure in the field of electrical engineering. In 1921, she patented a graphing calculator used to solve power transmission line problems, and she was later involved in offering electrical engineering solutions for dam building. She was the first woman to earn a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering from MIT and went on to teach electrical engineering later in her career. Her inventions, including the graphing calculator, are still used today.

 

LILLIAN GILBRETH (1878 - 1972)
Lillian Gilbreth is credited with many "firsts" in the field of engineering, including household appliance and kitchen designs, many of which are still used today in residential design and construction. In 1926, she became the first female member of the Society of Mechanical Engineers; in 1951, she was the first woman to earn a PHD in engineering; and in 1965 (when she was in her late 80s), she became the first woman elected to the National Academy of Engineering. Heralded as a pioneer in the field of industrial engineering and psychology, Gilbreth focused on the human side of residential and office construction through human factor design and ergonomics as well as construction processes.

 

ELSIE EAVES (1898 - 1983) 
Elsie Eaves became the first women to be inducted as a full member of the American Society of Civil Engineers in 1927. Although she managed many major projects, her most important contribution was her concept of collecting data to track and report trends and spending with construction projects. She invented databases before there were even computers and had a significant impact on how residential and commercial building projects are managed today.

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Of course, there are many more women who worked to move the industry forward with dedication, innovation, and inspiration throughout history.

Today, the construction industry remains predominantly male. Only 10.9% of the industry workforce are women, and most of them are office workers. On the jobsite, women account for one out of every 100 workers and technicians. Though still perceived as a male-dominated industry in the 21st century, women have and will continue to significantly impact the industry as we know it.