Why Smart Contractors Are Doubling Down on Email in 2025
By: Will Housh
Email is still the king of ROI—and it’s not even close.
You’ve probably heard email is outdated. That no one reads them. That social media or ads are where the action is. But smart contractors are using email to drive real revenue—and the data backs it up.
“For every $1 spent, email generates about $40 in return.”
—Firework.com
That’s more than SEO, paid ads, and social media combined. Platforms like HookAgency.com report that 81% of small businesses still rely on email as their primary customer acquisition and retention channel. It’s reliable, direct, and profitable.
Why Email Works So Well for Contractors
You’re not selling impulse buys. You’re selling high-trust, high-ticket services—like HVAC installs, service agreements, and indoor air quality products. And the people most likely to buy? Your existing customers.
Email gives you a direct line to those homeowners:
- No algorithms
- No ad spend
- No guesswork
Just a quick message—sent at the right time—to the right person.
What Smart Contractors Are Sending
→ Expiring Service Agreements
Automated emails go out 30 days before expiration with a “Renew Now” link. These reminders keep your recurring revenue steady and your techs’ schedules full. One contractor made $55,000 in revenue from a single email like this by making it simple for customers to click, renew, and stay protected without needing to call.
→ Filter Reminders & Promotions
Quick reminders with direct links to purchase filters online. Many homeowners forget or don’t know what size filter they need—your email solves that. When you send a friendly reminder and make it one-click easy to order from your online store, you eliminate friction and create consistent, passive sales.
→ Seasonal Tune-Ups
Send timely messages like “Book your AC tune-up before the summer rush” to past customers. These emails help smooth out seasonal slow periods, keep equipment running efficiently, and give your team predictable work. You can also use these emails to include limited-time discounts or service bundles.
→ System Quote Follow-Ups
Following up with leads who used your instant quote tool but didn’t convert yet. Many homeowners are still thinking it over or got busy. A well-timed email that includes a quick summary of their quote, financing options, or seasonal incentives can bring those deals back to life and make you stand out from competitors who never followed up.
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Why Email Beats Other Channels
- It’s the highest ROI marketing channel in any industry
- You own your list—no algorithms blocking your reach
- It performs better than social, ads, or even SEO in many cases
“Email delivers a 4,000% ROI. That means for every dollar spent, you could see $40 in return. Compare that to social media, which sits around 280%.”
—Firework.com
Build and Segment Your List
You likely already have hundreds of emails in your CRM, invoicing tool, or old service logs. Start there. Then segment based on:
- Expiring service agreements
- Past installs over 10 years old
- Inactive customers who haven’t booked in 12+ months
“Segmented email campaigns drive 760% more revenue than generic blasts.”
—DMA via Campaign Monitor
Subject Lines That Get Opened
Here are some proven lines to copy or tweak:
- “Reminder: Your A/C Filter Should Be Replaced”
- “Need a New Furnace? Get an Instant Quote Today”
- “Prepare like Winter is Coming – 5% Off Services”
- “Join Our Auto Filter Delivery – Get 10% Off”
Keep it clear, helpful, and benefit-focused.
Don’t Just Email—Sell
Pairing email with your online store takes results to another level:
- Send a filter reminder email → customer clicks → buys the filter online
- Promote maintenance plan renewals → link directly to your store
- Run promos like “$99 Water Heater Flush” that can be purchased online
“ContractorCommerce.com makes it easy to launch a store tied directly to your existing site. Some contractors even allow full system installs to be quoted or sold online.”
Automation = Freedom
With platforms like Mailchimp, Constant Contact, or Contractor Commerce built in email tool, you can automate it all:
- Email goes out automatically 30 days before a contract expires
- A post-service email requests a review
- Quarterly filter reminders go out on schedule
You don’t need to babysit it—just set it once and let it run.
Final Thought
Email isn’t dead. It’s the secret weapon too many contractors ignore—and it’s working right now for those who use it. With a little strategy and automation, email can keep your schedule full, boost renewals, sell more filters, and bring in leads without lifting the phone. It’s one of the easiest, most cost-effective ways to increase repeat business and grow your bottom line.
The best part? You don’t need to start from scratch. Contractor Commerce gives you the tools and support to make it easy. From pre-built online stores to ready-to-launch email campaigns, we help contractors turn clicks into customers.
Want to see how it works? Contact Contractor Commerce today to schedule a demo and start turning your customer list into a sales engine.
Sources:
- HookAgency.com – 81% of small businesses rely on email as primary marketing channel
- Firework.com – Email marketing ROI at $40 per $1 spent
- DMA (via Campaign Monitor) – Segmented campaigns generate 760% more revenue
- ContractorCommerce.com – Online store solutions and case studies
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Why Smart Contractors Are Doubling Down on Email in 2025
By: Will Housh
Why Smart Contractors Are Doubling Down on Email in 2025
Email is still the king of ROI—and it’s not even close.
You’ve probably heard email is outdated. That no one reads them. That social media or ads are where the action is. But smart contractors are using email to drive real revenue—and the data backs it up.
“For every $1 spent, email generates about $40 in return.”
—Firework.com
That’s more than SEO, paid ads, and social media combined. Platforms like HookAgency.com report that 81% of small businesses still rely on email as their primary customer acquisition and retention channel. It’s reliable, direct, and profitable.
Why Email Works So Well for Contractors
You’re not selling impulse buys. You’re selling high-trust, high-ticket services—like HVAC installs, service agreements, and indoor air quality products. And the people most likely to buy? Your existing customers.
Email gives you a direct line to those homeowners:
- No algorithms
- No ad spend
- No guesswork
Just a quick message—sent at the right time—to the right person.
What Smart Contractors Are Sending
→ Expiring Service Agreements
Automated emails go out 30 days before expiration with a “Renew Now” link. These reminders keep your recurring revenue steady and your techs’ schedules full. One contractor made $55,000 in revenue from a single email like this by making it simple for customers to click, renew, and stay protected without needing to call.
→ Filter Reminders & Promotions
Quick reminders with direct links to purchase filters online. Many homeowners forget or don’t know what size filter they need—your email solves that. When you send a friendly reminder and make it one-click easy to order from your online store, you eliminate friction and create consistent, passive sales.
→ Seasonal Tune-Ups
Send timely messages like “Book your AC tune-up before the summer rush” to past customers. These emails help smooth out seasonal slow periods, keep equipment running efficiently, and give your team predictable work. You can also use these emails to include limited-time discounts or service bundles.
→ System Quote Follow-Ups
Following up with leads who used your instant quote tool but didn’t convert yet. Many homeowners are still thinking it over or got busy. A well-timed email that includes a quick summary of their quote, financing options, or seasonal incentives can bring those deals back to life and make you stand out from competitors who never followed up.
Why Email Beats Other Channels
- It’s the highest ROI marketing channel in any industry
- You own your list—no algorithms blocking your reach
- It performs better than social, ads, or even SEO in many cases
“Email delivers a 4,000% ROI. That means for every dollar spent, you could see $40 in return. Compare that to social media, which sits around 280%.”
—Firework.com
Build and Segment Your List
You likely already have hundreds of emails in your CRM, invoicing tool, or old service logs. Start there. Then segment based on:
- Expiring service agreements
- Past installs over 10 years old
- Inactive customers who haven’t booked in 12+ months
“Segmented email campaigns drive 760% more revenue than generic blasts.”
—DMA via Campaign Monitor
Subject Lines That Get Opened
Here are some proven lines to copy or tweak:
- “Reminder: Your A/C Filter Should Be Replaced”
- “Need a New Furnace? Get an Instant Quote Today”
- “Prepare like Winter is Coming – 5% Off Services”
- “Join Our Auto Filter Delivery – Get 10% Off”
Keep it clear, helpful, and benefit-focused.
Don’t Just Email—Sell
Pairing email with your online store takes results to another level:
- Send a filter reminder email → customer clicks → buys the filter online
- Promote maintenance plan renewals → link directly to your store
- Run promos like “$99 Water Heater Flush” that can be purchased online
“ContractorCommerce.com makes it easy to launch a store tied directly to your existing site. Some contractors even allow full system installs to be quoted or sold online.”
Automation = Freedom
With platforms like Mailchimp, Constant Contact, or Contractor Commerce email tool, you can automate it all:
- Email goes out automatically 30 days before a contract expires
- A post-service email requests a review
- Quarterly filter reminders go out on schedule
You don’t need to babysit it—just set it once and let it run.
Final Thought
Email isn’t dead. It’s the secret weapon too many contractors ignore—and it’s working right now for those who use it. With a little strategy and automation, email can keep your schedule full, boost renewals, sell more filters, and bring in leads without lifting the phone. It’s one of the easiest, most cost-effective ways to increase repeat business and grow your bottom line.
The best part? You don’t need to start from scratch. Contractor Commerce gives you the tools and support to make it easy. From pre-built online stores to ready-to-launch email campaigns, we help contractors turn clicks into customers.
Want to see how it works? Contact Contractor Commerce today to schedule a demo and start turning your customer list into a sales engine.
Sources:
- HookAgency.com – 81% of small businesses rely on email as primary marketing channel
- Firework.com – Email marketing ROI at $40 per $1 spent
- DMA (via Campaign Monitor) – Segmented campaigns generate 760% more revenue
- ContractorCommerce.com – Online store solutions and case studies
TRUSTED BY HUNDREDS OF CONTRACTORS
“It’s really easy to set up. I had an online store and was selling products within 48 hours of talking to these guys.”
Jeff K, Ductworks Heating & Air Conditioning“The Contractor Commerce team has been easy to work with and has even customized a few things to fit the needs of my business!”
Chris H, Dick Hill and Sons Heating and Cooling“We have several subscription customers already. This just means recurring revenue for us with no additional overhead or managing.”
Jason C, Advent Air ConditioningRECOMMENDED FOR YOU:
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“The fact is, consumers would rather shop online than in person. If you don’t build an e-commerce presence, you won’t have the opportunity. Now is the time.”
Lou Hobaica, Hobaica Services“It was scary-easy to get set up. It’s plug and play. I drive people to the site, and I collect on the backend. Contractor Commerce takes the order, processes the order, and ships it…any HVAC company would be crazy not to start an online store with Contractor Commerce.”
Bob Reilly, Courtney's Heating & Cooling“Working with the Contractor Commerce team is simple. It’s great. They’re understanding, and they will do anything possible in their power to accommodate your needs. It’s an added service for us…it’s good for our customers”
Jeremy Shellabarger, Airtron Heating & Air Conditioning“Having our website store powered by Contractor Commerce gives us a unique competitive advantage in our market. Our friends in the industry look at our website and say, ‘Wow! That’s super cool. I don’t know why my company isn’t doing this.”
Lizeth Melisa, Comfort Pro“Having an online store from Contractor Commerce is great for our customers! It is convenient and easy for customers to order filters. It saves time when they can go right to the website, place their order and have the filter delivered within a couple of days. Plus, the Contractor Commerce team is great to work with. They are very responsive and helpful and I know they really care about my success!”
Karen B, Liberty Comfort Systems“It’s really easy to set up. I had an online store and was selling products within 48 hours of talking to these guys.”
Jeff K, Ductworks Heating & Air Conditioning“The Contractor Commerce team has been easy to work with and has even customized a few things to fit the needs of my business!”
Chris H, Dick Hill and Sons Heating and Cooling“We have several subscription customers already. This just means recurring revenue for us with no additional overhead or managing.”
Jason C, Advent Air Conditioning