Dear Anna: Is AI Affecting How Customers Find My Business?

Contractors need to shore up their marketing to ensure AI platforms will recommend them when consumers seek out services

By Chris Gray, Anna Anderson, Jill Bloom

The potential artificial intelligence holds for revolutionizing businesses, including the roofing industry, grows each day, and isn’t about to slow down.

Roofing Contractor presents The Best of Success Podcast Show

Dear Anna: Is AI Affecting How Customers Find My Business?

Artificial intelligence continues to affect both consumer and business behavior, including recommending roofing companies to consumers searching for a contractor. In this episode, Art Unlimited CEO Anna Anderson discusses this development and how contractors can adapt.

It can be tough keeping up with the latest strategies and information, which is why we turned to Anna Anderson, CEO of Art Unlimited, on what contractors should keep top of mind when examining how AI affects them.

Scrutinizing AI from a marketing perspective, Anderson shares how the technology is affecting consumer behavior. Search engines like Google are using AI platforms to quickly answer queries for users, as are social media platforms like X and Facebook. For instance, when asking for roofing services, the AI can rate and suggest five different contractors for the user.

“All of a sudden, I'm provided this step-by-step roadmap of what to expect and what is the standard in which I should be grading these contractors against,” she says. “That seems a little scary, but I think it gives you the insight to be able to say, ‘Okay, here's where we need to make sure we are beefing up.’”

Currently, her data shows there aren’t as many queries being answered by AI for location-based services, but she warns this trend will likely increase. She provides suggestions on how contractors can stand out from the competition.

Contractors should pay heed, as AI isn’t about to go away. Last month, President Trump signed an executive order committing to doubling AI research investment and establishing national AI research institutes. The order included issuing AI regulatory guidance to govern AI development in the private sector.

“We’re going to see a lot of opportunities when it comes to AI advancements for small businesses here in America,” Anderson said. “I truly think that’s going to have a huge impact on contractors as well.”

For more details about AI and the strategies needed to succeed, listen to the full podcast here.

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Chris Gray is the editor of Roofing Contractor and Roofing Supply Pro. He has worked in the fields of journalism and copywriting for nearly 20 years, ranging from local print newspapers to the multi-media promotion of international artists.

Reach him at 248-244-6498 or grayc@bnpmedia.com.

Anna Chapman Anderson, CEO of Art Unlimited, has grown up working in the marketing industry. As a second generation owner, Anna is leading Art Unlimited within multiple industries and specialties. She speaks on national stages across the United States and works alongside business owners helping them obtain success. She is a recipient of the Joel Labovitz Entrepreneurial Success Award. Anna is an active member in Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3), National Women in Roofing (NWiR), and Business Network International (BNI).

Jill Bloom is the innovative Group Publisher of Roofing Contractor, Walls & Ceilings, Building Enclosure, Roofing Supply Pro, and the highly regarded Best of Success event. With a deep commitment to advancing the roofing, construction, and building enclosure industries, Jill oversees a robust portfolio of publications, podcasts, and events that empower professionals with knowledge, inspiration, and connections.

Her brands deliver exceptional value across multiple platforms, including:

Techos y Más, the Spanish-language eNews of Roofing Contractor.
Safety Advisor, an eNews focused on critical resources for jobsite safety.
Thermal Talk, an eNews focused on insights and news for the insulation contractor.
eRock, a leading eNews for drywall contractors.
The Enclosure Experts podcast, offering architects deep insights into building enclosure technologies.
If Walls Could Talk, a podcast dedicated to exploring trends and innovations for the wall and ceiling contractor.
The Best of Success Podcast, providing thought leadership and practical advice for roofing professionals.

Jill’s passion for professional development and fostering industry connections is exemplified by the Best of Success event, a premier gathering of contractors, suppliers, and thought leaders for unmatched education and networking.