Market report
Construction industry insights and advice
Discover comprehensive market reports on contractors at USP Research. Stay informed on industry trends, opportunities, and insights with Contractor Monitor.
News I published 15 April 2022 I Dirk Hoogenboom
Why manufacturers of construction materials need mobile-friendly websites?
Despite a pandemic and a trend of digitalisation in the construction sector in general, the media usage of European contractors has not changed much over the past two years, including most digital media channels. Manufacturers’ websites, wholesalers’ websites and digital news letters are as important in 2021 as they were in 2019, as they are used by about nine, eight and seven out of ten European contractors respectively. The only significant increase was seen in usage of both social media and mobile apps, which about six out of ten contractors used in 2021.
These figures show the importance of digital media channels for manufacturers and brands of construction products and materials, but they lack one important detail. In the previous century, contractors could only access digital media through bulky desktop computers, but nowadays, contractors can access digital media pretty much anywhere on a variety of mobile devices. For successful marketing through digital channels, manufacturers and brands need to make sure that their websites are compatible with the devices contractors prefer to use.
The question is which devices contractors prefer to use for which digital sources. That is what we asked 950 European contractors about for the H2 2021 report of USP Marketing Consultancy’s Contractor monitor, which focuses on media orientation of contractors from eight European countries.
Desktops are still used the most for websites
Around three quarters of the European contractors still use desktops to search information on websites of both manufacturers and wholesalers. Around one in six contractors use laptops for the same purpose, while almost none of them use tablets. A slight increase in usage of smartphones to search on websites can be seen, but that only resulted in 9% of contractors using smartphones to search on wholesalers’ websites, and 6% on manufacturers’ websites. On average, it is clear that the desktop and laptop are still the clear winners where it comes to searching information on websites.
Mobile devices should not be ignored though
This does not mean that both manufacturers and wholesalers of construction products and materials can ignore mobile devices altogether. As we saw before, contractors’ usage of mobile apps and social media is ever increasing. The above graph also shows that 37% of contractors already use smartphones to search information through social media.
This means that it is increasingly lucrative for manufacturers and brands to incorporate social media presence in their marketing strategies. It also increases the necessity for a mobile-friendly website. One of the aims of a brand’s presence on social media is to activate contractors to find out more about it, for instance by clicking and accessing the website. For the many contractors that use mobile devices for social media, the linked websites should also be mobile-friendly. Given that contractors expect usage of digital media sources, and especially of social media to significantly increase in the coming years, manufacturers and wholesalers should be prepared with a website that is fully functional and pleasant to use on both desktop and a variety of mobile devices. To see what devices are preferred by contractors in eight European countries, we refer you to the H2 2021 report of USP Marketing Consultancy’s Contractor monitor.
Read more
12 December 2024 I Dirk Hoogenboom
Buying Behavior of Handymen
12 December 2024 I Henri Busker
Handymen Radar – Private Labels vs. Branded Products
12 December 2024 I Dirk Hoogenboom
Sustainability and Painting – What Matters Most?
12 December 2024 I Zeynep Kutsal
Are European Painters Getting Younger?
Fresh Insights Await
Our relevant reports
Delve into the newest findings across various market segments, crafted for a cutting-edge overview. Explore our insightful reports, brimming with up-to-date data, trend analyses, and in-depth examinations, all tailored to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the current market dynamics.
Construction
Home Improvement
Installation
Special reports
Construction
Smart Materials and Buildings Q4 2024
2024 85 pages
Explore the evolving future in construction sector among European architects in Q4 2024. Delve into the factors driving material preferences and the impact on construction aesthetics and sustainability.
2,000 Euro
Construction
Digitalisation and BIM H2 2024
2025 64 pages
Uncover the preferred purchase channels of contractors in H2 2024, and understand how purchasing behaviors evolved. This report provides insights into the factors influencing purchasing decisions among contractors.
6,000 Euro
Construction
Decision making process Q3 2024
2024 87 pages
Unveil the decision-making processes in the construction industry through the lens of European architects. Discover the factors that influence crucial decisions and the interplay among different stakeholders.
2,000 Euro
Construction
Prefab H1 2024
2024 63 pages
Discover the adoption rate and benefits of prefabrication technology among European contractors in H1 2024. Understand the driving forces behind prefab usage and its impact on project efficiency and cost-saving.
6,000 Euro
Construction
Sustainability 2024
2024 72 pages
Painter Insight Monitor 2024 will focus on understanding the specific needs, preferences, and challenges faced by painters when it comes to sustainable products.
11,000 Euro
Construction
Importance of branding & branding funnels 2024
2024 62 pages
This report offers a comprehensive overview of importance of branding and branding funnels with a specific focus on European handymen. Brand behaviour is covered for each country, showing purchasing power, differences regarding quality, sustainability, online shopping, innovation-habit and private labels,
8,600 Euro
Home Improvement
DIY vs DIFM Q4 2024
2025 76 pages
Explore the prevailing trends between DIY and DIFM in Q4 2024. Understand consumer preferences and the factors influencing their choice between DIY and DIFM.
3,500 Euros
Home Improvement
Branding Q3 2024
2024 74 pages
Discover the power of branding in the home improvement sector. Explore how strong branding influences consumer preferences and purchase decisions.
3,500 Euro
Home Improvement
European Garden Monitor
2023 43 pages
Explore the European Garden Monitor, a comprehensive platform dedicated to garden health monitoring in Europe. Access valuable resources and expert advice today.
12,000 Euro
Home Improvement
Purchase channels Q2 2024
2024 90 pages
The European Home Improvement Monitor offers valuable insights on purchase channels in the European home improvement industry, examining the evolving preferences and behaviors of consumers across traditional retail and emerging online platforms.
3,500 Euro
Home Improvement
Sustainability Q1 2024
2024 81 pages
Delve into sustainability trends in the home improvement sector in Q1 2024. Discover consumer preferences and the shift towards eco-friendly home improvement solutions.
3,500 Euro
Home Improvement
DIY versus DIFM Q4 2021
2024 113 pages
This report is a must-have if you’re in the home improvement industry. It provides a wealth of information on the behaviour of DIY and DIFM consumers, their motivations, and the factors that influence their purchasing decisions.
3,150 Euro
Installation
Sustainability Q1 2023
2025 73 pages
Delve into sustainability trends in the home improvement sector in Q1 2023. Discover consumer preferences and the shift towards eco-friendly home improvement solutions.
3,150 Euro
Installation
Media orientation Q4 2024
2025 128 pages
The European Mechanical Installation Monitor report provides a detailed analysis of the plumbing and HVAC industry. This report specifically focuses on Media Orientation in the industry.
2,800 Euro
Installation
Services in the installation sector Q4 2024
2025 102 pages
This report provides a comprehensive view of the installer's requirements for services from manufacturers. Within the report, you will find information on the most needed services in each category: commercial processes, engineering, products & installation, and repair & maintenance. It also examines the services that installers offer to their customers.
3,250 Euro
Installation
Prefab Q3 2024
2024 110 pages
Uncover the adoption of prefabricated products in HVAC installations during Q2 2022. Delve into the benefits and challenges associated with prefabrication in HVAC.
2,800 Euro
Installation
Prefab Q3 2024
2024 119 pages
This report offers a comprehensive view of the installers’ involvement and needs regarding prefabricated electrical installations.
3,250 Euro
Installation
Smart & Connected Products Q2 2024
2024 120 pages
This report provides a comprehensive view of the attitudes of installers toward smart building solutions, specifically among electrical installers and their clients. In the report, you will find insights into the installers' experiences with installing smart products and the willingness of end users to invest in such solutions, as well as their motivations and pain points.
3,250 Euro
Special reports
European Sustainability Report 2024
2025 51 pages
This report provides in-depth insights based on triangulation of key market information and data as well as data from USP Marketing Consultancy’s key monitors that are carried out year in, year out. The focus of this report is on the most important stakeholders within the construction industry, namely architects, contractors, electrical and HVAC installers within The United Kingdom, The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Poland, France, Italy, and Spain.
3,950 Euro
Special reports
European Sustainability Report 2024
2024 51 pages
This report provides in-depth insights based on triangulation of key market information and data as well as data from USP Marketing Consultancy’s key monitors that are carried out year in, year out. The focus of this report is on the most important stakeholders within the construction industry, namely architects, contractors, electrical and HVAC installers within The United Kingdom, The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Poland, France, Italy, and Spain.
3,950 Euro