A reputation not always deserved.

There are some local builders in my area that have been building custom homes for years. When I moved here twenty years ago, they already had reputations as the best builders in town. Fast forward twenty years and they are still here and still have the reputations and high brand recognition.

Well, it's not always deserved. One of these builders still gets a big chunk of the local business, based mainly on reputation. That would be great if he deserved it. Now please don't go thinking I just have a case of sour grapes because I'm not getting that business. OK, maybe just a little :-) But, time after time, especially during the annual Parade of Homes, I have people going through our spec homes telling me how much better the quality of our construction is and how our attention to detail is so much better. Frequently the other builder's homes are priced several hundred thousand dollars higher than ours.

So, the general perception is that they are still the best builder in town, yet it just may not be the case any more. I would never bad mouth another builder when dealing with a potential client. But, how does one change those perceptions? I suppose that good marketing comes strongly into play here. How does any business get the word out that they are just as good , if not better at what they do. I welcome your comments and suggestions.