How to Get Your First Excavation Job as a New Contractor
- Nate Jones
- Jul 20
- 3 min read
Starting your own excavation business is exciting—but landing that first job can feel like the biggest hurdle. Whether you're offering land clearing, trenching, or foundation prep, getting your first excavation project is all about building trust, visibility, and credibility.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through proven strategies to help you secure your first excavation job and set your business up for long-term success. Plus, we’ll show you how Excavating Insurance Partners can help you protect your business from day one with the right insurance coverage.
1. Make Sure You're Legally Ready
Before you start bidding on jobs, make sure your business is fully compliant:
Register your business (LLC, S-Corp, etc.). Check out Legalzoom here!
Get your EIN from the IRS
Obtain any required licenses and permits
Purchase the right excavating contractor insurance
2. Build a Simple, Professional Website
Your website doesn’t need to be fancy—but it should clearly explain:
Who you are
What services you offer
Where you operate
How to contact you
Make sure your site is optimized for local SEO so people searching for “excavating contractor near me” can find you.
👉 Need help getting started? Reach out to Contractor Back Office for website help.
3. Leverage Social Media and Local Listings
Create business profiles on:
Google Business Profile
Facebook
Instagram
Yelp
Angi or HomeAdvisor
Post before-and-after photos, videos of your equipment in action, and updates about your availability.
4. Network with Local Builders and Contractors
Most excavation jobs come through referrals. Start building relationships with:
General contractors
Home builders
Landscapers
Remodelers
Attend local trade shows, join contractor associations, and introduce yourself in person.
5. Use Lead Generation Platforms
Websites like Contractor Back Office can help you find leads for excavation jobs in your area. These platforms are especially helpful when you're just starting out and need to build your portfolio.
6. Offer a Discount or Free Add-On
To win your first job, consider offering:
A small discount for first-time clients
A free add-on service (e.g., grading after excavation)
Faster turnaround time
This can help you stand out from more established competitors.
7. Ask for Reviews and Referrals
Once you complete your first job, ask your client to:
Leave a review on Google or Yelp
Provide a testimonial for your website
Refer you to other contractors or homeowners
Word-of-mouth is one of the most powerful marketing tools in the excavation industry.
8. Make Sure You’re Insured
Clients want to know they’re working with a professional. Having the right insurance not only protects your business—it also builds trust.
At Excavating Insurance Partners, we help new contractors find affordable, tailored coverage including:
Final Thoughts
Getting your first excavation job takes persistence, professionalism, and preparation. By building your online presence, networking locally, and protecting your business with the right insurance, you’ll be well on your way to landing that first project—and many more to come.
Need help getting started? Download our e-book or contact us for expert insurance guidance tailored to excavation contractors.
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