Tradesmen tend to acquire most of their customer base through word-of-mouth and recommendations, but is that the only way to market yourself and be successful?
The world of marketing can sometimes seem confusing, but there are plenty of ways for tradesmen to promote themselves and their services in order to draw in new customers and keep the work coming in. Here are 5 must-know tips for any tradesman looking to boost their business.
1. List Your Services Online
The internet acts not only as resource for you, but it’s also your billboard, your yellow pages listing and your advertisements. It’s everything that you need to push yourself and your services to people.
There are plenty of sites where you can list your services, from business directories to specific trade pages. There are some that offer paid options for a more prominent listing but more often than not you’re better off taking the free option. It’s a great way to get your name and contact details out there across a variety of sites, which increases the chances of you being found by the right people.
2. Be Transparent
It doesn’t matter how credible you are, all it takes is a few crooked tradesmen to spoil it for everyone else. Therefore, it’s important that you take care in crafting your online reputation and making sure that customers know exactly what they’re getting with you.
This is known as being transparent. In other words, you make sure that you advertise your credentials and experience, as well as anything else that people need to know. For example, it’s important that you let people know that you’re fully insured; this kind of transparency will help you to attract and keep customers. People appreciate honesty!
3. Get Your Own Site
Any marketing expert will tell you that a business needs a website, and this is also true for tradesmen. Again, the internet if an extremely powerful promotional tool, and a website is one of the best ways to promote yourself.
This is the place where you can really show off your skills, and it’s recommended that you use your website to put up pictures of your work. This will help attract people to your business and give people something concrete to go on. Basically, an online portfolio is a must.
4. Create a Brand
This might be out of your area of expertise, but developing a brand for your services doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s just a case of finding a look and sticking with it. Develop a logo or design and incorporate it into your work, whether it be on your van or on your uniform. Branding is actually extremely effective. Take the AA and Vcars as an example; we recognise the brand because it’s simple and recognisable, which means that people are more likely to remember them.
5. Focus on Customer Service
While how you present yourself is important, it’s even more important that you provide your customers with an excellent service. In the end, it’s the quality of your service that will make people remember you and call you when they need you again.
Focus on coming across as knowledgeable and friendly, and you’ll be raking in new customers.
