Opportunity knocks and every interaction you make can be damning! That's why when making a first impression as a tradesperson, you need to stick in the customer's head and encourage them to choose you for the job.
Although a lot of hard graft comes through word of mouth, you can't always rely on this to keep busy. We mentioned in our previous article apps that help increase your workflow when things go quiet, and this week we are discussing how to best market yourself online.
Here are a few tips on marketing yourself online and in person to gain more clients and present yourself as a top-quality, professional tradesman or woman.
Online Presence
The world has changed, and as the younger generations grow up, buy property and look for tradespeople to do work, their first port of call isn't generally the yellow pages or local trade magazine.
These days, it's imperative to have an online presence for your trade business. You may stomp your feet but look around you, everyone is staring at their phones, and this is where potential customers find their next bricklayers, builder, plumber or electrician.
In days gone by, word of mouth was sacrosanct. Those were your reviews and told people whether to trust the work you can supply or not. Nowadays, customers prefer to check out a trusted website like Reviews, Trustpilot or Google Reviews. Alternatively, say you have a Facebook business page, people can leave reviews on it for others to see.
These days, research has found that potential customers are less likely to trust a tradesperson if they don't have any type of online presence. Even something as simple as a social media profile can put their minds at ease and get you on your way to growing an online platform.
Social Media Platforms
With the exception of word of mouth, a social media presence can be key for your trade business.
Social media isn't to be scoffed at. Spending time on it brings a variety of benefits. You can achieve more business through your trade by showing off your work. You can form partnerships and receive products from industry-leading brands where you can review tools or pieces of equipment that you use. You can also encourage and find like-minded tradespeople to work with, train or learn from.
Facebook is a comprehensive tool for your business. It lets you advertise your services, highlight the jobs you have done through photos and videos, receive reviews and more.
Given that it's predominantly image or video-based, Instagram is a fantastic platform to show off your best work. We find a variety of top-draw tradesmen and women on Instagram sharing their daily work lives and product reviews. Instagram is great for helping to expand your reach for customers and (dare we say it) become a trade influencer.
- Any others?
LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube are all platforms that are worth considering. LinkedIn is a professional social media channel where you can build business contacts and showcase your years of experience and expertise. TikTok is the new kid on the block and has a very different content style. Sharing shorter trade videos is extremely popular and showcases your work to a younger audience. Finally, YouTube is great to help you build as a marketing-savvy, learned tradesperson. Some of our partners are popular on YouTube - Check out Nick Bundy Electrician and MJTiff Plumbing and Heating for an idea.
Signage and Cards
Some people say you should stick to social media these days. However, in an industry like the trades, you'd be best off keeping up your appearance with quality branding, signage and business cards.
Recent polls have found that plenty of tradesmen and women still share business cards with customers and suppliers. What's more, customers love to see a tradesperson's van with a great piece of signage printed on it. It screams personality and professionalism. Investing a small amount of money into your marketing can really help boost customers.
Website Templates
This leads us nicely onto a website and the templates on offer. You don't necessarily need a website when running a trade business, as word of mouth and a solid social media presence will most likely stand you in great stead.
However, some customers and clients still enjoy searching for a website to get an idea of the company. These days, a plethora of website template sites make it easy for you to create a professional site that works on mobile too.
WordPress, Wix and Squarespace are great options to choose from with simple templates.
Rhino Trade Insurance offers quality trade insurance on average 40% cheaper than other industry competitors. We have come up with tailored policies for almost all trades in the business. Need cover as a plumber, electrician, joiner, glazier, gardener or something else? We most likely have specialist insurance for you.
Get in touch with our great team on 0116 243 7904, or pop online and get a quote in just 60 seconds.
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