No matter how good you are at your job, there may be times when work is a bit thin on the ground and you need ways to expand your customer base.
This was the subject of last night’s #TradesTalk and, as always, there was loads of good advice for anyone who is looking to pick up more work.
Here is our round-up of the best bits, starting with the first question that looked at different ways to reach new customers.
I've mentioned this on here before, get yourself a free trade listing on netmums: https://t.co/HRQDoQyE7q fill out your profile with photo so you look professional #TradesTalk
— Pete Brown 🚿🛠🔥 (@GasSafePete) April 16, 2019
A1) That was a similar scenario in my 1st year trying to establish myself, it’s important to remain calm I could have 3bad weeks and still earn my previous wage in one good week, also I did work cheaper to build my customer base knowing it would lead to bigger things. #TradesTalk
— Gary Bedford (@grbservices) April 16, 2019
well if we are starting to go quiet I've been know to do network stuff , contact various connections in associated trades, joiners, builders etc and even send Dad back out on the road to "chat to old customers" 😁
— sean wilkinson (@duluxvwilknson) April 16, 2019
The second question looked at the tricky subject of contacting previous customers – some felt that it was too ‘spammy’ but others found useful ways of maintaining contact.
I send a newsletter to clients 4 times a year, this seems to keep them coming back.
— Luminous electrical (@Michael40857121) April 16, 2019
https://twitter.com/wdrpaint/status/1118422828129370112
A2: Get In touch with the yearly servicing, follow up certain jobs after a few month to see how it’s all going.
— Damon Blakemore (@Damon_BPH) April 16, 2019
Then the discussion looked at how your existing customers found you.
If I don’t know already I always ask when I go to the quote. It’s important to know where your marketing is doing well and where it isn’t so you can boost/cut accordingly
— R. Kennedy Decorating (@RKENNEDYDEC) April 16, 2019
Various places, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Google. Our vans have been a good advert along with recommendations
— Peakcraft (@Peakcraft) April 16, 2019
Google is our number one source of customers, then Checkatrade #TradesTalk
— Artisan Electrics (@ArtElectrics) April 16, 2019
Marketing your business during busy times was the next item up for discussion.
A4 when I first started out I would stop advertising as I couldn’t manage my time and pumped it all into the job I was doing and work would slow up. I’ve since learnt that advertising should be a constant. Your name needs to be out there all the time #TradesTalk
— S.N.L Home Repairs (@snlhomerepairs) April 16, 2019
A4, Don't usually market myself too hard, although wear branded workwear to jobs & send xmas cards even if I know I'm booked up for the first 6mnths of following year. Biggest challenge atm is playing down how busy I am as I hate losing jobs without providing a quote #TradesTalk
— Al Fitzjohn (@AJFitzLtd) April 17, 2019
I don't need to, my biggest advert is working on the local church hall and some local projects.
I've learned if you help look after the community, then the community will help look after you.
— HB Chippy (@hb_chippy) April 16, 2019
Do you share pictures of your work online? It’s a great way to showcase what you can do.
Q5: Never really do with testimonials but I like to show certain jobs off, not just to show off but also to learn, people might have something constructive to say.
— Damon Blakemore (@Damon_BPH) April 16, 2019
A5 I do share my work images online, about 1/week on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest (just started that recently). Just upgraded my camera for this. My testimonials are on my GoogleMyBusiness listing which are surprisingly difficult to feed to websites. #TradesTalk
— Oilcanfinish Landscaping and Property Maintenance (@oilcanfinish) April 16, 2019
The final question looked at whether special offers are worth considering when looking to attract new customers.
I do discount months and deals for returning clients. Special offers on items like smoke alarms plus offer oap rates
— Luminous electrical (@Michael40857121) April 16, 2019
https://twitter.com/RKENNEDYDEC/status/1118261729652244480
#TradesTalk takes place on Twitter every Tuesday night from 8-9pm. Join in by following @TradesTalk
