Recently, self help has morphed into a few home improvements. I am a great fan of maintenance when it comes to property, so with the weather being so wet, I decided to get the gutters on my house cleared out and cleaned. I got in touch with a networking contact who was an expert in this area, got my quote and they came along and did an amazing job.
So, why am I telling you this? What has it to do with R Print?
Well, this experienced tradesperson came to my home and did an amazing job, but when I asked for something I could give out to neighbours and friends he had nothing. No business cards, not even a website. He did have a Facebook page – but to be honest that’s not the easiest and most visible way to promote his business. He was missing a huge opportunity to get more work locally – without much effort on his part.
And it’s not just my gutter cleaner who does this – I have used countless tradespeople personally and professionally, and it’s the same story. They often just haven’t figured out yet how powerful a bit of marketing can be using some printed items.
So, we sat down and mapped out how he could have used print products to gain new business from his visit to clean my gutters. The list below is not definitive, but if, as a tradesperson, you even did half of it, you would be winning more business with very little effort.
Before the appointment
You have made your appointment. Generally, this can be quite a casual approach – either on the phone or via text or a messenger service. Why not confirm your appointment with a branded postcard? Once you get some postcards printed this only costs a stamp to send. An old-fashioned approach like this will stand out from the many electronic messages people have these days. This postcard may be pinned up in the kitchen for others to see. Also, it’s not just your customer who will see your postcard. Who knows whether the local postman needs his gutters cleaned?
Whilst performing the work
It’s always helpful to have a branded vehicle that will sit outside the property whilst you do your work. But, how about a sign as well? There are a few options here, but something that moves in the breeze can be very eye catching. So, you could use a flag, a banner or a rigid sign for where you are working at a property longer term. We can of course advise you or you can gradually get more than one option depending on the type of work you are doing. Each tradesperson is different and each piece of work you do may be different and have different needs.
Your signage should identify your business, the work you are doing, your brand, and how to get in touch with you.
Another option here is to have some A4 or A5 fliers that you can push through letter boxes on either side of the property you are working in, and don’t forget to do it across the road as well (we would recommend 10 houses each side and the same for any facing houses). The chances are, if they are interested, they would ask the homeowner if you did a good job and that personal recommendation will get you additional bookings, guaranteed.
Business cards are also alive and kicking despite the hype that they are dead. You may find that a customer doesn’t want to keep flyers, but they will often ask for a couple of business cards to pass
on to friends and family, and to keep for when they need your services again. Repeat business is often underestimated and if I can’t find you again you have lost that business.
After the appointment
It doesn’t have to end when you have finished the work. You can send a branded thank you note for the work. Another idea is to introduce a referral scheme. Maybe offer an Amazon voucher if someone refers work that is worth a certain amount. Or a bottle, or some other treat. This could be explained on a sheet that you place in your thank you note. I have clients that have used bottles, home made chocolate, cake and cream teas!
Designing your printed marketing materials
Many Tradespeople feel they don’t have the imagination or skills to create these marketing materials and that is where we come in. If you have a logo (or even if you don’t – we can sort that too!) we can do the design for you. You get to approve everything before print. You are in total control.
Finally
One final point – wherever possible on every piece of printed material include your business name, and phone number. If space allows also include your email address. Make it ridiculously easy for potential customers to get in touch with you.