Marketing can be a challenge for trades businesses, but it is essential for attracting new customers and growing your business. With the right strategies, you can effectively market your trades business and stand out from the competition. In this article, we will share some effective marketing tips for trades businesses that won't break the bank.
1. Have a Strong Online Presence
In today's digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial. Make sure your website is professional, user-friendly, and optimised for search engines. Keeping your website fresh and relevant is essential. A great way to do this is with a blog that gets updated with regular, useful content and a space for your galley; before and afters, customer success stories, team updates, and more.
2. Be Socially Present
Your customers are using social media to find businesses and learn about you. It is essential to maintain a social media presence that represents you as a company. Post regular updates and engage with your followers. More often than not, customers will check out your social media before making a final decision.
Remember to make it personal! Videos are a great way to do this. Share your story, bring them behind the scenes, show them a day in the life of a Tradie, talk about your work and reviews, the list is endless!
3. Local SEO is Critical
Local search engine optimisation (SEO) is critical for trades businesses. Ensure that your business is listed on local directories, such as Google My Business, Yelp, and Yellow Pages. This will help your business show up in local search results when potential customers search for services in your area. The more you are available to your customers in the online world, the more trust you can build.
4. Rely on Social Proof
Positive customer reviews are powerful marketing tools. Encourage your customers to leave reviews on your website, social media profiles, and review sites. You can also showcase positive reviews on your website and social media channels to build trust and credibility with potential customers.
Have a strategy in place for asking for reviews and don't be afraid to follow up!
5. Offer Promotions
People love getting a good deal, so consider offering promotions and discounts to attract new customers. For example, you could offer a discount for first-time customers or offer a free follow up consultation.
6. Network, Network, Network
Attending trade shows and events is an excellent way to network with other professionals in your industry and connect with potential customers. Be sure to bring business cards, brochures, and other promotional materials to share with attendees.
Building partnerships with other businesses can be a great way to expand your reach and attract new customers. Consider partnering with complementary businesses, such as home builders or real estate agents, to offer bundled services or referrals. Referrals can make up a significant portion of your marketing... for free!
7. Paid Advertising
While organic marketing efforts are essential, paid advertising can also be effective for trades businesses. Consider running Google Ads, Facebook Ads, or other paid advertising campaigns to reach a wider audience.
8. Target your Local Community
Signs and business cards in your local service area can also provide a boost for your business. You can even negotiate with your customers to leave signs up on finished projects for a week or two after the project is completed.
9. Email Marketing
If your Trade business also offers servicing and encourages return business, email marketing can keep you in your customers' minds. Send out an email to touch base with your customers every 3-6 months and it will help keep you at the top of their call list.
Note reminder dates and personal notes in your Tradie Diary and you can ensure you keep your email marketing personal rather than 'spammy.'
10. The Big One, Word of Mouth
Working hard to have satisfied customers can be your biggest and most valuable marketing strategy. A personal referral is miles ahead of other marketing strategies. Consider printing extra business cards to leave with your customers so it's even easier for them to spread the word about you. You could even take it one step further and offer them a reward for a referral, perhaps a discount, cashback or free service.
Marketing your trades business requires a combination of online and offline strategies. By developing a strong online presence, leveraging customer reviews, networking, and investing in paid advertising, you can attract new customers and grow your business. Remember to track your marketing efforts and adjust your strategies accordingly to ensure the best results.
