Marketing and advertising are usually at the bottom of the list of a contractor’s favorite things to do. You’re busy running your business and managing your employees – who has time for it? Today’s market isn’t very friendly to advertisers either. You may have been victim to the nasty online review or nasty cold call response but don’t let it get you down.
Here are some tips for attracting customers in today’s market.
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Be Honest and Useful
No one likes to be sold to. People are looking for someone that is an expert in their field and can provide them credible information. Companies that can provide objective, unbiased advice will rise to the top.
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Millennial Myths.
Service expectations are high from all ages. Having a clear-cut outline for what they can expect in a project will be extremely useful in winning over this generation. Companies who take the time to build a relationship with their audience will have better luck introducing a sale than from making a cold call.
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Manage Expectations
Cultivate a “bedside manner” with your clients. Think beyond just promising a good project outcome and look at the experience you provide. Keep the project clean and neat and do your best not to intrude the homeowner’s private space.
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Handle Complaints
Some remodelers shy away from social media in fear of poor reviews. In this climate, it has become more important for companies to have a strategy in place to respond and satisfy the customer’s complaint in a reasonable timeframe and positive manner. Ask satisfied customers to post a positive review and possibly even a photo of your work.
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Self-Service
Millennials and younger clientele are more likely to use char or mobile options to resolve customer service inquiries. Develop an opportunity for customers to contact you in their preferred manner instead of yours. Take negative feedback as an opportunity to improve your processes instead of brushing it off.
Overall, your customers and prospective clients want to be heard in a way that is convenient for them. Giving them an opportunity to develop a relationship with you and communicate on their comfort level will go a long way in making your company the one they tell people about.
Read the full article here.
