Business is just business. That is, of course, unless your business doesn't have enough customers to pay the bills. Going down the traditional routes of advertising and word-of-mouth marketing can be great, but they can also be greatly expensive, and they don't have the same reach as online marketing does. As a contractor, there are tons of businesses that need your services, but if they don't know how to find you, they'll just give their money to your competition.
Related Blog: How Contractors Can Gain Commercial Accounts From Internet Marketing
Looking for ways to increase your commercial account base? Check out how online marketing can help you boost your service sales!
No matter what it is that you do, there is a company out there that's looking for you. As you know, businesses have budgets, and where they spend their money matters a lot to the bottom line. Before companies invest in a contractor, they're going to do their research. It's up to you to make that as easy for them as possible.
Reviews can make or break your business, but how do you get them?
Set aside some funding for advertisement, but don't go crazy investing in places that are irrelevant to your business. Instead, make sure you're putting yourself out there in the places that matter most. By advertising with sites like Angie's List, YP, Yelp!, and Merchant Circle, you're opening up your channels of communication. These advertisements can remind current customers to give you reviews and encourage prospective people to give you a chance.
Do you have helpful hints or frequently asked questions that could be answered with the help of a few videos? Harness the power of YouTube, and put online marketing to work for you. You don't have to give away your company's special secrets, but telling a few tips and tricks to the general public can mean big things for the conversion rates on your website. Consider putting together a regular schedule of clips that can help prospective clients understand what you do and what you're all about. These videos can help people understand your business culture, too. This means that you'll be seen as an authority figure, and someone that's eager to help your commercial accounts be better businesses, as well.
You don't have to be a social media genius to engage with your customers. Post pictures of your projects (with your clients' permissions, of course), and keep your audience updated about your progress. When someone makes a review or comment on your social media pages, make sure you chime in. If it is a compliment, thank them. If it's a negative remark, let them know you appreciate the feedback, and that you'll take measures to look into their concerns.
Companies care about doing business with companies that care about their own businesses. By investing a little time and resources into social media maintenance, you could see huge returns on just a little bit of effort with your internet marketing.
The best way to be better than your competition is to know how those competitors are vying for your customers. Spend some time shopping around for services similar to yours. What words did you search for? Which sites enticed you to want to learn more? Take note of your observations, and look for ways to improve your own online marketing strategies. The more information you can gain from your competitors, the better able you are to compete.
Thirsty for more online marketing knowledge? Browse our blog or contact us and let us know what we can do to help you!