In the home improvement business, most calls do not end in a sale. In fact, on average, you will only make a sale in 1 out of 3 calls. People in the business call this the “industry standard.” However, there are ways to stand out and get more sales.
5 Lead Generation Tips That You Need to Know
The lifeline of any home improvement business is to always be getting new clients. You probably already know this, because income generated by return business is nothing new. But many contractors don’t put enough effort into getting new customers, which also goes by the name of lead generation. A lot of marketing people will tell you “why” lead generation is important, but you probably have little to no idea as to “how.” So the goal of this article is to help you with understanding the “how.” Specifically, the trends and ideas about lead generation plus how they can benefit you and bring in more income.
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Top 5 Books Every Contractor Should Read
Dr. Seuss once said, “The more you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you will go.” Reading is a great way to expand our knowledge and get questions answered. Whether you’re just starting your own business or a seasoned pro, here are the top 5 books every contractor should read and own.
How To Keep Loving Your Job
Legendary writer Mark Twain once said, “The law of work seems unfair, but nothing can change it; the more enjoyment you get out of your work, the more money you will make.” This old adage holds true to this day, and rightly so. Those of us who love our jobs work harder at them, rise faster within companies, and make more money. The reason for this is simple: people who are passionate about their jobs will naturally work harder.
Employees vs. Subcontractors: Who Should I Hire?
When faced with a hiring decision, one of the most common questions is whether to go with an employee or a subcontractor. Both have distinct advantages and disadvantages, and this guide will highlight the pros and cons of each. Continue reading “Employees vs. Subcontractors: Who Should I Hire?”
How to Be Seen as a Reliable Professional
Webster’s defines the word reliable as “able to be trusted to do or provide what is needed.” While those words are certainly true, they really fail to convey the gravity of what it means to be considered reliable. Reliability is key to the reputation (and continued success) of any business, especially contractors. Those seen as reliable will receive better reviews, more word of mouth references, and overall a higher general success rate. That being said, how can you make sure your business is seen as reliable?
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Why Having a Contractor’s License Matters
Every state has different requirements for contractor licensure, and some states don’t require a license for certain trades. If you’re in state that does require a license, then you obviously already have one (otherwise you wouldn’t be in business). But what about those of us living in states that don’t require a license for our trades? Are there really any benefits to having a license?
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5 Ways To Take Better Pictures of Your Work
There’s no feeling quite like the one you get after a job well done. When all the equipment is loaded, the site is cleaned, and you’ve stepped back to enjoy the view, you’ve got one last step to complete: taking pictures of your work. Taking pictures of your work is important because it will allow you to display your craft to other customers, and is also useful for your own records. If, for example, a reference from a client calls and says they want the same patio built as you built for their friend, you’ll be able to pull the picture and know exactly what they’re looking for. We’ve put together these five tips to help you take the best pictures possible of your work.
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How to Effectively Use Testimonials to Get New Business
Customer testimonials are often seen as website filler, but nothing could be farther from the truth. Testimonials, like references, show your prospective clients that others are happy with your work. Also like references, they come from people who have paid you, meaning that their opinion is likely to be honest in the eyes of other clients. Unlike references, however, testimonials can be a front line tool to help you land a client before they ever ask for your references.
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Is Your Voicemail Optimized For Customers?
Answering a phone call right away is something that you are not always able to do, either because you are on a job site, driving, or are busy with another task. Continue reading “Is Your Voicemail Optimized For Customers?”
