Here at CSLS we hear every day from successful contractors about what works and what doesn’t for building leads and retaining a loyal customer base and, as in all things, a few seem to stand out. Your contracting business will generate much of its income from repeat clients and the referrals they give. To encourage this behaviour from consumers, there are some very easy techniques that you could introduce into your current marketing strategies that will yield big time results.
When you get started on a contracting job, take the time to introduce yourself to the neighbors of your client. Inform them about noise levels, the placement of trucks or equipment, and leave them with a business card and a list of the services you provide. This can turn a situation that may have otherwise been one of inconvenience into one of direct communication and leads.
Having your name and logo on your trucks, equipment, and matching uniforms for your employees will increase visibility and add to the sense of professionalism that is so vitally important to creating your company profile. With your client’s permission you can also put a sign on their yard advertising your company while you are completing the project. Try coupling this with a sign at the entrance of the neighborhood to create awareness in the immediate proximity.
Offering some kind of incentive program for referrals is also very effective. Something as simple as a gift card or discounted future work can help to communicate to your customers how highly you value their word-of-mouth appraisals of your work. Meeting deadlines and exceeding expectations is the best way to convert your customer base into believers in the quality of your work, the best endorsement possible.
Lastly, some form of newsletter 3 to 4 times a year with useful seasonal information can remind past clients about your exemplary work. Holiday cards are a tried and tested method within this vein that help to re-introduce your company. In these, be sure to include a list of your services.
More than a couple hundred-thousand students have come to CSLS to further their construction careers, and we have a 99.9% first-time passing rate. Pick up industry tips like these and so much more from our instructors on your path as a successful contractor.
