The success of small and independent businesses depends completely on a steady stream of customers and clients paying for that business's services. This is especially important for the independent business owner whose budget and resources are limited, whose staff is small and the owners who do not have a corporate brand or marketing budget to rely upon for customer recognition. To compete in today's saturated heating and plumbing market, small business owners need their marketing efforts to reach as many eyes as possible. This can be difficult to accomplish on a small budget.
The following tips are just a few ways that the owners of small heating and plumbing companies put their best marketing foot forward:
1. Marketing is more about the long term than the short term. It is not meant to be a fast solution to a large problem. It is best to put a company's marketing message on everything that a potential (and repeat) customer could see: the logo should be painted on the company van, employees should wear uniforms, the business should have cards and letterhead printed with the company logo, etc. The more a marketing message gets seen, the more likely it is to attract new customers.
2. The customer's happiness is a business owner's first priority. When the customer is happy he or she is more likely to recommend a company to friends and family members in need of that company's services. "Word of mouth" press is a valuable business asset, especially for independent business owners. Do more than your customers expect or hope for to keep them happy!
3. Avoid price fluctuations. If a project is going to cost more than originally estimated, notify the customer immediately and let him decide if he has the budget to continue. Offer a discount to keep his business and avoid raising the quoted cost as much as possible.
4. Small business owners need to pay attention to referral sources. Keep a tally of where most referrals are coming from: word of mouth, advertising, passing by, phone book entry, etc. This allows business owners to allocate advertising funds correctly and helps them avoid spending money on a marketing tactic that might not be profitable.
5. Set up a small business website. Many heating and plumbing professionals do not realize the value that a website adds to their business. A website is another way for someone to investigate your company without any pressure of ordering services. The website does not need to be complex-a list of services and prices presented in a visually appeasing way should suffice.
These are five easy to implement tips that all heating and plumbing small business owners can take advantage of immediately and for very little overhead cost. It is no doubt one of the worst economic climates seen in the western world in decades. However, by being focused on marketing and on good service, any small company can still do well and sustain its growth. - 15478
The following tips are just a few ways that the owners of small heating and plumbing companies put their best marketing foot forward:
1. Marketing is more about the long term than the short term. It is not meant to be a fast solution to a large problem. It is best to put a company's marketing message on everything that a potential (and repeat) customer could see: the logo should be painted on the company van, employees should wear uniforms, the business should have cards and letterhead printed with the company logo, etc. The more a marketing message gets seen, the more likely it is to attract new customers.
2. The customer's happiness is a business owner's first priority. When the customer is happy he or she is more likely to recommend a company to friends and family members in need of that company's services. "Word of mouth" press is a valuable business asset, especially for independent business owners. Do more than your customers expect or hope for to keep them happy!
3. Avoid price fluctuations. If a project is going to cost more than originally estimated, notify the customer immediately and let him decide if he has the budget to continue. Offer a discount to keep his business and avoid raising the quoted cost as much as possible.
4. Small business owners need to pay attention to referral sources. Keep a tally of where most referrals are coming from: word of mouth, advertising, passing by, phone book entry, etc. This allows business owners to allocate advertising funds correctly and helps them avoid spending money on a marketing tactic that might not be profitable.
5. Set up a small business website. Many heating and plumbing professionals do not realize the value that a website adds to their business. A website is another way for someone to investigate your company without any pressure of ordering services. The website does not need to be complex-a list of services and prices presented in a visually appeasing way should suffice.
These are five easy to implement tips that all heating and plumbing small business owners can take advantage of immediately and for very little overhead cost. It is no doubt one of the worst economic climates seen in the western world in decades. However, by being focused on marketing and on good service, any small company can still do well and sustain its growth. - 15478
About the Author:
Tal Potishman, editor of Heating Central, writes articles about boilers, plumbers, Wimbledon plumbers, underfloor heating and solar thermal. He specializes in helping save money by advising on efficient heating.
