In order for a small business to succeed it will need to have a regular supply of customers and clients. This is more important for the smaller, family owned plumbing and heating companies who rely solely upon just a few employees to make sure all of the day's work gets done and that the books are kept in order. In order to be competitive in the market and to reach as many potential customers as possible, small business owners need to be able to make the most out of a limited marketing budget.
These are five useful tips that should help the small and independent business owners stay competitive in the UK plumbing and heating market.
1. Understand that marketing is about strategy and not a quick fix to a budget problem. It takes time and commitment. Your marketing strategy should be obvious in everything that you and your employees do (business cards, employee uniforms, logo on company transportation, letterhead, giveaways). The more your business gets seen, the more customers will be drawn to your services.
2. The customer's happiness comes first. Always, Go above and beyond to make sure that your customer is happy and that customer will be more likely to recommend your services to his or her friends and family. The best way to ensure your customer's happiness is to give them more than he/she expects-extra services for free, discounts, etc.
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. Keep track of where your business is coming from: referrals, advertising, walk-in, phone book, etc. If you pay attention to where your business is coming from, you will be able to allocate marketing funds to the referral source that is the most lucrative and will be able to avoid wasting money on sources that will not be profitable.
5. A website is imperative. Most professionals in the heating and plumbing industry do not realize just how much having a website can increase the business's profits. The website does not need to be fancy, but it does need to be functional. This is how most potential clients will research your company. A website will help customers learn about you on their own time and will be more likely to attract first time customers than any other marketing tactic.
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. - 30517
These are five useful tips that should help the small and independent business owners stay competitive in the UK plumbing and heating market.
1. Understand that marketing is about strategy and not a quick fix to a budget problem. It takes time and commitment. Your marketing strategy should be obvious in everything that you and your employees do (business cards, employee uniforms, logo on company transportation, letterhead, giveaways). The more your business gets seen, the more customers will be drawn to your services.
2. The customer's happiness comes first. Always, Go above and beyond to make sure that your customer is happy and that customer will be more likely to recommend your services to his or her friends and family. The best way to ensure your customer's happiness is to give them more than he/she expects-extra services for free, discounts, etc.
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. Keep track of where your business is coming from: referrals, advertising, walk-in, phone book, etc. If you pay attention to where your business is coming from, you will be able to allocate marketing funds to the referral source that is the most lucrative and will be able to avoid wasting money on sources that will not be profitable.
5. A website is imperative. Most professionals in the heating and plumbing industry do not realize just how much having a website can increase the business's profits. The website does not need to be fancy, but it does need to be functional. This is how most potential clients will research your company. A website will help customers learn about you on their own time and will be more likely to attract first time customers than any other marketing tactic.
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. - 30517
About the Author:
Tal Potishman, editor of Heating Central, writes articles about central heating, boilers, plumber Enfield, underfloor heating and solar thermal. He specializes in helping save money by advising on efficient heating.
