It takes a lot of effort and perseverance to start a carpentry business. Finding customers is one step that never truly ends. If you want your business to expand and be successful, you’ll need to continually work on bringing in new clients. This may feel overwhelming if you’re a new business owner, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are six methods for attracting consumers to your carpentry business.
Step 1: Set up a website to showcase your carpentry services
Most people now expect to find businesses online. A well-made website is a great way to help customers find and hire you for their carpentry projects. It’s also a space that is entirely in your control, so you can share the message you want with potential clients.
Even if you have no website building experience, creating a website can be easy. There are lots of services and templates that make website creation simple for just about anyone. However, you can also hire a professional to build your site, if you’re more comfortable with that option.
Regardless of how you create your website, it should contain the following details:
- Examples of your work – Customers want to see your work before they hire you. Don’t forget to incorporate photographs in your offerings, including before and after shots (if possible).
- Your backstory – Information about yourself can help clients get to know you as a professional. You might include details such as how long you’ve been a carpenter, your credentials, and insurance coverage. This type of info can also help build trust between you and potential customers.
- Client testimonials – Happy clients can be the best recommendation of your services. If a customer had a good experience with your company, invite them to leave a review that you can use on your website.
- Contact details – If customers can’t contact you, then they can’t hire you. Your contact information should be prominently posted on your website. Include information such as your contact telephone number, office address, and email address.
Step 2: Understand the importance of SEO
A solid SEO (search engine optimization) plan will help your firm stand out, whether you operate a little business or a major corporation. SEO can be complex, and you may want to hire a professional to help build and maintain your strategy. However, there are some quick and easy things you can do right now.
Listing your website on internet directories can make it easier for people looking for a carpenter to find you. List your business on prominent directories like Angie’s List, Yellow Pages, Yahoo Small Business Listings, Citysearch, and Yelp for Business, or on Google My Business. These listings can also appear in search results and play a part in increasing your SEO.
Another smart way to improve your website’s SEO worth is to concentrate on certain keywords relating to carpenters and carpentry work. If you employ high-search-rate keywords on your web pages, your website may rank higher than your competitors. You can use online tools, such as Google’s Keyword Planner, to help you identify the ideal keywords. When it comes to keywords, make certain to include:
- The right keywords in your title, body copy, and meta descriptions
- Separate pages for each place or region you want to target
- Relevant keywords in your blog content
- Keywords in your site’s descriptions and titles
Step 3: Gather customer feedback
It’s no secret that client feedback is extremely important. Most customers read internet reviews before making a purchase or ask friends for recommendations.
Positive reviews, especially on sites like Google My Business, Yelp, and Facebook, can help boost your company’s exposure. Ask happy customers to leave an online review to help boost your rating. If a consumer leaves a bad review, make an effort to communicate with them. Always respond to unfavorable reviews promptly and professionally, and try to resolve the matter if possible. This can help inspire confidence in potential customers who may be on the fence about hiring you.
Step 4: Make Use of business cards and merchandise
Sometimes “old fashioned” marketing methods can help you find new customers. Handing out business cards with your contact details can create a personal introduction that sticks in a client’s mind. When they’re ready to hire a carpenter, they may be more likely to remember you or your business card.
Aside from offering business cards, you may also distribute branded personalized items such as pens, stickers, or notebooks. This can help raise brand recognition and encourage customer loyalty.
Step 5: Make your operations more efficient
Having a team to support your business could free up your time to take on new customers. An office manager or administrative assistant can answer phones, schedule jobs, take payments, and other office tasks. You might also consider hiring an accountant to assist with keeping your books and filing taxes, a marketing assistant to update your website and social media, or an apprentice to help complete less complex work on projects.
Step 6: Obtain appropriate insurance policies for your carpentry business
Finally, ensure that your carpentry business is properly insured. Not only will having the correct insurance safeguard your business, but it can also give potential customers peace of mind. Business insurance can communicate to clients that you are a competent and trustworthy company to work with, and that if something goes wrong, you will be able to properly compensate your clients.
Last thoughts
These six tips may assist you in getting your business off the ground and keeping customers flowing through the door. As your carpentry business continues to grow, there may be more ways to find new clients and build your business even further.
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