Whether you are a solo electrician contractor or part of an electrical team business, you know that your job requires precision and technical expertise in a competitive market. Along with providing the necessary quality assurance to your clients, you ought to consider promoting yourself to build your client base. However, for most electricians and electrical businesses, marketing themselves may not be on top of their priority lists. Not many electrical contractors are familiar with networking, online advertisements, and promotions right off the bat.
Just like any other business, generating leads is important to not only keep your electrical work going, but also to grow your sales. Effective advertising strategies will help keep your business afloat and increase your market presence in a cut-throat environment.
How to begin advertising your electrical business?
Start by identifying a brand name. List out your services and experience in the field. Draft a contract agreement with your lawyer. Identify a business plan, including contract rates and targeting a customer base and locality.
Once you are set up, it is time to market your business. From old-school advertising to social media campaigns, you can target your customer base by making use of the right tools and techniques. Because of the rise in online networking, the scope for advertising a business has broadened. Look at your competition and study their strategies for success. You may be more comfortable advertising yourself using tried and tested methods. Take a look below at some effective advertising strategies that will help boost sales in your electrical business.
- In-person Networking with Target Customer Base
Building relations with other contractors, vendors, engineers, and other facilitators is a sure shot way of earning contracts. Make sure that the people you have worked for remember your name and trust your services. One way of doing this is by giving out business cards with your brand name. Referrals from your existing customers will increase your leads in lean times. Send them yearly calendars or small gifts on festive occasions, with an imprinted brand seal on them.
- Setting Up a Professional, SEO-friendly Website
Today, it is important that your business is findable on search engines. For this you need a dedicated website for your brand. A Search Engine Optimized (SEO) friendly website will better your chances of moving up the list of local searches on Google. Having a website will also ensure that potential customers have access to information regarding your services and contact details. You may also consider asking your customers to leave reviews or testimonials on your website, which will help increase your credibility.
- Harnessing the Power of Social Media
Besides having a professional website, being active on your social media profiles will help you generate web traffic. TikTok is one of the most popular among the platforms these days, so might want to give it a try as well. There are many sites such as those listed on Earthweb where you can buy TikTok likes, and using those will speed up your success. You may also choose to target or filter your customer base by location, using hashtags, or even by running sponsored ads.
- Google Maps
You can choose to list your business on Google My Business. Business listings appear on the top of a Google search when customers search for services they want to claim. Take advantage of this tool by updating your profile with relevant list of services and photos. Update your address on Google Maps. Ask your customers if they are willing to rate your services and write you reviews. Businesses with more ratings expect to attract more customers.
- Vehicle and Print Advertising
Consider advertising on your car or truck. This will gain traction especially when your vehicle is parked in a neighbourhood of a client. It would also score you instant credibility points. Make sure your brand name and contact information are easily viewable to passers-by. You never know when someone is in need of an electrician!
You can also run advertisement campaigns for your electrical business in local newspapers and magazines from time to time.
- E-mailers
Sending e-mailers will help you in retaining your customer base. Follow up on your services to your customers through short e-mail surveys. You can also send them periodic e-mails to notify them on any exclusive price cuts you have to offer. Also remind them when it’s time for their annual electrical servicing.
- Responding to Customers
You must respond to customer leads quickly, otherwise your customer may move on to a competitor. This happens especially in emergency situations. Call back potential customers and respond to their e-mails. When doing so, remember to mention your company name. In your e-mails, set up a standard signature that consists of your brand name, address, and contact information. Be alert to social media queries and messages. Also remember to follow up on existing customer reviews online so that it boosts your online presence.
- Blogging or Content Marketing
A blog on your website will aid in SEO and increase traffic to your page. It is also a great way of maintaining a communication channel between your business and clients. Quality content will let your customers know of your technical expertise. You may also choose to educate your audience on electrical hazards, safety tips, and updates on the electrical industry. This will convey to your clients that you have their safety foremost in your mind.
- Listing Your Business in Directories and Business Listings
Apart from Google’s local listing, consider listing your brand in online directories such as Yelp, YellowPages, or Facebook. Your customers may choose to review your services on any of these websites and in turn help you generate further leads.
- Pay Per Click
A Pay-Per-Click (PPC) campaign on Google or Facebook will help you in generating traffic to your website and social media profiles. It is also a good way of generating side revenue for your growing business.
Remember that marketing yourself need not always be a complicated and overwhelming process. It does not necessarily have to eat up your precious time. Using these simple techniques, you can slowly build your customer base and increase your brand value. With the help of dedicated marketing strategies backing your technical knowledge of the electrical trade, you will watch your business grow. Make sure you protect yourself and your business against on-the-job risks and property damage by getting insurance for electricians.
Sources:
- Carroll, JC, July 3rd 2019, ‘6 Simple Marketing Tricks for Electricians and Electrical Contractors’ viewed 13th December 2020, https://blog.yelp.com/2019/07/6-simple-marketing-tricks-electricians-electrical-contractors
- Staff, ‘The Ultimate Guide to Electrician Marketing’ viewed 13th December 2020, https://blog.lightingsupply.com/blog/the-ultimate-guide-to-electrician-marketing
- Solis, NS, July 9th 2019, ‘Digital Advertising Strategies for Electricians’ viewed 13th December 2020, https://broadly.com/blog/electrician-marketing-ideas-2019-advertising-tips-get-clients/
- Staff, ‘How to Grow Your Electrical Business: 4 Tips That Work’ viewed 13th December 2020, https://www.iec-cincy.com/how-to-grow-your-electrical-business-4-tips-that-work/
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