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. Keeping your customers happy is your very first priority. If you keep your customers happy with you and your work, they will recommend your services to their friends and colleagues. Positive "word of mouth" is the most valuable business asset a small business can have. One of the best ways to make your customers happy is to "go the extra mile" with them-discounts, extra services, etc.
3. Decide your price marks early and try to avoid raising your prices, especially when your doors haven't been open for very long. Sticking to the price you have quoted is one of the best ways to win your customer over. If extra charges might be incurred, let your customer know well ahead of time and let them decide if they want the extra work to be done.
4. Pay attention to the company's business referral sources: advertisements, phone book listing, client referral, walk-ins, etc. Doing so can help small business owners avoid paying too much money for a marketing effort that is not working.
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 five simple tips should be a good starting point to get most independent business owners to make the most out of a small budget. Given the difficult economic climate, with customers having to cut back on expenditures, it is important to be able to stand out from the crowd and win more business. - 15465
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. Keeping your customers happy is your very first priority. If you keep your customers happy with you and your work, they will recommend your services to their friends and colleagues. Positive "word of mouth" is the most valuable business asset a small business can have. One of the best ways to make your customers happy is to "go the extra mile" with them-discounts, extra services, etc.
3. Decide your price marks early and try to avoid raising your prices, especially when your doors haven't been open for very long. Sticking to the price you have quoted is one of the best ways to win your customer over. If extra charges might be incurred, let your customer know well ahead of time and let them decide if they want the extra work to be done.
4. Pay attention to the company's business referral sources: advertisements, phone book listing, client referral, walk-ins, etc. Doing so can help small business owners avoid paying too much money for a marketing effort that is not working.
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 five simple tips should be a good starting point to get most independent business owners to make the most out of a small budget. Given the difficult economic climate, with customers having to cut back on expenditures, it is important to be able to stand out from the crowd and win more business. - 15465
About the Author:
Tal Potishman, editor of Heating Central, writes articles on efficient heating, plumbers, Streatham plumbers, underfloor heating and solar thermal. He specializes in helping save money by advising on efficient heating.
