In the roofing industry, competition is fierce. Growing your client base can prove to be a daunting task if you’re not well-prepared. You can always outsource your sales outreach to get to your leads faster. The good news is that there are a lot of creative options out there today. That’s the key, of course—you’ve got to get creative and utilize the resources that you’ve got. Right now, a lot of that includes getting online and generating business that way.
Here are nine ideas to help you promote your roofing company and land more clients so that you can continue to grow your business successfully.
This is one of our favorite ways to promote a business. Referrals and word of mouth are some of the most valuable tools in business today. You will likely have people who are giving referrals or recommendations anyway, so why not give them a reward and get even more? You could offer discounts on services, free inspections, etc.—there’s no limit to the rewards you choose. Just make sure that it’s something that will be appreciated and that makes your audience feel special. Also, be sure to reward the person being referred, too.
Roofing is usually a seasonal business in several climates. Therefore, you’re going to have slow spells while things are cold and there isn’t a lot of work going on. However, you can thwart this lull in business by offering specials and discounts on jobs that are booked during the slower months. The goal is to make it worthwhile and give people something exclusive, such as 25% off the labor if you book during December, etc. In the world of roofing, seasonal lulls are expected. However, this type of special discourages them and entices customers, creating a win-win for all involved.
Social media is a must for every business today. Unfortunately, a lot of companies set up profiles and then walk away. Consumers love social media and use it for several different purposes. Therefore, this is a great way for your business to connect with the audiences that you want. Get engaged on social media, post about your business, and even consider setting up a discount program or incentive plan for those who mention that they found your business on Facebook or Twitter. You could even have fun with it and create some unique posts to get their attention.
While you may not specifically be offering a “promotion” here per se, you’re giving your audience a reason to trust you. A blog gives you the opportunity to position yourself as an authority and thought leader within your industry. You will be able to educate your audience and build a relationship with them when you use the blog appropriately. Plus, you can create all kinds of useful content for your audience that will help them better understand roofing and all that it entails.
If you’re not offering special deals to new customers, you need to be. It’s a great way to draw in new business and it shows that you’re willing to give more to people if they let you have a chance at working for them. You don’t have to give away the business, either. Even a small discount, promotion, or special offer can go a long way. Just make sure that it’s something significant and that they don’t have to do anything for it except be a new customer for your business.
Local trade shows and home expos are great places to advertise your roofing business. There are several home shows and local business expos in communities all over the place, and this is a great way to network and advertise your business. You could even give away promo items at the shows or offer people some kind of exclusive discount or deal for mentioning that they found you at the expo—make it something that counts. There are even virtual events that you can attend these days to spread the word, so check those out, too.
In construction and home improvement, partnerships are the bread and butter of many businesses. Working relationships are a great way to cross-promote. If you work with a general contractor regularly, you might suggest swapping names to generate leads, or referring your clients to each other for the various services that they need. This is a great way to promote your business to people who are generally already in the market for home improvement, and even to build your business image within the professional community.
Direct mail isn’t dead. In the business of roofing and home improvements, it’s actually still one of the most effective marketing solutions available. Especially when you use larger postcards or flyers that stand out among the rest of the mail. Consider offering discounts or adding coupons to your mailer, or advertise a special for people who mention the ad. It will get a lot more attention than you think, even in today’s digital world. Direct mail comes in so many shapes, sizes, and styles that it should be one of your ongoing marketing solutions.
Once you’ve got all the promotions in place, you’re going to want to make sure that you’re ready to keep up. That includes having a 24/7 answering service ready so you don’t miss a single opportunity, which is exactly what you get when you partner with Smith.ai. We can field all the calls and even assist with scheduling, lead intake, and so much more.
What if you’re short-handed or limited on resources in the first place? We can help there, too, with a team of dedicated virtual receptionists ready to handle all kinds of outbound sales and support, outreach campaigns, and other needs.
To learn more, schedule a consultation to discuss how Smith.ai can help you with promoting and growing your roofing business. You can also reach us at hello@smith.ai or (650) 727-6484.