Many local business owners believe that they can start making money as soon as they open their doors. Unfortunately, having innovative ideas and hiring a top-notch team is not enough to build a thriving service company.
To stand out in the hyper-competitive market, you need to build your service business strategically. Here are a few steps to take right now.
Build your Online Presence
A website is the backbone of your online presence. Make sure your website is simple and easily navigable. Keep the core information, such as your services, pricing, and privacy policy prominent. Users should find this data effortlessly, regardless of the device they use.
Use your website to build trust with your target audiences. Air Control is a perfect example of how a local service company’s website should be organized. Under their “About Us” section, they showcase their industry credibility and share their privacy policy. Under the “Services” section, they make a detailed list of all services, from air conditioner repair to furnace installation. Finally, their locations, addresses, and contact information take a prominent place on the website.
For local service-based businesses, it is immensely important to attract local audiences. Therefore, consider optimizing your website for local keywords that include your location. Claiming and optimizing your Google My Business listing is another way to show up on Google and put yourself in front of local customers. Additionally, registering on local business directories may also help.
Share Social Proof
Customers are looking for reliable and trustworthy service businesses. They read reviews, compare services, and seek recommendations from friends and family. Therefore, to stand out from your competitors and build trust with your prospective customers, you should invest in social proof marketing.
Social proof is evidence that other people have purchased your services and found value in them.
Now, social proof can take multiple forms.
One of them is client reviews and ratings. You can allow them on your website and social networks. Claiming the abovementioned GMB and local directory listings can also help since it provides a faster preview of your company’s reviews and ratings.
Asking for client testimonials is another effective way to build trust with prospects. Always publish testimonials from your repeat customers, along with their names and photos. To take them to the next level, consider creating testimonial videos.
Finally, write case studies and publish them on your website. By explaining your methodology and metrics, you explain how your services helped a client achieve the desired results.
Establish a Customer Relationship Management Strategy
Attracting new clients is one thing. However, retaining them and inspiring their loyalty is far more significant.
For starters, communicate with clients transparently. Be honest about your services and pricing. Set clear expectations and boundaries. Keep them updated on your progress via email, phone, or IM tools. Creating client reports may also be a great idea to improve communication with clients. Never hide the truth from a client, even if it is not a good look.
Next, inspire your service company’s customers to come back. Create a loyalty program to inspire repeat purchases. For example, provide regular discounts to loyal customers or build a customer referral program.
Finally, show your dedication to achieving client expectations, as long as they are realistic and attainable. Only by constantly delivering spectacular results can you build trust with your clients. Most importantly, you will be in a better position to ask them for referrals.
Protect Yourself and Your Customers
For you as a service business owner, customer data is the top priority. If you are storing customer data online, make sure you have the right cybersecurity system to protect it. Invest in reliable antivirus and antimalware solutions. Secure your network and educate employees about the importance of data security. Have a strict data security policy that specifies how, when, and where sensitive client data can be shared.
Next, invest in the right business insurance plan right from the start. Make sure your service business is protected from losses resulting from natural disasters, fire, liabilities, etc. If you have expensive machinery or equipment, remember that they are not covered by your basic home insurance policy. Finally, protect your business against professional liability.
Over to You
When starting a service business, approach it strategically. Apart from delivering spotless services, you should also focus on customer experiences. Invest in a solid online presence to increase your company’s visibility in local searches and build trust with prospects. Once you attract customers, keep nurturing relationships with them to inspire their loyalty.
How do you grow your service business?
About the Guest Author
Eve Anderson is a marketing specialist turned blogger. Interested in sports and exciting travel destinations. Love to share content that can inform people.
