Why You Should Aim To Get Your Trades Based Business Found Locally Online in 2022
You should be aiming to get local online exposure for your trade business IF you seek local work, for those who don't or are happy travelling further afield, this article may not be relevant for you. Work from home is all but a distant dream for most trades based businesses, instead the much-coveted 10 minutes commute is the most likely scenario to happen unless there are paperwork or admin duties to attend to.
With so many people now investing in their businesses and marketing plans, if you decide to ignore the local market you could be in a position where the phone rings less frequently, emails dry up and your scratching for work.
Being busy can be a good thing, but lets remember, not many people want to be a busy fool. The temptation to take on work that isn't an ideal fit, or even toying with the idea of the dreaded day rate can be all to appealing when opportunities appear bleak.
What Happens If You Don't Keep Up With The Local Market In Your Trades Based Business?
Best case scenario if you don't keep up with the local market is that you don't even notice, don't get me wrong, this is a possbility. I'm sure you know of a trades based business or contractor that is so well established they have an eager waiting list of a year +, never seem to run out of work and don't activley market.
Chances are they are establshed, have been doing it long enough to gain a solid reputation and really aren't that bothered if they have a couplke fo weeks here and there when things may go a bit quiet as they can catch up on other bits and bobs.
Also they most likly have a big stack saved up because they work so much and don't get time to spend it.
On the other end of tehe spectrum if you;re recently established or new to an area the outcoem for NOT partaking in some form of local marketign can land you in a dire situiation, stressed out, worrying about paying the bills and unhappy that you're stuck at home whilst others seem to be havign it off.
Worse case scenario here is that you have to abandon your dreams, throw in the towel or fold the company, worse stil you could lose it all, house and assets incuded.
Now this may seem a little dramatic but I have experienced first hand how unexciting this propsect is, the shame and embarrasment that comes along with it and can recommedn avoiding thois scenario where possible.
Where Is Best To Show Up For My Local Audience?
There is no set answer for this point I'm afraid, since you're all operating in different areas of the local market and have varying skill sets.
Whst I will say is obersve what others are doing locally, see hwo ius actually suiccessfula dn see what clues may ave been left behind.
Where can you discover inspiratuion or borrow ideas from to assist oin getting your name out more so locally/
Have you got reviews that customers can check out, even if they are from a previus venture or different area if just reloacting.
If you have just began your journey after leabvingh a compnay, do you have references there or leverage teh credibiotu of your existuign firm, oprovidng theyl;re not a bunch of cowboiys that is!
Sometimes we juts have to get a little crative.
Have You Setup a Google My Business For Your Contractor Business?
The answer to this should be immediate yes Alan I have already setup a Google my business listing, populated it and verified it.
An essential resource which is also free to use.
Having an up to date listing will assist massively in your potential customers coming to check you out online, you can gather reviews, photos and post updates which will assist in more local visibility.
If you already have setup this asset and added info, when was the last time you done a post or update? Have you responded to all reviews and feedback left, both good and bad. Prospects will be looking at this when they check you out.
Did You Search For & Populate Local Directories?
You may discover a multitude of local sites and directories you can either get involved with for free or nominal cost.
This will give you a starting point upon which to build, and once established here, residents will be able to search for what you have on offer actively.
As with any digital asset, ensure the messaging and brand identity is consistent with everything else you have in place. People will often want to go from your profile to check you out elsewhere, such as your website and social media platforms, so be prepared.
Which Local Groups, Clubs or Associations Have You Joined?
Netwrokgin, whilst sharing a common interest, can be a good place to strike up a conversation, get to know new people and make more subtly.
I don't advise going to these events all gung ho and firing out business cards like 52 cards pick up. But mentioning what you do when not enjoying your hobbies or the topic for the group event can be passed off as general conversation. You never know; they may have recently been asked if they know anyone that does what it is you do or be looking for themselves.
You can find in these scenarios that inter group referrals are a thing, so when you're in with the circle they can happily pass work your way.
Now, it should go without saying that these approaches heavily rely on you doing a good job, not ripping anyone off or messing people about. The news will travel, and your reputation will be in tatters, challenging future opportunities.
How Many Local Events Have You Attended?
Getting out to meet new people by attending the local events is one way to network, get a feel for the local market and ask invaluable questions.
This could be things such as asking who else operates in the area, which tradespeople they could recommend and if they know of anyone who could do x, y or z jobs.
Some quick research in this department can yield powerful insights.
If your enquiries are fruitless and there is demand for the service/s in question, you could be on to a winner, providing you can deliver what it is you say that you can.
Getting out to attend these events or local networking can be low cost or often free, so it is great for you if on a budget, and even if you're not, there will be more premium versions listed.
A great place to look is eventbrite, or search online for local networking events.
here may even be some that are specific to your industry/ trade.
Should You Consider Paid Promotions For Your Trades Business Locally?
If you want accelerated results or scale your operation, then definitely consider paid promotion locally for your trades-based business. This can take on many forms, including, but not limited to:
- Leaflets
- PPC targetted geographically
- Adverts in local magazines or publications
- Pay for local publicity
- Sponsor a local team, charity or kids activity
These activities can all be powerful in their own right and can be explored in more depth later, but for now, this article must come to an end.
As always than you for reading and if you need some assistance with any of the areas mentioned, feel free to drop me an email over to ideas@alansalter.co.uk