Those in the skilled trade career know how difficult it is to get clients. It’s not every day that you need a plumber, electrician, or construction worker. And many in the industry often worry about not having enough clients to make ends meet for that month.
But it doesn’t matter what line of work you’re in or what type of service business you’re running. The important thing is that you’re going out there and finding your clients. Let’s take a deeper look at how you can get more clients for your service business.
Talk to Satisfied Clients
When you do your job to your best ability and exceed expectations, you can gain regular clients who you can ask to advocate for you and your services. And when you do get clients like this, make sure to get their word. Ask if you can use their experience as a testimonial. Chances are they’re willing to do it, as it won’t be much of a hassle for them. Take advantage of moments like this to prop your business up.
Take Feedback Seriously
Nobody likes being told what they did wrong. It can hurt the ego of pride of those receiving it, but listening to feedback is the key to improving. And for the case of businesses, it’s the key to learning how to serve better.
While your clients might not have much to say about the technical aspects of your job, they will have something to say about their experience. Perhaps contacting you or booking a job was far too difficult. Or maybe they have trouble accessing your website. In some cases, they took offence for a job that’s finished too late. Regardless of whether their feedback is positive or negative, it’s important to note it to improve what needs to be worked on or continue doing what you got right.
Offer Referral Discounts
Referral discounts work great because they incentivize your clients to use your business more or let their friends use it. Everyone likes it when we get discount coupons, and everyone likes helping their friends get discounts. Referral discounts won’t take too much from your profits, too, considering that you’ll also be seeing an influx in clients.
Work with Other Businesses
You don’t have to limit your business to waiting for individual clients to come. Coordinate with real estate agents and offer them your business card. They’ll be more than happy to be able to provide a reliable service business to their clients, and you’ll be getting new business too, so it’s a win-win.
Consider reaching out to other businesses for your service. Talk to your local mom-and-pop restaurant, health centres, or even fitness gyms. If your line of work is valuable to a wide variety of establishments, not just individuals, it’s best to put yourself out there and talk to them. Offer your services to everyone that needs them, and don’t just wait for your lines to ring.
Market Your Services Online
Nowadays, virtually everyone is on social media. Even if your primary clients are not very much into TikTok or Instagram, their children most likely are. Take advantage of social media and how quickly information can spread through it.
Start by building your brand, create socials for your business, and take short videos or photos of your work. It can be a before and after, a how-to, maybe try ASMR, or even tips and tricks you are willing to share about your work. Make it as catchy and attention-grabbing as you can. Virality is one of the main drivers of one’s notoriety. If you find it doable, that approach can work for you too.
Create Good Relationships
Being in the service industry, you will inevitably deal with people for every job you do. While each client is different, you can still establish a good working relationship with them every time you meet. Smiling and being generally polite and pleasant can go a long way, and it can even start a good working relationship. Make your interactions pleasant and professional to create a good impression, and clients will always want to come back to you.
Deliver the Utmost Quality
It’s always important to be thorough when doing your job. This is one of the main ways for a client to call you back instead of looking for a different service provider. By delivering high-quality work, you’re showing that your services are worth their money. And when this is combined with a pleasant demeanour, you’re on your way to becoming their preferred service provider.
