Building a successful restoration business is an important goal, but it’s not easy. You need to be smart and creative about your marketing strategies.
Mastering keyword research will help you get in front of clients when they need your services the most. Having a strong online presence will also help build trust with potential clients.
1. Get Started Right Away
As a new restoration business owner, you’ll need to start getting the word out about your services. Word of mouth is the best way to get started and attract clients, but you can also use digital marketing tactics like social media advertising to increase your exposure and generate more leads. In addition to boosting your online presence, you can also invest in software programs that help streamline operations. These tools allow you to track expenses, provide detailed job costing reports, and manage your schedule.
When you’re first starting out, it’s likely that most of your work will be for smaller projects. This is because you’ll need to establish your reputation and build up a good client base before you can move on to bigger jobs. However, if you’re patient and diligent, you can eventually gain the attention of more high-profile clients. For example, you might find yourself restoring artwork for an art collector or even getting hired by a museum.
Another thing to remember is that restoration services are in high demand when natural disasters strike. When people need restoration services, they often search Google or ask for referrals from family and friends. To make the most of this opportunity, you should focus on getting your website listed in the top results and set up a paid campaign with specific restoration keywords to target local consumers.
In addition to implementing these strategies, you should also focus on providing exceptional customer service. This means responding quickly to client inquiries and going above and beyond to exceed client expectations. This will not only help you build a strong customer base, but it will also improve your brand’s image and reputation.
2. Hire the Right People
Getting the right people on board is the first step towards running a successful restoration business. Make sure that you are hiring people who have the experience and training necessary to handle each job effectively. You will also want to be sure that you are hiring people who share your company’s values and culture.
The restoration industry is very competitive, and it’s important to find a way to stand out from the crowd. One way to do this is by focusing on your unique strengths and services. For example, if you specialize in water damage restoration, you should make that clear on your website and marketing materials. This will help you attract more clients who are looking for a company with your specific expertise.
Another way to market your restoration business is by leveraging social media. This is a great way to reach potential customers and promote specials or new services. You can also use social media to ask for reviews and testimonials from past clients. This is a great way to show potential customers that your business is trustworthy and reliable.
Finally, you can also use strategic partnerships to expand your business’s reach and referral network. By partnering with local insurance agencies, real estate agents, and property managers, you can generate referrals that will lead to new business opportunities.
Finally, you can also try to generate more online reviews by encouraging customers to leave them on Google, Yelp, and Facebook. You can do this by offering incentives such as discounts on future services or free cleanings. You can also try to encourage customer feedback by mentioning it during phone calls or sending email follow-ups.
3. Develop a Strong Online Presence
There are many different ways to market a restoration business, but it is important that you develop a strong online presence. This will help your business to stand out from the competition and it will also make it easier for potential customers to find you.
Having a website is essential for any business, but it is especially important for restoration companies. Your website is your storefront online and will be where most of your new business comes from. It should be easy to navigate and clearly explain what you do, where you service, and why you are better than your competitors. A professional web designer can create a website that will meet your needs.
In addition to having a website, it is also important to have social media accounts. This will allow you to share pictures and videos of your work, as well as interact with your customers. It is also a great way to connect with potential clients and build trust.
A strong online presence is also important for a restoration company because it will show that you are reputable and trustworthy. This will be particularly important if you ever receive a negative review. You should respond to any negative reviews in a timely manner and try to resolve the issue. This will show your potential customers that you care about your customers and are committed to making things right.
Another thing that you should do to improve your online presence is to use retargeting ads. This will allow you to follow up with people who have visited your website but didn’t convert. This will increase your chances of getting them to call you and could lead to more sales.
4. Focus on Customer Service
Getting your business in front of customers when they need it can be challenging. Customers often turn to search engines, social media, and referrals to find local services. This means you’ll need to focus on a strong digital marketing strategy to stay top-of-mind for potential clients.
Creating a website with clear information and a strong UVP is key for any restoration business. Make sure your website lists all of your specialties, and use high-quality before-and-after photos to showcase your work. These photos will help instill confidence in prospective customers and set you apart from the competition.
Another way to boost your online reputation is by showcasing your certifications, awards, and testimonials. Showcase these on your website, social media, and email marketing materials to give potential customers a sense of your company’s credibility. Additionally, incorporating a customer review management system like Podium is a great way to streamline communication with your customers and encourage reviews & referrals.
It’s also important to have a process for handling negative feedback and complaints. The way a company responds to a negative experience can say a lot about their character and how they treat their customers. Be sure to always respond to negative feedback promptly, with empathy, and offer a solution to resolve the issue.
Once you’ve established your digital presence and have a good handle on the basics of marketing, it’s time to start thinking about how you can grow your business. Whether that’s by opening new locations, increasing your service areas, or hiring new employees, growth is an essential part of any restoration business. However, it’s important to be strategic about how you approach growth and avoid a “growth at all costs” mentality.
5. Be Creative
The restoration industry is a highly competitive one, and finding creative ways to stand out from the crowd can be challenging. However, by taking a deep look at your business and finding out what truly makes you different you can create an effective marketing strategy that can help grow your business.
One of the best ways to distinguish yourself from the competition is by showing your work. By displaying before and after images on your website, prospective clients can see what your company is capable of and how you will approach their restoration project. Additionally, you can also share testimonials and awards on your social media to further legitimize your business.
Another way to stand out is by offering unique customer experiences. For example, if you offer a texting feature on your website that allows customers to contact you through their mobile phone, this can make scheduling appointments and paying invoices much easier for your client. This will make the entire experience much more pleasant and will increase the likelihood of a positive online review or referral for your company.
Finally, be sure to take advantage of the many industry events and trade shows that are available for restoration professionals to attend. This can be a great opportunity to meet potential clients, network with other restoration professionals, and learn about new products and services. By being active in the restoration community, you can ensure your business is always top of mind when people are in need of restoration services.