You can utilize these suggestions to maintain a steady workload, expand your carpentry business, and get more recommendations from satisfied customers.
There are several effective techniques to market a carpentry firm in a bid to secure more carpentry jobs.
Building relationships is the key to developing a successful carpentry business. To do this, you must be reasonably priced (you don’t have to be the cheapest), dependable, honest, and knowledgeable. You don’t have to possess the most experience and expertise; just be truthful and aware of your limitations. As you advance, you can work your way up to more challenging tasks.
The good news is that getting more carpentry work doesn’t require you to spend a lot of money on advertising.
The basic goal of business advertising is to spread the word about your carpentry company in as many ways and locations as you can. Having everyone in your community think of you when they need carpentry services in the locations where you operate is a key component of effective business advertising.
You don’t have to implement every technique mentioned in this article; instead, try to implement one of the techniques listed below once a week or once a month, depending on how much additional work you require.
- Seek referrals
Always ask for recommendations and reviews, and let people know what you do, how far you’ll go, and how much you’d appreciate their assistance in growing your business.
Word-of-mouth marketing is the best kind of promotion for any company.
Individuals prefer to work with people they know; therefore, they frequently approach trusted family and friends who have recently had work done for them for recommendations. Because you were recommended by someone they trust, there is an almost immediate sense of trust, which can make it simpler to land the project. Make sure you deliver a job that meets expectations.
Tell everyone in your family and circle of acquaintances about your carpentry company and the kind of job you hope to do more of. Additionally, get in touch with each tradesperson you’ve come across and inform them about your business venture, the kinds of jobs you are available for, and your willingness to assist them should they require carpentry services.
Whenever you complete a task, be sure to ask the client whether they are entirely satisfied and, if so, if they would mind sharing your contact information with anyone they know who needs a carpenter.
Importantly! You need to be “referable.” That means that your client needs to be really satisfied with the work before you ask for a referral. Always leave the area immaculate, create as little mess or disruption as you can, and overdeliver on quality.
2. Post an ad on Gumtree
Gumtree is a free and effective way to spread the word about your carpentry company to the neighbourhood. Include as much information as possible about the kinds of carpentry work you are capable of and your qualifications. Submit some high-quality pictures of your completed projects.
3. Promote your carpentry services in neighbourhood stores, restaurants, and builders’ supply stores.
Display your business cards in places with notice boards, such as neighbourhood shops, home improvement and builders’ supply stores, and takeout establishments. Always keep your business cards on you and keep an eye out for opportunities to leave them.
4. Purchase branded refrigerator magnets.
Print out some customised refrigerator magnets with your information and attach them to your van or any other work-related vehicle you regularly use. People don’t need to have a pen on hand to pick up a magnet if they pass by and show interest.
Additionally, you can give them to clients who you’ve worked with. They will have your phone number on hand for when their guests inquire about the new kitchen, floor, etc.
5. Place an ad in the neighbourhood magazine or newspaper
To learn about advertising pricing, get in touch with your neighbourhood newspaper. Negotiating a special deal when a company first starts advertising is simple because, if they know you are a new company and may use them frequently in the future, they will want to show you that their advertising is effective. Ask if there are any discounted unsold ad spaces available for special trial rates.
6. Speak with neighbourhood property managers and estate agents
Make a comprehensive list of all the estate agents in your area by browsing the Yellow Pages or using a search engine such as Google. Find out who the lettings manager is, then send an introduction letter to them. When rental homes require repair, it is their responsibility to locate tradespeople to complete the work.
Such work could include installing fencing, hanging or replacing doors, installing new locks, fixing or replacing windows, etc. Even while you may not want all of your work to be in this category, in the beginning, these small bread-and-butter jobs can help you fill the sporadic empty hours in your schedule between larger jobs. A letter nearly always costs nothing, making it the most affordable form of advertisement for a company.
While you’re here…
Insurance can shield you against unforeseen events when you work in a practical trade like carpentry. You may pride yourself on meticulousness and workmanship, but it doesn’t mean you don’t face risks. If you’re offering guidance, clients can hold you responsible if results don’t meet their expectations. You should also consider potential injuries to your clients, employees, and even yourself. To help protect yourself and your assets, you may find it useful to research carpenter insurance.
7. Create profiles on websites for tradespeople
There are many websites available that connect clients and service providers. Many of them allow you to create a profile, select the kind of work you are interested in receiving, and receive feedback after finishing the task.
8. Print advertisements
Hire a sign business to create some small, 900mm square boards or sandwich-style A-frames with your logo and contact information printed on them. When the van is parked on the road outside of a property you are working on or against the skip, you can lean your advertisement board against the front and back of the van (which should also be tagged). Alternatively, if more people will see it there, attach them to the scaffolding.
9. Advertise on Google Maps
Even without a website, Google maps advertising for a business is still beneficial. As more and more people use the “local search” feature to identify nearby companies, you might as well be invisible to them if you’re not listed on Google Maps.
10. List your carpentry business in local directories.
Google will show results for any directories that are searchable and contain the word “carpenter” when browsers search for that term. You should be among them all!
11. Create a website for your business, a Facebook page, and Instagram profiles.
As soon as you get the money, have a website produced. Website advertising doesn’t have to be extremely expensive or labour-intensive. Purchase a basic website or make your own and market it through pay-per-click advertising on search engines. This doesn’t have to be expensive; you can define a radius so that only web users nearby can see your adverts and set a daily ad budget to prevent the cost from rising out of hand.
By setting up a Facebook page, you can also gather reviews and publish photographs of the work you’re doing so that others can find you and see your work before getting in touch with you.
12. Imitate your rivals!
Although it may seem strange to offer this particular piece of advice, competition is a good thing. It brings out your greatest qualities and motivates you to get better at all you do.
Look at what your carpentry rivals are doing and try to outperform them by 10% or more.
13. Produce a portfolio of your work.
As quickly as you can, start assembling a carpentry portfolio. Use it to sell once you’ve gotten your foot in the door, and pack it full of images, testimonials, work history, insurance document proof, and anything else that will increase a customer’s trust in you and encourage them to join up.
