Whether you’ve recently trained as a gas engineer or you’re thinking about changing careers, something you may find daunting is how to market yourself successfully enough to make your new business venture work.
Here at Options Skills, we know what a huge learning curve this can be, and so, we’ve put together our top tips on how to best use the opportunities you have and what will help your business thrive.
Word of Mouth
Ensuring that you build up a network is one of the most important things you can do in business, whether it be on a trade website or promote yourself in a positive light. Never undervalue your skillset and the knowledge you have as a gas engineer.
Use Review Sites and Local Directories
Using review sites and directories like Trust, a Trader, Check a Trade can ensure that customers are just a click away from reading reviews, finding your website and getting in touch.
When you complete a job for a customer, don’t be afraid to encourage them to leave a review for you.
Customer Service
The relationship you build with your customers is entirely down to you, and as explained previously, word of mouth is a handy tool. People are more likely to trust the reviews of their friends, families and colleagues and therefore behaving professionally with your customers is extremely important. A job well done will lead to another, whether with the same customer or as a referral.
The reputation you build can be one of your strongest assets when marketing your business, so make sure that your customers have something good to say about their experiences.
Branding, Slogans and Signs
Advertise your company using memorable signs and slogans on your van, which will grab potential customers attention; this means that you can market yourself wherever you are without even saying a word.
Display flyers, give out business cards and maybe offer customers a magnet or sticker. Recognisable branding is key to being the first person people call when they need a gas engineer.
Make Links with Local Businesses
Being self-employed by no means requires you to do it alone.
Making connections with businesses such as local estate agents and building companies. Advertise in local magazines and free newspapers. Getting your name out there and networking can improve business.
What Makes You Stand Out
Find your unique selling point; your work ethic and business acumen can help set you apart from the rest. Don’t be afraid to tell people about your achievements, qualifications, and the positive traits you think a potential customer would look for in a dependable tradesperson.
Set Up A Website
A website acts as your portfolio and provides customers with a place to see all your services and reviews in one place.
So once you have a website up and running, remember to collect reviews and testimonials from customers. People will always read reviews, so make sure they’re good ones.
Use Social Media
The future is here, and more than that, it’s free. Use social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn to advertise your work and connect with customers and businesses. In addition, social media provides a quick and efficient way to contact customers and inform them of any offers or updates.
Stay Up To Date
Always stay updated with new legislation and laws and boost your knowledge by attending manufacturer training days. Training courses set up by manufacturers can be cheap and very informative and a good marketing technique to show you have specialist knowledge.
Become a Business Person
You’ve completed your training, now what? Suddenly you’re the engineer, the business manager and the marketing department all rolled into one. This will mean identifying your market and preparing strategies that will determine your business’ direction.
Always act in a professional business manner. Treating customers with respect will go a long way to building a solid relationship, and loyal customers will often recommend you to others.
And remember…
Try everything. If something doesn’t work straight away, it doesn’t mean that it won’t. The extra effort you put in with marketing will be worth it in the long run.
