Owning an electrical business can be extremely rewarding; you have the privilege of making people’s homes safer and more comfortable every day. Though it can be a competitive field, electrician industry revenue in the US is expected to grow steadily for the next several years. Even so, growing your business and outshining your competitors may seem like a daunting task, especially if your resources are somewhat limited. But everything is easier when you know where to start! Let’s walk through the specifics of how to grow a small electrical business, no matter your budget.
Social Media and Local Listings Are Key
When it comes to marketing with a limited budget, social and local listing sites are wonderful. Social media marketing is one of the simplest, most productive ways to bring in new clients and turn them into long-term customers and advocates for your brand. Being active on your chosen platforms and engaging directly with current and prospective customers humanizes your brand, and you can sprinkle advertising into your activity—such as linking to important pages on your website or holding a drawing for a discount. The more people like or comment on your posts, the more visibility your business gains. Boosting your posts is also a great way to reach potential clients outside of your immediate network.
Local listings are extremely important as well, as they are often a user’s first impression of your brand’s reputation. Plus, positive signals from local listings can help you rank better in search engines. If you haven’t claimed your business in Google My Business, Yelp, YP, and so on, now is the time to do so and make sure you include as much relevant (and 100% accurate!) information as possible. Encourage your satisfied customers to leave reviews on all your listings, and don’t forget to respond to all reviews—good and bad—in a timely fashion.
How to Grow an Electrical Business by Expanding Service Offerings
The demand for electrical work is changing as new technology is developed and utilized. Staying on top of these new developments and adding related services to your menu of offerings could help you stand out from your competitors. For example, could you specialize in home security systems and smart doorbells? There may be many services that you’re capable of offering but currently don’t—at least not explicitly. A little research goes a long way, so stay on top of what comparable businesses in your area are offering and not offering, and make sure you can compete. As you expand your service offerings, update your service information on your website, social accounts, and all local listings.
How to Grow an Electrical Business by Word-of-Mouth
Traditional word-of-mouth advertising can be powerful today, as it provides a personal touch that digital advertising can’t match. In your audience’s minds, it matches a face and real personality with your company. When you impress someone with great service, simply encourage them to spread the word. For many consumers, nothing holds more merit than a recommendation from someone they trust. After all, you’re entering people’s homes to perform your services, so they want to know that you and your employees are the real deal. Online reviews are a natural extension of word-of-mouth marketing, so don’t forget to ask for reviews as well as encourage others to refer their family and friends to your business.
Build Professional Relationships—Many of Them
Professionals in parallel industries can be competitors, but they can also be great allies and teachers. Building relationships with other business leaders is a great way to expand your own business. Learn the market landscape to find out who is in direct competition with you and who may be perfectly primed to say, “Sorry, I don’t offer that service, but I can refer you to a reliable friend of mine.” Electricians often get referral business from construction companies and property managers, so start networking if you haven’t already. Meet up with electrical professionals in neighboring areas as well. Talking shop with people who intimately know your industry may help you uncover unexpected ways to advertise, diversity, and expand. When you’re part of the Neighborly family of brands, you have a number of businesses referring to you.
Consider Converting to a Franchise
Wondering how to grow your electrical business when you have so little time and lots of competition? Consider converting your electrical business to a franchise such as Mr. Electric. When you transition an existing business to this respected national franchise, you gain invaluable support from dedicated franchise coaches, other Neighborly franchisee mentors, marketing professionals, and many others who genuinely care about your success. Here are just a few reasons that franchising with Mr. Electric® can ease the problems of trying to navigate how to grow a small electrical business on your own:
› Brand recognition and established systems and strategies
› Vendor discounts and networking opportunities
› Cross-promotion, lead generation, and expansion opportunities within the Neighborly family of brands
For more information about how to grow an electrical business by converting it to a franchise, contact a Mr. Electric franchise developer online, or give us a call today at 888-493-1690.
