@JasetheMace Oh, I'm so relieved and pleased that you have found my advice helpful.
🙂
If I may suggest something else?
Ask your customers (especially new enquiries) "Have you checked out my facebook page?" and see their response. Ask them to follow you if you feel comfortable about it (they may do so without being asked).
2 things will come out of that question: 1. They may follow you and build up your network. 2. You are doing some market research and you may find that people have already checked you out but you just didn't know about it.
When I call people up, I try and tell people where I found them to help them know where their leads are coming from.
Like your colleagues have said, I also don't think that Facebook advertising (paid for adverts that is) would attract the type of customers that you would want by the sounds of things. I don't know how much Facebook advertising costs, but if it were me, and I know that it is controversial amongst the trades, but I see it from a consumer's point of view here, I would put the money into Checkatrade rather.
The electricians forums had a couple of recent threads about Checkatrade, which are a balanced read:
Trusted Trader/Bark/MyBuilder/CheckaTrade in a new area
Trust a trader, checkatrade, rated people
I know of heating businesses that have been long established but are on Checkatrade and have been for many years. I also know of plumbers that move to a new area and put themselves on Checkatrade to build up their business.
I don't want to dig up my long post again but I forgot to mention that doing what is easiest also comes into it. If someone comes recommended (or they know of a company), then that is much easier and a shorter route for the consumer to get the job done, without the risk of trying someone "untested". However, not everyone has the ability to ask a friend and so a tradesperson showing work that they have done on Facebook is effectively showing that other people have "tested" them out, but with photographic evidence of their work and they are varied, regular postings. It is far more believable/trustworthy than reading reviews - the consumer can see for themselves.
I totally agree on that, and it's especially important as you say for repeat business. But how does one "get your foot in the door" in the first instance? Amongst all of the competition out there, how do you ensure that you get the call rather than a competitor. That's what I was trying to give my perspective on as a consumer.
Marketing
is showing off, but you are showing off to potential customers. The type of posts I'm referring to on Facebook are aimed at potential customers that do not have the knowledge and understanding as those in the industry do.
The likes of the Instagram video are aimed at showing off to others in the industry.
You are exactly right and have put that very well Rob. Basically, a consumer would think, why should I pay sole-trader X, whom I don't know at all, versus X company whom I have heard of? And then it comes back to the issue of trust and back to my long post.
As you say Rob, Checkatrade and Facebook is only of use if you need to become established or expand - ie. market to those that are not reached via word of mouth. If you are already at the stage that you have enough work through word of mouth then you have to consider if you want to have the associated upkeep of such sites. They could still be of advantage to you or they could be a hindrance.
In the case of
@Harvest Fields for example then, unless you wish to expand, by "onboarding" your existing clients to write you Facebook reviews, there seems to be little point in you setting up a Facebook page as you are doing fine. I've been thinking about why your customers may be asking you to setup a Facebook page Harvest Fields and I just think that it is because customers can see that your work is extremely good and feel that you should be showcasing it/yourself so that they can refer their Facebook friends to you
via it.
But this can be done with a website that has a number of photos on it and customers can refer that way - there is no need to build up the same level of trust with a word of mouth referral.
Another reason could be effort - customers can easily Mention you on Facebook and it is easy for them to make a referral. But this puts the burden on you to have a Facebook page, unless you were happy with it just being a holding page with your contact details.
Having a Facebook page also opens you up to another issue - Facebook messaging - I wouldn't want to start getting into Facebook messaging over some complex issue. Rather pick up the phone - I'm sure you would too. I suppose it can be dealt with by just asking the customer to call you - but it's another app to have on your phone so that you don't miss any messages.
I apologise in advance, I don't mean to tread on anyone's toes, I am just trying to be helpful.
🙂
