In an industry that must be increasingly focused on attracting leads through new and innovative strategies, there is something to be said for refreshing your marketing strategy.
Home improvement companies who want to grow in the new year can utilize many different methods, from scheduling radio ads that capture the interest of new leads to working on email campaigns to keep current customers engaged.
Here are five tips on how to generate leads for home improvement businesses, courtesy of Mid-West Family of Northern Illinois.
1. Define Your Target AudienceWell before you design and launch marketing campaigns, you need to define your target audience. Your target audience is a group of people who are most likely to want your services. Your campaigns should be designed to speak to your target audience, from the language you use to the channels you utilize to get your message out there.
Defining your target audience helps you streamline your marketing and convert more people into customers. One of the best ways to determine your target audience is to study your existing customer base - understand what services they want, the social channels they use, and their demographics. Once you know your target audience, you can develop "customer avatars." That is, customer profiles that help you determine who your best leads might be. These profiles are semi-fictional but based on an accurate description of your ideal customer, and they help you refine your marketing efforts.
2. Prioritize Online VisibilityThese days, most business is conducted online, at least in the early stages of the customer journey. Most people use the internet to find services when they need them. Every home improvement marketing strategy should include online advertising in some form, so a functional website is a must. Search engine optimization, which enhances the quality and quantity of website traffic to a website, can help home improvement businesses connect with new leads.
Content marketing through authoritative blogs can help customers appreciate you as an expert in your field, while pay-per-click ads can push your business to the top of the search results page. There are many different strategies you can apply when building your online presence. Platforms like Google My Business and Yelp serve as review hosting sites that help more leads find your page - and encourage happy customers to share their experiences with your company.
Social media helps you engage with existing customers and find new leads. A consistent social media presence and strong strategy can help keep your clients engaged and establish you as an authority figure who loves connecting with followers.
The top social media platforms to be aware of are:
Social media can also be used for ads, targeting leads in a specific geographic area. All in all, a solid social media presence and posting schedule help your home improvement marketing strategy hit new heights and connect with followers in interesting, innovative ways.
4. Radio Ads Target Local ListenersRadio ads are an excellent way to reach new customers in your geographic area. Through radio ads, you can achieve a broad reach, with thousands of people hearing your ads daily. Many people listen to their favorite radio stations in the car, at work, or on their phones.
5. Engage Customers Through Email CampaignsStay top of mind with customers through email marketing. With email marketing, you’ll drive results through unique segmentation and personalization, reaching old and new customers to share services, reviews, content updates, contests, and more.
There are many ways to capture email addresses, but one of the most tried and true methods is through your website. By exchanging something of value for a lead's email address, you can build a collection of email addresses that you can use to keep people engaged. This way, you'll stay at the forefront of a prospect's mind when they require a product or service that you provide.
Mid-West Family Helps Local Businesses Succeed
Are you interested in getting started with any or all of these home improvement lead generation initiatives? Mid-West Family of Northern Illinois is focused on providing personalized results that work. We know that contractors are busy, and we want to help you build your business in a way that allows you to focus your attention on serving your customers. Contact us today to learn more about how to generate leads for home improvement!