A renewed confidence in the building industry
Home Design January 19th, 2010
Last year was generally a tragic year for most companies in the construction industry with many businesses going into debt just to keep afloat. But 2010 is looking good, very good, and there is a buzz of optimism in the building industry. We talk with our advertisers in length about their business and it seems that many companies have spent 2009 getting ready for 2010.
However, if you haven’t planned for 2010 you haven’t missed the boat, just yet. Here are three golden rules on how to gain new clients and build your business.
Internet Advertising
One of the best ways to get your company noticed by potential clients is through the Internet. Internet advertising in some form is now seen as the best way to advertise a business and is essential if you want to remain competitive in your industry.
Below are four essential points that will help make your Internet advertising a success.
1. Make a list of all the words your company is synonymous with eg. Builder, Gold Coast, new homes.
2. Type these words into Google or any another search engine - make sure you pick Australian sites.
3. See what sites come up on the first page results and then get affiliated with one, or a few of these sites.
4. Affiliation can be free or paid advertising through a directory, banner ads, text links or editorials.
Update your website
Search engine optimisation company
Once people have found your advertising they will want to see more of your work or know more about your company. Every year The Australian Home Design Directory sees increasing numbers of Australians searching the internet for services and our own website has seen a 400% growth since this time last year! Update your website and if you don’t have one, see if the website you are advertising with can host a mini-website for you.
Here are a few essential tips when preparing your website.
1. Image size - ensure any images on your website are under 400 pixels wide. When images are larger than this they take too long to load and potential clients get frustrated and move on.
2. Have good photos. People are more likely to call if your work looks good.
3. Ensure your website is simple and quick to navigate.
4. Your website should be easy to read. Don’t use too much industry jargon, readers like to be informed and feel as though they have learnt something. If you make a reader feel ignorant and confused they will try someone else.
5. Have up-to-date information.
Networking
This form of business building can seem boring and time consuming if you’ve never tried it, but you’ll be surprised who you meet, who they know and how willing they are to help you make your business a success. Here are a few pointers on networking to get you on your way.
1. Talk to people. It sounds really simple but it really works. Anyone you meet like the dentist next door or a mum from school - just talk to them a little longer than you normally might do, and tell them a little more than you usually would. Ask them what they do or how is business. It’s amazing what leads you get from just chatting with people.
2. Call the professional body associated with your business - they will have regular gatherings where you can meet other professionals.
3. Do a few Internet searches on networking for your industry and see what comes up. Usually networking groups charge for membership but you can usually try them all out for a reduced cost. The choose one to stick with and go every month. Think of it as a nice lunch where you can build long-term business relationships.
So if you want to get competitive and stay on top, embrace 2010 and get your business in a good position to make this year truly prosperous. Try putting in place these solid forms of business development to see your client base grow solidly throughout this year.
