Web Site Draws Customers?

beachremodlr

My business is mostly from referalls, but it seams like I took care of everyone and their brothers needs and desires by the end of Dec. 07'. Work is slow in alot of places, but my hopes are that my new graphics (barely noticable before) along with my new web address, will draw in some customers that are a little hesitant to call normally. Access to my web site will give them the chance to do some easy investigating, when previously, Joe HO may not bother to check into a prospective contractor, other than asking his nieghbors.
Did you notice an increase in cold calls, e-mails, and mainly $, once you proudly sported your web address everywhere you went?

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tnt specialty

Hmmmm.......no

referrals are our mainstay.

kriscad

I still think word of mouth will be your best way to get new customers... I do think its important to make sure your URL is on everything, cause you will get people who will check you out before calling.

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Grumpy

We get a fair ammount of referrals, but our jobs typically last 1 day or less, so we can't rely on refferals to stay in business... and if so we couldn't rely on referrals to grow.

Will your website bring new customers? Yes it should if properly built and advertised. The website address should be everywhere your phone number is. You should get the website listed in as many search engines as possible, as many directories, anywhere posible. Then your site starts workign for you. if you don't know how to do this, you need to contact a SEO specialist.

Example. I am looking for a new accounting firm. I am not happy with my previous firm. I went on the internet and started searching. I wanted to find a firm in my area who specialized in construction/contracting businesses. In this case it was alot quicker to research websites to get a better feel for the company before I even called them. So the accounting firms who specialize in contracting but didn't have a website for me to research just lost my busienss to the ones that did have a website for me to research. 42 million accounting firms (exagerated) out there, I can't all each to interview them. The web site made it so much more convenient.

Can you rely on word of mouth? Sure if you are a builder who is on the same job for months and don't need a high volume of leads to stay busy as most specialty contractors do. Case in point we had over 1000 requests for estimates last year and most of the leads came through one of our websites (I have many websites). I don't have exact data at the moment because I am at home and the reports are at the office. So if you don't have a properly promoted website you are losing business to those who do.

In addition many forms of internet advertising are very dynamic, meaning you can start, stop, and tweak on the fly. Busy? Pause the advertising. Wondering where your next job is goign to come from? Start a short term campaing until you have a comfortable back log... although I suggest keeping some form of campaign active at all times to prevent the feast or famine cycles that are common to small businesses.

ultimatetouch

Grumpy,

This is off topic. If you find an accountant in the chicago area let me know. I am not pleased with mine either. He billed me 2,000 over 1500 which is what it was supposed to cost and I dont even remember tax planning with him. He always says your doing good this year, were seeing a boom dont count on the good times for long. Hes negative and I dont feel he give good advice and very little advice. I am looking for an accountant that is 100x better business person then me. I want someone who has a firm and is full of ideas. The guy I am with now is a partner to a firm but he has no ideas and seems to try to get away with doing as little as possible.

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Ultimatetouch
Illinois Remodeling Company, Kitchen Remodeling Chicago, Room Additions Illinois

Grumpy

I replied to your other post.

kevjob

website is good for leads but depends upon seo content it is not a quick fix for slow times. try doorhangers, postcards mailers etc...

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Kevin
Basement Finishing Highlands Ranch Colorado
Littleton Colorado, Basement Remodeling
Kitchen Remodeling Denver

Grumpy

WRONG. Sponsored listings will generate leads faster than any of the methods you mentioned and require less effort. However that's not to discount the effectiveness of the methods you mentioned. In a pinch you might as well try them all... but sponsored listings are as simple as turning on a campaign when youa re slow and turning it off once you get the lead volume you require.