The home inspection business industry is growing rapidly. It tends to have high-profit margins with little overhead. It is a multi-billion dollar industry that even in a recession is in need. The business model offers flexibility to be a lifestyle business or can be scaled to build multiple offices in different locations.
When trying to grow and strengthen a home inspection business, one of the most important elements in your strategy is marketing. It can be the difference between success and failure. SMART marketing will get your brand in front of the right people at the right time. Here are some SMART tips to help you grow your home inspection business.
Create a SMART Marketing Plan
If you don’t have a plan, you will be unlikely to get where you want to go. Your business and marketing plan is essential when trying to clarify your objectives, goals and the steps you need to take to get there. It should include detailed market research on the current market and your competitors, potential weaknesses and strengths and the challenges which lie ahead.
It’s also important to have a marketing budget. It will help keep track of your expenditures so you can monitor the return on your investment. A SMART marketing plan can help you adapt to changes in the market and face unforeseen obstacles and opportunities.
Establish an Online Presence
It’s essential to create a website to give potential customers the opportunity to find out more about your company, your services, and advertise your experience. With the wide variety of low-cost digital marketing techniques available, you can reach a wider audience and even target your advertising towards certain demographics.
Optimizing your website for search engines like Google and Bing will maximize your online visibility, but you can also boost traffic to your site through search engine advertising, pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, social media marketing, and email marketing.
Improve Time Management
It’s very easy to get lost in the world of marketing. With better time management practices you can take control of your marketing and ensure it doesn’t take unnecessary time away from other key areas of the business.
Set yourself a daily marketing task with a clear objective and give yourself a deadline. This will keep you focused on only completing tasks which are of real benefit to the business and prevent wasting time.
Get Organized
An organized business is an efficient one and, thanks to technology, it’s now easier than ever before to streamline your processes and administration. There are plenty of computerized home inspection tools that will enable you to communicate with clients, automate processes, collaborate with partners and schedule appointments.
With this kind of software, you can log leads and ensure that you are spending time nurturing those which are of most value or likely to convert to customers. With automated emails, for example, you can follow up with prospects regularly.
Conduct Market Research
It’s important to get familiar with the realtors in your local area, as well as other inspection companies you are competing with. By collecting their printed marketing materials, following them on social media and subscribing to their mailing lists you can understand them on a deeper level.
This can inform your own marketing strategy as well as what services or added benefits you may be able to offer which your competitors are not. You may find that you have credentials or insurance that others do not which could be a great attraction for clients.
In terms of pricing, don’t be tempted to sell your services short just to undercut the competition. A better strategy would be to make it clear that you prioritize professionalism, quality, and trust rather than cheap pricing. Most people are willing to pay more for the best possible service, especially when it comes to investments as significant as real estate.
Word of Mouth and Face-to-Face Marketing
While digital marketing is key, word of mouth and face-to-face marketing are still very efficient ways to get your name out there. Try to set up meetings with realtors and relevant associations, attend networking events and always have your business cards with you. You might even want to run an event inviting potential clients along.
Of course, often the best way to establish a positive reputation and grow your customer base is to ensure your service is always exemplary. You need to go above and beyond for your clients to ensure that they will recommend you to friends or family.