Even the best cabinetmaker requires new clients and business. While many professional woodworkers rely on word-of-mouth advertising, connecting with potential customers is best accomplished by utilizing a variety of marketing techniques.
Several cabinet makers fail simply because they do not have consistent business. It’s difficult for any new business to succeed if customers who live or work nearby are unaware that you’re open for business. To complete this critical step and get your cabinetry business off to a good start, you’ll need to employ a few simple marketing techniques, which we’ll go over in this article.
Design an Adaptive and Responsive Website
How do you find local service providers? If you’re like most modern consumers, you’ll find them by searching Google on your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer. When you enter a search term like “cabinet maker in my city,” a list of local businesses will appear. It is then up to the searching customer to choose one, which is typically a business listing with a clearly marked website.
But what if they visit that business website and it doesn’t look right on their smartphone, tablet, or laptop? This is a major issue that will immediately diminish credibility among potential customers and that business. To avoid this problem, create a mobile-friendly or adaptive + responsive website. Because many web developers use high-quality templates that can be customized for each business type, this type of web design is less expensive than in the past.
The key is to invest money in creating a clean, neat, and professionally designed website that can be easily accessed from a variety of devices. From the moment a customer discovers your website, this crucial marketing technique helps to build a strong relationship of trust.
Google My Business allows you to list your company for free.
Google is a valuable and necessary tool for local businesses to master. It’s easier than you think to dominate Google listings – and it won’t cost you a fortune to do so. Once your website is live, the next step is to create a business listing on Google My Business. This platform enables a local business owner to establish a solid foundation for their online presence.
Google My Business allows businesses to list their name, address (with Google Maps), phone numbers, website, and email address. Users can also leave reviews, to which the business owner can respond directly and connect with previous customers. This not only helps you attract new customers, but it also addresses any potential problems before they escalate.
You can also upload photos of your location and the services you offer to your Google My Business listing. It’s an exceptional and free opportunity for a cabinet maker to showcase your talents and custom cabinetry skills.
Tips for Cabinet Makers on Networking
Local marketing relies heavily on networking. Contrary to popular belief, it is not limited to corporate executives. Relationships formed through networking opportunities thrive in today’s competitive business world. You can benefit from networking activities by connecting with local community groups, chambers of commerce, or online communities.
Networking enables you to generate new business leads, particularly when you connect with community groups made up of homeowners or commercial property owners looking to refinish their cabinets or other woodworking items. You can also network with non-profit organizations and other business owners to see if there are any opportunities to collaborate on projects or work together.
Before attending any networking event or business opportunity, remember to bring business cards (with your contact information and website) and prepare a 30-second elevator pitch in which you can explain what you do to potential contacts.
How to Use Social Media Appropriately
In most cases, you’ll use social media alongside your website to engage, educate, and even entertain potential customers. Cabinet makers can use social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram to not only display their projects and work, but also to educate visitors and social media users about their skilled craft.
Setting up social media marketing is completely free for cabinet makers. The key is to devise a strategy for connecting with potential customers. Most small businesses will hire a local marketing firm to assist with their initial social media activation. However, there are several free online tutorials available on YouTube.com and other websites that will explain the best practices for setting up social accounts for service-based businesses.
The best way to get started is to create a page or account. It is best to begin with just one or two social media platforms for cabinet makers. Consider starting with Facebook and Pinterest for cabinet makers.
Make It Simple for Others to Contact You
Many cabinet makers small businesses make the mistake of ignoring the fact that their customers have different preferences for where and how they communicate. Consider setting up a phone number, email, and social media messaging to avoid the risk of not providing communication flexibility.
Provide a Variety of Payment Options
While paying for credit card processing can be costly, it makes sense for cabinet makers to provide multiple payment options to their customers. Cabinet makers can set up several online payment portals, such as PayPal and others, at your office location that are simple to configure and allow you to adjust pricing to include any charges.
