How To Build an Online Brand for Your Home Service Company
Modern businesses need an online presence. It is as true for a home service company as any other business. Just because you primarily operate at customers’ homes, it does not mean you can slack on your online presence.
Today’s customers use the internet when they need a home services company. From cleaning companies and handyman services to HVAC and landscapers, the search starts online. However, there is more to having success than just having an online presence. If you want to beat the competition, you need to build a brand.
But how do home services companies build online brands? Read on for a few tips.
Research Your Audience
Part of building an effective brand is knowing your audience. You want to know who your primary customers are and the types of branding strategies they will respond to. Demographics like age, income, and occupation can be valuable. Beyond that, you also want to determine their motivations and pain points. Why would they look for a business like yours, and what points will move them toward action? It is also important to remember that you might have a few target audiences.
Develop Your Brand Identity
You can’t build a brand without a distinct identity. That means you need to work on developing the various factors that will contribute to your online identity. For example, you could select a color scheme for your brand. Creating a logo and other brand images can also be useful. You might also want to work on developing a brand voice and writing guide. When you use these brand elements consistently in marketing and other online materials, it reinforces your brand and makes it more identifiable to customers.
Build a Website
A website is an essential element for building your online brand. You want to make sure the website performs well and that it is helpful to visitors. Beyond that, you should also ensure that it is a good representation of your brand. Create high-quality content that uses your brand voice. Make sure it has the logo and brand colors. You’ll also want to ensure it performs well on mobile and desktop.
Optimize for Local Search
Search engine optimization (SEO) is crucial for increasing online visibility. It will make your business easier to find in search engines and guide organic traffic to your site. However, local SEO is a vital component of digital marketing for home services companies. Most of your clients are likely in a geographic region, so you want your SEO to focus on that region. From local keywords to filling out your Google profile, there is a lot you can do to boost local search.
List in Relevant Online Directories
Some customers might choose to use various online directories when searching for home service businesses. Fortunately, many directories will allow you to create a profile and list your company for free. Find as many of these directories as possible and list your business. Some might be general directories for home service businesses and others might be specific to your industry. You should also remember to use your branding where possible and optimize the text and information in the profile.
Use Social Media
Social media can be a powerful tool for building your brand. It can be another place for customers to find your business. Along with that, it can be a place where you can engage with customers. Home service companies can also use social media for customer service. Do a little research to find the platforms your customers use and open accounts. When creating your profile, you should also use your branding. You also need to remember to post regularly.
Create Helpful Content
Another tip for brand building is to create helpful online content. For example, if you’re a handyman, you could create content teaching people about various home repairs. If you’re a cleaner, you could post recommendations for cleaning products or cleaning tricks. When people read this content, it will position your business as a helpful and knowledgeable expert. It can also be a way to boost your SEO efforts by targeting more keywords.
Encourage Online Reviews
Online reviews can serve as a valuable form of social proof. When people see other satisfied customers, it will tell them that your business is trustworthy and reliable. You have several online review platforms that could be worthwhile for a home services company. Getting more reviews is usually as simple as asking. Along with that, you could also ask customers for testimonials to post on your website.
Reinforce Your Brand in the Real World
While your online brand is important, you can’t forget to reinforce it in the real world. Things like print and radio advertisements can do a lot to build a brand. You should also consider branding your fleet with company colors and the logo. Another idea is to give employees uniforms or sweatshirts with your company’s branding.
Building an online brand takes time and effort, but it is worth it. However, you might want to consider hiring professionals to handle branding and marketing. Professionals can do the work for you while you focus on delivering great service to your customers.
Today’s customers use the internet when they need a home services company. From cleaning companies and handyman services to HVAC and landscapers, the search starts online. However, there is more to having success than just having an online presence. If you want to beat the competition, you need to build a brand.
But how do home services companies build online brands? Read on for a few tips.
Research Your Audience
Part of building an effective brand is knowing your audience. You want to know who your primary customers are and the types of branding strategies they will respond to. Demographics like age, income, and occupation can be valuable. Beyond that, you also want to determine their motivations and pain points. Why would they look for a business like yours, and what points will move them toward action? It is also important to remember that you might have a few target audiences.
Develop Your Brand Identity
You can’t build a brand without a distinct identity. That means you need to work on developing the various factors that will contribute to your online identity. For example, you could select a color scheme for your brand. Creating a logo and other brand images can also be useful. You might also want to work on developing a brand voice and writing guide. When you use these brand elements consistently in marketing and other online materials, it reinforces your brand and makes it more identifiable to customers.
Build a Website
A website is an essential element for building your online brand. You want to make sure the website performs well and that it is helpful to visitors. Beyond that, you should also ensure that it is a good representation of your brand. Create high-quality content that uses your brand voice. Make sure it has the logo and brand colors. You’ll also want to ensure it performs well on mobile and desktop.
Optimize for Local Search
Search engine optimization (SEO) is crucial for increasing online visibility. It will make your business easier to find in search engines and guide organic traffic to your site. However, local SEO is a vital component of digital marketing for home services companies. Most of your clients are likely in a geographic region, so you want your SEO to focus on that region. From local keywords to filling out your Google profile, there is a lot you can do to boost local search.
List in Relevant Online Directories
Some customers might choose to use various online directories when searching for home service businesses. Fortunately, many directories will allow you to create a profile and list your company for free. Find as many of these directories as possible and list your business. Some might be general directories for home service businesses and others might be specific to your industry. You should also remember to use your branding where possible and optimize the text and information in the profile.
Use Social Media
Social media can be a powerful tool for building your brand. It can be another place for customers to find your business. Along with that, it can be a place where you can engage with customers. Home service companies can also use social media for customer service. Do a little research to find the platforms your customers use and open accounts. When creating your profile, you should also use your branding. You also need to remember to post regularly.
Create Helpful Content
Another tip for brand building is to create helpful online content. For example, if you’re a handyman, you could create content teaching people about various home repairs. If you’re a cleaner, you could post recommendations for cleaning products or cleaning tricks. When people read this content, it will position your business as a helpful and knowledgeable expert. It can also be a way to boost your SEO efforts by targeting more keywords.
Encourage Online Reviews
Online reviews can serve as a valuable form of social proof. When people see other satisfied customers, it will tell them that your business is trustworthy and reliable. You have several online review platforms that could be worthwhile for a home services company. Getting more reviews is usually as simple as asking. Along with that, you could also ask customers for testimonials to post on your website.
Reinforce Your Brand in the Real World
While your online brand is important, you can’t forget to reinforce it in the real world. Things like print and radio advertisements can do a lot to build a brand. You should also consider branding your fleet with company colors and the logo. Another idea is to give employees uniforms or sweatshirts with your company’s branding.
Building an online brand takes time and effort, but it is worth it. However, you might want to consider hiring professionals to handle branding and marketing. Professionals can do the work for you while you focus on delivering great service to your customers.
