Autumn is here, it’s the start of the new academic year – kids are off to school, college and uni. Many people (except teachers) have a bit more time, a bit more headspace. It’s a great time to think about the future, about what needs changing, about learning new stuff, about what needs focusing on over the last few months of the year.
Book in exteriors for next year
The weather is going to make things like timber repairs tricky, and I’m sure I’m not the only decorator who’s painted some masonry only to be hit with an unexpected frost and find the paint running down the wall and onto the pavement the next morning.
So for any enquiries, put them off until next year if you can. Don’t give exact dates, it’ll depend on the weather, but give customers rough dates to start, and tell them they’re number one, or two or three in the queue to manage expectations.
Customers who have kids will have more time and mental capacity to think about interior decorating, especially before Christmas. They’ll have emptier houses too – so however you do your marketing, get in there now.
Have a look through your equipment
Is there stuff in your toolkit that you never use but you’re carting around? Are there tools or brushes that aren’t really performing? Do you need to do some careful shopping for a new kit?
Have a look at the new products on the block, could you start using more environmentally sustainable materials? It’s the way things are going, it’s a good thing to do and it may give you some marketing advantages.
A whole new you
The kids are off to school or university, so why not take the time to think about new skills for you. It could be a spraying course, or something decorative, or get in touch with your local Growth Hub or similar business support groups, there may be some free business courses available, funded by local councils.
Networking groups start getting busy again in the autumn, as kids are at school. Go to a few of them locally to see which ones you like. Trades can do especially well because everyone needs them at some point. Remember that it’s about building relationships, not just sales on the day.
Think about getting some customer testimonials
Video ones are the best. Do them in good light though, next to a window or outdoors. If people aren’t willing to do that, get written ones and put them on social media. Testimonials where your customers are telling people how good you are, are more powerful than you telling people how good you are!
And give some testimonials yourself. If you have a supplier who has great customer service as well as the products you need, give them a testimonial too. They’ll love you for it.
If you work collaboratively with a builder or architect or interior designer, give them a plug online too. People appreciate those who promote others.
That’s life
It’ll help your SEO to make your website more discoverable, and you can then post about the blogs on social media.
Think about going to trade events like the National Painting and Decorating Show. Don’t just think about the freebies, but look at learning about new skills, about new products, and most importantly, about those relationships with other decorators as well as suppliers.
Everyone is stronger together.
While the leaves are turning russet, it’s time to re-energise yourself and your business in the run up to Christmas.
Want to learn more?
Find me at www.chinbadgermedia.co.uk
