Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/231234
52 • JANUARY 2014 • WORLD FENCE NEWS There are nine simple and low cost things you need to be doing at every fence job. These simple things will help you grow, market and advertise your business effectively and efficiently. 1. "Bandit signs" – Ask the homeowner for permission to stick one or two bandit signs in their yard. Bandit signs are those cheap corrugated plastic signs with wire legs. They can be purchased at pretty much any sign shop. They typically cost about $10$15. Why? All of the neighbors driving by will see the signs. It's free advertising. More than likely, if you are replacing a fence that is way past its prime, every other house in the neighborhood has a fence that is way past its prime. 2. Fence signs – Install a fence sign or two on every fence you install. Nine things you should be doing at every fence job to promote your business BY MATTHEW ALLEN Why? Besides the cost of the fence sign, it is free advertising. Anyone in the neighborhood can see your fence sign and see who installed it. You are branding your business. 3. Talk to the neighbors – Knock on the doors of as many neighboring houses as you can. Introduce yourself and let them know that you are replacing or repairing their neighbor's fence. Give them a business card and a flyer. Ask them if they need a new fence or fence repairs. If no one is home, leave a flyer. Why? Same reason as number one. There is a good chance that they need their fence replaced or repaired as it is probably the same age as the one you are working on right now. 4. Take photos of the fence – Take before and after photos. Why? Use these photos for content on your web site. Use the photos in videos. Create an example book/portfolio to show prospective customers. People want to see the work you have done. 5. Get a testimonial – Get a written testimonial from your customer once the job is complete. After you have completed the job, talk with your customer. If they are happy and love what you have done for them, get them to put it in writing. Why? Testimonials are very powerful sales tool. You can use them on your web site and in print advertising. Another great way to use them is to include a testimonial folder with any bid you submit. You are giving them social proof that you are as good as you say you are by letting other people tell them how good you are. 6. Take photos of your customer – Take a photo of your customer in front of their new fence. Make sure to get a release form signed so that you can use the photo in your marketing and advertising efforts. Why? Use the photos along with the testimonials. Now! A More Secure, Safer and Better Looking Gate Lock! PATENT PENDING Approved for use by NYC Parks and Recreation Department, NYC School Construction Authority, NYC Dept of Design and Construction and New York DOT Can be welded to existing fence posts or installed with stainless steel rivets Completely tamper proof No unsightly chains Fabricated from 2" extra heavy wall thickness pipe Works on both swing and slide gates Designed for any commercial application Welded steel ground receiver secures drop rod Invented and manufactured by Shannon Gates, Inc., Deer Park, NY 866-218-1155 or 631-902-9237 (cell) www.shannongatesinc.net Again you can use these on your web site in print ads and in your testimonial book. 7. Ask them to like your Facebook page – When you start a new fence job you need to send an e-mail to the home owner and ask them to like your Facebook page. A simple e-mail with a link to your Facebook page is all it takes. Why? You now have a simple, no cost way to stay in front of and communicate with the people you have done work for. Plus, when they like your page all of their Facebook friends will make note. 8. Ask for online reviews – After completing the fence work, talk with your customer to make sure they are happy with the work you have done for them. If they are very happy, ask them to leave a review for you online. This review could be on Yelp, Google, Bing, Yahoo, Merchant Circle or even the Yellow Pages site. Give them a list of places where they could leave a review for you. Make it easy for them. Why? Online reviews are an excellent way to generate more calls for your business when people are searching for a fence contractor online. Having lots of reviews will deliver more clicks to your web site and thus more calls. 9. Ask for referrals –Ask for those referrals! It is as simple as this: "Which one of your neighbors needs a new fence too? Great, could you introduce me to him/her?" or "Great, do you have their number?" Why? The best lead you can ever get is a referral. They are typically less price conscious and have a much higher trust towards you since someone they know referred you to them. There you have it. Nine simple things that cost little to no money and are quick and easy to do. If you do these nine simple things at each job you do you will consistently have fence jobs, grow your business and make more money. Matthew Allen is the nation's #1 expert in marketing and advertising for fence contractors and is one of the only marketing firms to stand by the service he offers with a money back guarantee. He is a 10 year veteran of marketing and advertising for small Matthew Allen businesses both online and offline. Schedule a free onehalf hour consultation by calling 541-324-8887. Visit his web site at FenceMarketing.Net.