APE APE August 2019 | Page 38

MARKETING MATTERS We create quotes using FormidablePro, and there are several other great services out there to help you easily integrate on- line quotes, like Configure One and Con- vertCalculator. Online Bill Pay If you don't require people to pay you on the spot, adding online bill pay to your website is a huge step in the right direc- tion to dissolve accounts receivable pile up and provide convenience to your cus- tomers. Services like Stripe and PayPal are great for this. Text Alerts Text updates help keep customers in- formed and comfortable throughout the process. People complain excessive- ly about contractors showing up late or not arriving at all. Use texts to confirm appointments, let customers know when you’re on your way, and follow up with any additional information they need to know after the service is complete. Try a service like SimpleTexting to send your customers messages automatically. 2. Deliver social proof. Consumers will often turn to each oth- er when faced with a buying decision. 86% of consumers read reviews for local businesses according to a 2018 survey by BrightLocal. Marketers use the term “so- cial proof” to refer to any feedback that your customers provide that is publicly visible. This includes testimonials, reviews and case studies. Reviews & Testimonials Ask your favorite customers for testi- monials and put them on your website. Heck, you can slather ‘em all over your marketing. Allow people to give reviews wherever it's most comfortable for them - Facebook and Google will be the most common. Send customers an email at the time in your process when they're happi- est with your service with a link directing them to Facebook or Google to leave their review. Case Studies & Photos Don't just tell customers you do awe- some work, show them. Add case studies to your website. You can call them proj- ects, completed work, or portfolio - what- ever floats your boat. They show potential customers how you tackle a challenge. Customers with the same problem can see you’re qualified, and the decision will be a no-brainer. Plus, case studies naturally drive traffic to your site. If you can't set aside the time to write case studies, at the very least, keep a regularly updated photo gallery paired with testimonials for more impact. 3. Jump start word of mouth. According to Invespcro, word of mouth accounts for about 13% of all consumer sales. When your neighbors are getting a service you know you need as well, the first thing you do is ask your neighbor who they hired. A wise contractor might purchase some insurance on that word of mouth marketing by investing in yard signs and door hangers. These can be ef- fective on their own, but when targeted around a service site, customers get famil- iar with your company AND they get to see the quality of service, pushing them For More Information On This Advertiser Please Visit www.CallAPE.com/e-inquiry www.callape.com [38] 1.800.210.5923