HINTS&TIPS • 33
10 TIPS THAT WILL GIVE A LOCKSMITH
A COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE
» » LOCKSMITHING IS A PROFESSION
that couldn’t be further from a dying trade,
as upgrading security for homes, rentals
and businesses with the latest technology
is a priority. Installers and Locksmiths are
in demand, so how can you outperform
your competitors and increase business?
Here are our top tips:
1) PROVIDE ADDED VALUE
Offering extra services will not only please
your customers but it will set you apart from
your competitors. What other locksmithing
customer needs can you assist with?
Extra tip: Key cutting, fixing vehicle and
window locks together with maintaining
smart locks could make you stand you out.
2) IMPROVE YOUR SOCIAL PROFILE
Ensuring that you are visible on the social
media platforms that your audiences are
on will help to raise awareness of your
services.
Steps to take when you review or set up
your business social profiles:
• Keep your social handles consistent
across all platforms
• Un-tag yourself from inappropriate
posts and photos
• Add keywords to your profile to help
improve visibility on search engines
• Fill in every field of your bio
• Make sure your website link works
Extra tip: Encourage happy customers to
leave you feedback on your social profiles.
3) EFFICIENT WORKING
Are you a 24/7 locksmith? Do you need
to be? To identify whether your business
hours are accommodating the needs of
your customers, take a look at customer
demand. If you find that you receive most
business calls on a weekend, consider
working on Saturdays to prevent
customers going to competitors.
Extra tip: Access industry trend reports
to understand whether you need to
plan for any technology changes in the
future.
4) ASK FOR FEEDBACK
85% of consumers trust online reviews
as much as personal recommendations.
Asking customers to leave a Google or
Facebook review will help increase your
credibility, increase online exposure
and help to generate more customer
enquiries.
Extra tip: You can ask customers to write
you a short testimonial that you can use
on your website, making it easier for
you to be discovered when people are
looking for your services.
5) GIVE YOUR BUSINESS A
MORE PROFESSIONAL IMAGE
A positive image assists with building
customer confidence and helps to attract
and retain customers.
Professional image checklist:
• Get a professional email address
that uses your domain name
• Ensure you have a landline number
• Build a clear website and logo
• Wear clean and tidy uniform
Extra tip: Make sure that your work
vehicles are sign written, well presented
and driven safely. If company vehicles
are dented or scratched customers
can find this off-putting and think this a
reflection of your service.
6) PUT YOUR CUSTOMER FIRST
Be in the moment and spend more time
with you customers. Avoid answering
your phone whilst you are on site with
them.
Extra tip: Outsourcing your calls allows
you to get on with your job without
being disturbed. This improves customer
service and you don’t have to worry
about missing out on new business
opportunities.
LOCKSMITHJOURNAL.CO.UK | JAN/FEB 2019
7) KNOW YOUR VALUE
Stick to costs that justify the service
you provide that will appeal to buyers
who favour quality over price. Consider
discounts at quiet times of the year.
Extra tip: Avoid lowering your prices to
compete with rogue traders.
8) EXPAND YOUR SKILLSET
Attending a training course with a trusted
brand develops skills and brings you up
to date with the latest technology trends.
Keeping your skills up to date extends
the range of locks that you are able to
service, giving you the edge over your
competitors.
Extra tip: Take a look at the 2019 training
courses Codelocks have to offer
www.codelocks.co.uk/training
9) HAVE A PLAN FOR NEW BUSINESS
Your schedule may be full this week, but
what about in three months’? Make time
to create a business plan, research ways
to promote your business and find new
opportunities. Attend local networking
events to foster relationships and
promote yourself.
Extra tip: Invest in advertising, find out
how you can reach your target audience
and spread the name of your brand.
10) BUILD RELATIONSHIPS
Building relationships with trusted suppliers
and partnering with them can unlock new
business opportunities, enhance your
reputation and reduce costs.
Extra tip: ‘Find an Installer’ is a directory
where customers can be reassured that
their locksmith is certified and credible.
Find out how you can get listed
www.codelocks.co.uk/findaninstaller
Codelocks is proud to have supported
locksmiths and installers since 1991. If
you would like to further develop your
knowledge of access control and new
products, head to our website:
www.codelocks.co.uk/training