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» » 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 Codelocks’ top tips: 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.
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
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.
EXTRA TIP
Key cutting, fixing vehicle and window
locks together with maintaining smart
locks could make you stand you out.
2. IMPROVE YOUR SOCIAL
MEDIA 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.
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 your 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.
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.
LOCKSMITHJOURNAL.CO.UK | MAY/JUN 2019
Sponsored by Mul-T-Lock
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.
‘Offering extra services
will not only please
your customers, but it
will set you apart from
your competitors’
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