Sales Marketing Tips for Small Plumbing and Heating Companies

A steady flow of clients and customers is what every small business needs to remain competitive and survive in today's market. This is especially true of small, independently owned heating and plumbing businesses that do not have a company brand to rely upon and only have a small number of staff to make sure that the business runs smoothly. To compete in a modern market and to bring in new clients and customers, the owners of small businesses need to learn how to stretch a smaller marketing budget.

The following tips are just a few ways that the owners of small heating and plumbing companies put their best marketing foot forward:

1. Marketing is more about the long term than the short term. It is not meant to be a fast solution to a large problem. It is best to put a company's marketing message on everything that a potential (and repeat) customer could see: the logo should be painted on the company van, employees should wear uniforms, the business should have cards and letterhead printed with the company logo, etc. The more a marketing message gets seen, the more likely it is to attract new customers.

2. Keeping your customers happy is your very first priority. If you keep your customers happy with you and your work, they will recommend your services to their friends and colleagues. Positive "word of mouth" is the most valuable business asset a small business can have. One of the best ways to make your customers happy is to "go the extra mile" with them-discounts, extra services, etc.

3. Avoid price fluctuations. If a project is going to cost more than originally estimated, notify the customer immediately and let him decide if he has the budget to continue. Offer a discount to keep his business and avoid raising the quoted cost as much as possible.

4. Pay attention to the company's business referral sources: advertisements, phone book listing, client referral, walk-ins, etc. Doing so can help small business owners avoid paying too much money for a marketing effort that is not working.

5. A website is imperative. Most professionals in the heating and plumbing industry do not realize just how much having a website can increase the business's profits. The website does not need to be fancy, but it does need to be functional. This is how most potential clients will research your company. A website will help customers learn about you on their own time and will be more likely to attract first time customers than any other marketing tactic.

These are some simple marketing ideas that all small business owners can put into practice today, to help them in the short run in a difficult economic climate as well as the long run in any climate.

About the Author:

Tal Potishman, editor of Heating Central, writes articles about boilers, plumbers, Wimbledon plumbers, underfloor heating and solar thermal. He specializes in helping save money by advising on efficient heating.