On this episode of the Profit Roadmap, we’re talking with Ben Stimler, the Director of Strategic Partnerships from One Thing Marketing.
In this episode, we cover:
- The importance of a professional online presence
- How to manage your online reputation effectively
- The power of customer reviews and how to get more of them
- Smart ways to use technology in your marketing efforts
- Tips for creating a strong marketing strategy on a budget
The Digital Storefront: Why Your Website Matters
Ben reminds us that in today’s world, your website is your storefront because this is usually the first impression potential clients have of your business.
Here are some key points to remember:
- Make it professional: Your website should look clean and well-designed
- Easy to use: Put important information like your phone number “above the fold”
- Showcase your services: Clearly list what you offer
- Optimize for search: Make sure Google can find and understand your site
Managing Your Online Reputation
Your online reputation can make or break your business.
Here’s what Ben suggests:
- Ask for reviews: When a customer is happy, don’t be shy about asking them to leave a review
- Respond to all reviews: Whether good or bad, always respond professionally
- Don’t get into online battles: If you get a negative review, address it calmly and offer to make things right
- Get more positive reviews: If you do get a negative review, focus on getting more positive ones to balance it out
The Power of Customer Reviews
Reviews are super important in today’s digital age.
Here’s why:
- They build trust: Good reviews make new customers more likely to choose you
- They improve your search rankings: More reviews can help you show up higher in Google searches
- They provide feedback: Reviews can help you understand what you’re doing well and where you can improve
Ben suggests, “When you provide service to someone, first of all, ask them how their experience was. And if they respond in a positive way, ask them to leave a review.”
Smart Ways to Use Technology in Marketing
While fancy new tech is always popping up, Ben recommends focusing on the basics:
- Have a great website: This is your online home base
- Use social media: Platforms like Facebook and Instagram can help, but they shouldn’t be your only online presence
- Consider email marketing: It’s an effective way to stay in touch with customers
- Use automation: Tools that send automatic text updates to customers can improve communication
Remember, technology should make your life easier and help you serve customers better.
Creating a Strong Marketing Strategy on a Budget
You don’t need a huge budget to have effective marketing. Ben shares some tips:
- Start with low-hanging fruit: Join local business groups or improve your uniforms
- Focus on customer service: Great service leads to good reviews and word-of-mouth referrals
- Be consistent: Keep working on your marketing efforts, even in your off-season
- Invest wisely: Put your money into things that will bring in leads and sales
As Ben puts it, “You need to focus on reputation management and just be ready to think ahead to that marathon, that long-term investment.”
Wrapping Up
Marketing your field service business doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.
By focusing on the basics—a good website, strong online reputation, great customer service, and smart use of technology—you can attract more customers and grow your business.
Remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Keep working at it, and you’ll see results over time. As Ben says, “You need to be focusing on all those things together as best you can.”
Learn More
Want to learn more about how One Thing Marketing can help your business? Be sure to check out their website.
Related: Finding Your Company’s “Why” with Drew Larison
The following music was used for this media project:
Music: Summon the Rawk by Kevin MacLeod
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/4434-summon-the-rawk
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license