Marketing Advise Please

Z

zaney

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Aug 25, 2014
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10
Marketing Advice Please

Hi Guys,

Ive started a SMME roughly 2 years ago.
Its a plumbing business and I'm not seeing any real growth.
http://www.royalflushplumbing.co.za/

The majority of the customers I've dealt with have been very pleased with the work I do and my pricing is extremely competitive so its not about the actual service I offer.

My main problem is getting my name out there and the exorbitant costs of marketing.
- I tried Google add words for a while but it sometimes costs R5-R20 per click on your website. And all you get are people wasting your daily budget because I used to get loads of phone calls from people trying to sell me random stuff or looking for jobs.
- Advertising in the local newspapers (Classified section) costs around R400 a week. And Ill be lucky if I get one phone call from that.
- Ive tried Pamphlet distribution but they say like only 5% of people that get them actually read it.
- Ive also tried numerous online marketing campaigns but I get very little to no feedback.

The costs involved in the marketing campaigns Ive done doesn't justify the feedback I get from them. And these advertising consultants are quick to sell you anything and paint pretty pictures on how well their magazine/newspaper/websites does but in reality the numbers doesn't add up.

Ultimately word of mouth is your best option but one only has so many friends and family.

Just like any other SMME's I have very little to spend on marketing so please consider that when advising.

Thank you!
 
Last edited:
bchip

bchip

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Have a tried social media? Facebook/Twitter, etc
 
Chevron

Chevron

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Yeah, link your website so we can give more constructive advice.
 
Chevron

Chevron

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rakabos3 said:
Are you thick? I was being sarcastic to begin with
Click to expand...

If you were really sarcastic you'd have put a smiley or winking eye or something. Sounds like you're trying to cover up now.
 
Chevron

Chevron

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zaney said:
That might work hey! :)
http://www.royalflushplumbing.co.za/
Click to expand...

Plumbing is hard as people usually only look for you when things break.

make sure you are in the yellow pages.

Maybe purchase a template for your website. Or use a free one. They are cheap.

When using adwords you can target who you're looking for quite specifically. Consider refining your keyword strategy.

Have you considered street pole ads?

Will post more ideas as I think of them.
 
Batista

Batista

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I see why you are having problems, you are in an industry that is very difficult to set yourself apart from the next guy who does plumbing.Is there no way you can secure contracts?Have you gone to realtors and asked them if you can be theiur main plumbing guys because all houses need plumbing and electrical certs before selling, and in some cases you have to redo entire houses plumbing if not up to scratch.
 
Tinuva

Tinuva

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When I look for a plumber or something that I need done at my house, the easiest way for me personally to find someone close, is to load up google maps, and look which business' are listed there on the map around my house. In fact that is the easiest way to search online in my personal opinion.

Thus, make sure your company is listed there, I don't think it cost money, but can't be too sure. Either way works great if you want people to find you, when they need you, from their cellphone using a feature of business' close by. At least for Androids.
 
Chevron

Chevron

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Tinuva said:
When I look for a plumber or something that I need done at my house, the easiest way for me personally to find someone close, is to load up google maps, and look which business' are listed there on the map around my house. In fact that is the easiest way to search online in my personal opinion.

Thus, make sure your company is listed there, I don't think it cost money, but can't be too sure. Either way works great if you want people to find you, when they need you, from their cellphone using a feature of business' close by. At least for Androids.
Click to expand...

Getting on Google Maps/Places is free :)
 
F

FuLL_MeT4L

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Oct 25, 2004
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1) New site made by somebody with a clue would be a good start. The primary goal of a local service provider's website is to get visitors to trust you and call you. Demonstrate your knowledge, and include social proof on the website. Repeat contact details at multiple points on your page / pages.

2) Put up a Google+ local business with service area listing. This is free and should get you some great local search traffic.

3) Get listed with everybody you can: local business directory / telephone book / recommended service providers for complexes & estates.

4) Build up your social presence on Facebook, ensure you have a neat "peoples person" personal service brand. Get people to leave reviews if they were impressed with your service.
 
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