TIPS FOR CONTRACTORS TO GET MORE REFERRALS WHEN WORKING AT CUSTOMER’S HOMES

A lot of contractors are not aware of why it is important to get referrals at the homes they work in.

First and foremost, getting more referrals saves contractors time as customers would rather give a referral than go through the whole process of hiring a contractor themselves. Contractors will have lesser competition this way because customers would usually hire the person who gave them that first referral.

In addition to that, getting referrals also helps contractors save money on marketing costs such as advertisements or flyers for promotional activities. However, it’s best to keep in mind that giving referrals requires patience from both parties involved, especially when looking for new leads.

One important thing to keep in mind is that referrals are a sign of trust. Your customers need to trust in you and your work 100%, since it is their name and relationships on the line.

If you’re a contractor with a great reputation, it’s likely that your customers will be more than happy to refer you to their family and friends. But what if you have a less-than-stellar reputation?

In this article, we’ll give some tips for contractors to get more referrals, both when working at customer’s homes and when you are away.

TIPS FOR CONTRACTORS TO GET MORE REFERRALS

PUT THE CLIENT FIRST

It is important that from the moment they walk in the door until they leave with their finished project, your client feels like they are being looked after by someone who cares about them and wants them to do well.

This can be as simple as making sure all of their tools are put away before leaving or taking time out of your day to call them just because you wanted to check up on how they’re doing.

KEEP YOURSELF UPDATED ON ANY CHANGES

Contractors should always be up-to-date with new information regarding the industry and competition, as this will allow them to address problems in a timely manner.

If your customer’s competitor is offering free services to get more leads, you can make sure that you are also offering those same services without having to spend anything extra just so you can stay competitive.

KEEP THEIR HOME CLEAN

Any customer who invites people to work over at their house will surely appreciate having a clean house at the end of the day. No matter what type of work it is, the people at the house see it as an absolute plus if the contractors leave their home nice and tidy.

Doing this ultimately saves them time and effort on having to do it themselves. It also generates a sense of goodwill and trust that will help them refer you to their friends and family.

KEEP YOUR PROMISES

Contractors have to establish trust with their customers if they want them to vouch for them when someone asks about who did their project.

It is imperative that contractors always follow through on any promises made to their clients so they can let others know that too. For example, if you tell your client that you will call later in the day to update them on the project’s progress or check in with them before the project is done, it’s best not to cancel out on that last part.

This goes double for the work you do at their house. Make sure you deliver, if not overdeliver, what your promised and provide quality work.

ALWAYS FOLLOW UP WITH YOUR REFERRALS

Contractors should always make it a point to check in on their referrals after they have been sent out.

This applies especially if the referral provided is not a sale, such as checking in on a prospective candidate for hiring or just calling to say hello and see how they’re doing.

Contractors will receive more trust from their customers if they show that they value any kind of referral given.

Although you may be busy with your work, taking time out of your day will show that you care enough about your clients to simply take five minutes of your time to keep them updated on changes on their project or call them just because you miss talking to them.

CALL YOUR EXISTING CUSTOMERS

Contractors should make it a point to ask for referrals from their existing clients once in a while.

You can call them back at the end of the day to check how they’re doing and see if there’s any other work or services they needed done. This is a great time to ask if they have any friends or family members who need similar help with home repairs or renovations.

Contractors will get more referrals this way since people are likely to recommend others who helped them before instead of someone else entirely.

BE HONEST AND OPEN ABOUT THE VALUE YOU PROVIDE

Contractors must always be transparent when giving estimates on cost as well as particular services that might require extra charges.

This way, your client will be confident that you are being honest with them and not just looking to make a quick buck. Contractors should also give information regarding what kind of value they can provide so their customers know that they are getting the best service possible for their money.

Contractors might even have more referrals given if their clients see how much effort they put into making sure that all of their needs were met.

REAP THE REFERRAL REWARD

It’s important to remember that not every customer will be the easiest person in the world. They may have a lot of demands, or they might want you to do things your way instead of theirs.

But it is all worth it when you get referrals from them! Referrals are one of the best ways for contractors to increase their business long-term, so make sure you’re cultivating good relationships with customers even if they seem difficult at first.

You never know who could turn into an amazing referral partner and help your business grow over time!