4 REASONS WHY SERVICE-BASED BUSINESSES NEED THE INTERNET
There are four reasons (and two might surprise you) why local service-based businesses need to be more present online. The types of businesses I am talking about are often craftspeople like plumbers, painters, window installers, heating installers, photographers, and conference interpreters.
2 of them might just surprise you - read on!!
1 - ATTRACTING NEW CLIENTS
This is obvious and the main reason any business builds an online presence. By presenting their business in places where people spend their time, a potential client is likely to see them and contact them or tell a neighbor asking for a suggestion. Additionally, when questions arise, the business can support its clients through online media.
Investing in an online presence is a powerful way to bolster your business's credibility and professionalism. It signals potential clients that you are a reliable and modern business, up-to-date with the latest practices. Furthermore, it showcases your work, giving potential clients a clear picture of your quality services.
An online presence allows service-based businesses to expand their market reach beyond their local area. They can attract customers from different regions, opening up new opportunities for growth and revenue.
2 - ATTRACTING NEW EMPLOYEES
Most local service-based businesses look for new employees under the age of 40. This age group spends more time online than reading the local newspaper.
By creating an engaging and active online presence, service-based businesses can better attract the new employees they are looking for. They can showcase their company culture, values, and opportunities for growth and development. This can help them stand out in a competitive job market and appeal to younger job seekers who are seeking a modern and dynamic work environment.
Service-based businesses can leverage their online presence to highlight the benefits of working in their specific industry. They can showcase the unique experiences, challenges, and rewards that come with being part of their team. This can help them connect with job seekers who are passionate about their craft and looking for meaningful work.
Through social media platforms and online job boards, service-based businesses can actively promote job openings and engage with potential candidates. They can share job postings, company updates, and employee testimonials to attract the attention of qualified individuals. This proactive approach can help them build a pipeline of talented candidates and streamline their recruitment process.
Service-based businesses can also use their online presence to demonstrate their commitment to employee well-being and work-life balance. They can showcase their employee benefits, flexible work arrangements, and professional development opportunities. This can help them position themselves as an employer of choice and attract top talent in their industry.
"I WANT MORE SERVICE-ORIENTED COMPANIES TO BE SUCCESSFUL WITH THEIR ONLINE ACTIVITIES!"
3 - ENHANCING THE APPEAL OF THEIR VOCATION
Most industries are complaining that they cannot find qualified workers. Many more young people are opting away from vocational training and heading to university as they feel it will provide them with a better future.
I argue that the respective crafts do not do enough to promote their crafts and the coolness and importance that it has. A collective effort by them would attract more young people to consider working in their business.
By showcasing the creativity, skill, and satisfaction that comes from working in their craft, service-based businesses can make their profession more appealing to young people. They can use their online presence to share success stories, testimonials, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into their work. This can help to create a stronger connection between the craft and the younger generation, showcasing the potential for a fulfilling and rewarding career.
Additionally, service-based businesses can leverage social media and online platforms to highlight the unique aspects of their craft. They can showcase innovative techniques, creative projects, and, most importantly, the significant impact of their work on the community. By sharing this content online, they can capture the attention of young people who may not have considered their craft as a career option before.
Collaborating with vocational schools, trade organizations, and other industry stakeholders can also help to make the craft more attractive to young people. By working together in a unified and strong effort to promote the craft and its opportunities, service-based businesses can create a compelling message that resonates with the younger generation.
4 - PREPARING FOR SUCCESSION
Many smaller businesses hand over their business to a family member or people they know through experience. Others are dependent on finding a buyer when the time comes.
Service-based businesses can increase their discoverability and value by presenting the business online and maintaining a consistent presence. A strong online presence with many followers or newsletter subscribers can make the business more appealing to potential successors or buyers.
An online presence provides a platform for showcasing the business's reputation, customer base, and track record of success. This can instill confidence in potential successors or buyers, demonstrating the business's stability and potential for future growth.
Moreover, an active online presence is a powerful tool for service-based businesses to engage with their audience and foster a loyal customer base. This active engagement can significantly contribute to the business's overall reputation and brand recognition, creating a strong connection and loyalty among customers and making the business attractive to potential successors or buyers.
Online platforms offer service-based businesses a unique opportunity to showcase their unique selling points, competitive advantages, and any proprietary systems or processes they have developed. This robust demonstration can significantly enhance their value in the eyes of potential successors or buyers, who are often seeking a business with a distinct edge in the market, thereby increasing the business's market appeal and potential value.
An online presence can facilitate the transition process by providing communication and connection with existing customers, suppliers, and partners. This continuity can help to ensure a smooth handover and maintain the business's relationships and reputation during the succession period.
TL;DR
Establishing a strong online presence is crucial for service-based businesses in today's digital age.
By leveraging the power of the internet, these businesses can attract new clients, connect with talented employees, enhance the appeal of their craft, and prepare for future succession.
Embracing the opportunities offered by the online world allows service-based businesses to expand their reach, build credibility, and position themselves for long-term success.
As the business landscape continues to evolve, it is imperative for service-based businesses to adapt and harness the potential of the Internet to thrive in their respective industries.
👆🏻 Back to Top 👆🏻
