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Improvements and repairs are needed by homeowners and landlords alike, so if you can paint, lay a floor, assemble furniture and install new fixtures, your business has every chance of expanding.
Nevertheless, new handyman ventures can take a while to get off the ground, and similarly, it can be a challenge to find extra work when you’ve already built up a client base. Here are a few economical and easy ways of getting a competitive edge and boosting your turnover.
Get your marketing strategy on point
When looking at who your services are needed by, it’s important not to miss out on any prospective clients. You may believe that elderly homeowners with a good income are your target customers, but not all younger people are experienced enough with DIY to feel confident in using their skills at home.
Similarly, it’s often thought that older houses need the most attention (and to a certain extent they do) but don’t forget more recent builds. Even owners of beautiful new homes will require help to create a bespoke interior and exterior look which appeals to their taste. Once you’ve got an audience in mind, drop flyers through letterboxes and advertise on social media to get the word out.
Excel in at least one area
Whether you are a trained carpenter, an experienced landscape gardener, or you can lay floors perfectly, your skills can become highly profitable. The most successful businesses are adaptable and can diversify as required, but marketing your expertise in a particular field can encourage customers to trust you.
That is particularly true if you have already carried out other types of work and they are pleased with the result. Once you’ve got a few niche jobs under your belt, be sure to ask customers for a review on your website or social media page. It can build trust and motivate new customers to pay more for your services as a specialist.
Ensure you are protected by the right insurance policy
It might not be top of your list when things are going to plan, but if you have an issue with property damage or a third-party injury, insurance is crucial. Different states have different laws regarding getting small business insurance, so check out what you need carefully, or go with an experienced provider. Next Insurance offers tailored policies for handyman business with several plans to choose from. Their cover will keep you financially secure and cushioned from legal or medical bills in case of a claim against you.
Start planning for the future
With advertising and insurance taken care of, you’re all set to make concrete plans for the future. The best way to tackle this particular challenge is to consider where you want your business to be in five years.
When that’s clear in your mind, create goals and interim targets that you can work towards achieving. Think about the number of clients you’d like to have, the amount of money you’d like to make each year, and how many hours you are prepared to put in every day. Try to regularly review your progress and make adjustments to your original plan as required.
Look at what the competition is doing
Even if you’ve been in the business for a few years, checking out the competition is a great way to pick up tips and tricks you aren’t yet aware of. Find out what other people are charging for the services you offer, how they are advertising and the area they cover. At the same time, networking with other people in related or similar trades can really pay off.
By establishing a rapport with landlords, architects, and real estate agents, you may enjoy more referrals. Also, by connecting with larger, busier handymen, you may get the chance to mop up the jobs they don’t have time to do.
Price your services carefully
Choosing how much to charge clients can be a significant issue when it comes to growing a business. You want to set a price that’s fair to you and them but determining precisely what that is can be difficult. If you’re struggling, there are formulas that can help you work out exactly what it costs you to provide a service.
These factor in the cost of preparing the work area, your expenses, the time taken and the materials used. Models like this will also add on the taxes you’ll pay on each job, so you don’t get taken by surprise at the end of each business year.
