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We also need to mention the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) When you start a business that involves construction, the law requires that you register it under the CIS. This is a payment handling system where contractors handle payments to subcontractors if you use them.
Or you if you work for a contractor and you’re one of the following:
a sole trader the owner of a limited company a partner in a partnership or trust
To complete this step, you must submit:
the business name your National Insurance number the company’s unique taxpayer reference number your value-added tax (VAT) identification number (if applicable)
For more information see the Government Website
Research When you start a handyman business , it’s important to research the other businesses that offer similar services in your local area. This will help you identify any gaps in the market and determine what extra services you can offer to stand out from the competition.
Here are some ideas of additional services you can offer your clients
Furniture assembly/flat pack Installing CCTV, smoke alarms, security Outdoor work such as clearing drains and guttering Baby/toddler proof a house package – stair gates, corner guards, cupboard safety catches, socket covers etc Changing door furniture, handles, hinges, locks Senior home upgrade package – grab rails, ramps, touch sensitive appliances, motion sensor lighting etc Those small To-Do list jobs that never seem to get done! Picture hanging, sanding a sticking door etc 24 hour a day Emergency Service Jet Washing paths and patios Seasonal Packages – Warm weather services such as patio maintenance, BBQ building, patio furniture assembly. In Autumn – gutter clearing, insulation around doors, windows etc
Contact local businesses in your surrounding area offering your services. What about landlords and holiday home owners? All these properties require maintenance and renovation throughout the year. Let them know what you can offer in case of emergencies, they´ll be grateful for the information.
Most new businesses find they can't do everything themselves quickly enough. Many businesses don't want to!
This is a business that I would definitely want to fast-track from the beginning for growth. You want to get busy as quickly as possible and there is only one real way to achieve this.
Most buyers/potential clients for this service are going to find a handyman business using a Google search. Sure some will use an app, some might ask for a recommendation on social media but MOST will look on Google.
Google knows that when someone is looking for a trade service, they want to see results close to where they are located.
This usually means that Google will show a maps listing at the top of the search results like the image below.
If your business shows up here then you are right at the top of the search results, under the nose of people who want to find a handyperson maintenance business asap.
For any type of business/search term where Google shows a Maps listing like this, I describe these businesses as having “ high local marketability” .
High local marketability means if you know what you are doing and tick the right boxes with Google you can get a lot of business enquiries very easily.
So if potential customers can’t find you on Google, they won’t be calling you. And guess what? That means someone else is picking up that paintbrush or screwdriver you’re missing out!
Getting your business on Google maps results can bring in tons of enquiries.
So how do you dominate Google search results for this business? You have to optimise for the Google Maps listing.
How do you do that?
Follow these 10 simple steps to marketing a handyperson business:
Get a website. Make sure it complies with Google’s best practice guidelines. Get your new website in Google so clients find YOU. Provide LOCAL PROOF . Use a local phone number to tell clients and Google you are definitely a local business. Provide SOCIAL PROOF . Show reviews from real customers on your site. This is called “social proof” and turns browsers into buyers! Use LANDING PAGES . A landing page is optimised for a specific search term making it rank higher than your competitors. Landing pages are for people who want to buy your service now . They show the client what they want to see. Provide great CTA’s (CTA =call to action). Make it super easy on your website for clients to get in touch with you by including features such as a messaging/chat app and CTA’s that show clients exactly how to contact you. Share FEEDBACK . Go the extra mile to provide an outstanding service and you are sure to collect plenty of positive feedback from clients. Ensure you harness this by collecting reviews from every new customer. AUTOMATE – You won’t have time to be manually updating your website. Make sure you automatically show the new reviews on your website, driving more clients to your business. PROMOTE – Regular updates to your website and using Google tools will give your website an extra edge. MAINTAIN – From time to time websites need technical maintenance to the software they run on to keep peak performance.
Most businesses in the maintenance sector DO NOT invest enough time and money to execute this simple marketing strategy providing you with the opportunity to step in and DOMINATE in the local search engine results.
The Live Chat Function This is great as it gives your potential customers a “one click method” to message you straight from your websites – you get the messages on your usual Messenger account, this is probably something that your competitors won’t have and we’ve had clients getting great success using this tactic. Make it easy for your potential clients to get in touch with you.
Using live chat on your website can boost the number of enquiries you will receive.
Here are 8 more great tips to help you market your handyperson maintenance business effectively: Promoting your business is crucial to attract new customers and grow your business.
This industry is competitive, so it’s important to research your competitors in your local area and identify what you can offer that others don’t. This will help you differentiate your business and attract more customers.
Create a great company and domain name for your website
Choose a name that is related to you and your business and is memorable for your potential customers.
Remember to steer well clear of similar sounding names so confusion does not occur with other companies. Use our Company Name Search Tool to guide you.
Try a business name idea here and we can quickly register it for you.
Company Name Search
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We can quickly and easily help you get the ball rolling with this, registering your company and domain name and even providing you with fully featured business email boxes making your business look more professional, adding credibility when you are approaching new customers.
So, instead of emailing from an @yahoo or @hotmail address you can be emailing from @mycompanyname. Doesn´t that look better?
You will then have to register a domain name for your website . We all know websites are crucial nowadays so make sure you get yours registered as soon as you have chosen your trade name. Take a look at our Domain Name FAQs which will explain why a domain name is so important to getting your business up and running.
Use our easy Domain Checker and let´s get you quickly onto the world wide web!!
Protect your Company Domain Name
Use our domain name search tool to find available names for your business.
Not thought of a company name yet? Take a look at our inspirational tips and ideas
Create an eye catching website
We all know a fast, inspiring, easy to use website is essential for any business today!
But can you design and run one? Can you create the content that actually guides a customer through your site and attracts them to book in a time to talk business with you?
We can create a personal website for you to get you off to the best start.
Photos and videos, especially before and after ones, are fantastic for showcasing your skills.
Give lots more information about your business and any unique services you offer plus accurate contact details. Also, you can introduce yourself and give your experience and qualifications . A little information about yourself can make the business more personal and boost customer confidence.
We have already mentioned this (a lot!) but it is vitally important.
Always ask for References and Reviews on your website.
Start with your friends and family if they have used your services. Also give special offers, ask your clients to introduce friends and family and they´ll receive a discount for a set period on your next job with them.
Google reviews, testimonials and recommendations are essential . Potential customers WILL check for reviews when they are searching for a service, product or trade.
This is difficult when you first start out and asking can be uncomfortable but a happy client will want to help you up the ladder every time.
is probably the most powerful and effective marketing tool and should never be underestimated! Always make sure you ask your clients to recommend you to their friends and family…..in fact anyone they know! Peer recommendations are especially valuable as we trust our friends and family above anyone else.
A satisfied, happy customer is the golden
Design an eye-catching logo
Your logo is an important aspect of your brand identity, so it’s essential to design a logo that represents you and your business and can be used for example on your work uniform, car/van stickers, business cards and leaflets etc.
If you belong to a trade, being a member of a trade association is always an excellent way to show your professionalism. Make sure this is shown on ALL your marketing materials.
Have you thought about adding QR codes to your marketing material?
With a click of their mobile phone, customers can make an appointment, fill out a request form or write a review by using a QR code. Add a QR code to your work vehicle, magnetic signs are perfect for this. Potential consumers passing by can immediately scan for further information about your services.
QR codes are perfect for business cards, giving website links, tips or how to find us instructions. They are also an easy way to get that all-important customer feedback and can be added to invoices and receipts that go directly to your review page.
Go back to basics! Print flyers and distribute them around your local area mentioning seasonal maintenance. Guttering in the autumn, burst pipes in the winter, spring decorating jobs? Maybe add in an offer for early bookings!
Social media platforms such as Facebook , Twitter/X, Instagram and TikTok can be powerful marketing tools for your handyperson business.
Shout out loud what makes your business unique! Whether it´s installing smart home devices or unblocking stubborn drains! W hatever if it is, make sure you are getting the word out there.
Join local business Facebook groups or similar platforms to promote your business and connect with potential customers.
You can also create social media pages for your business and post regular updates , photos, videos and promotions to attract more customers.
Create relationships with other businesses, maybe a gardening or a building business would be mutually beneficial if you don’t cover those areas.
Contact your local newspaper and radio station, maybe you can advertise or offer advice on them.
There are many apps available that can help you manage your business more efficiently. They can be used for booking appointments, saving customer details and receiving payment.
Search engine optimization is the art of getting your handyperson website to the top of the search results on Google and the other search engines so that you have the best chance of getting their business.
If you’re new to running a website it’s easy to get caught out with a low cost SEO service that just doesn’t work.
We can help put together an affordable SEO package and we’ll always tell you what we are going to do and what results you might expect to achieve.
By implementing these marketing strategies, you can attract more customers, improve your brand identity, and grow your business .
Open a bank account
Keeping your personal and business finances separate is crucial for several reasons. It simplifies accounting and bookkeeping, making it easier to track business expenses, income and tax obligations. It also helps demonstrate financial transparency, which can be important for legal and tax purposes.
How about a contactless card payment machine? There are plenty on the market now and easy for you and your customers to use. Perfect for when you are on the move.
You will need Insurance
There are lots of companies offering their services so have a good look around and take their advice. You will require public and product liability insurance to cover claims of third-party bodily injuries or third-party property damage. For example, if a ladder you’re using tips over and damages a customer’s vehicle, general liability insurance is designed to cover those damages.
If you employ someone Employers’ liability insurance is essential to cover any injury and illness sustained whilst whilst being employed by you,
Then there is insurance for your equipment and tools, protecting you from theft, damage and loss.
If you have a car/van make sure your insurance company knows it is a works vehicle. And make sure your eye-catching logo and your contact details are prominently displayed!
Having the correct insurance will make you feel protected in the event of an accident or your equipment being damaged or stolen. Don’t be without it!
By implementing these marketing strategies, you can attract more customers, improve your brand identity, and grow your business.
Starting your own handyman business is incredibly flexible and surprising easy to do. It’s an easy, low cost and highly profitable business with potential to scale rapidly.
You can choose what type of work you want to do and advertise yourself in this niche. Keep it simple with the To-Do List work, small jobs for the busy, elderly or wealthy or go with more specialised work such as kitchen and bathroom refurbs or painting and decorating. The choice is yours.
This line of work is also full of opportunities, you can keep it as a solo enterprise or expand with time. Many jobs get, you will find require an extra pair of hands!
With an expansive portfolio you can find yourself changing jobs weekly or even daily, visiting differing locations throughout your local area. Meeting new people from all walks of life can be rewarding and keeping active helps you stay fit.
Skills such as practical thinking, problem solving and giving great attention to detail are paramount for your success, as is giving reliable and honest customer service.
Be prompt, providing clear and detailed estimates and ensure that all work is completed to a high standard. Make sure current and potential customers know about ALL the services you offer. See each repair, renovation and challenge as an opportunity to showcase your skills and leave a lasting impression.
By going above and beyond for your clients, you’ll be more likely to receive positive reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations, which can be invaluable in attracting new business. And don´t forget to offer incentives, such as discounts or rewards for customers who refer your business to others, encouraging them to spread the word about your range of services.
From Leaks to Tweaks – You´ve got the skills and we’ve got the know-how to make your business succeed!
Start your entrepreneurial business with us today!
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