I've been hearing alot about this. Following up with the customer. Who does this and how? I'm blessed with many happy gutter cleaning customers. Repeat business. I'd like to increase that and learn how to follow up with wash jobs.
I'll share my secret...... I am going to create a thread just for marketing, but I'll share this piece with you guys now. Keep a database of all your customers. Create a news letter, you could call yours "THE DOG POUND" LoL.... Mail it out 4 times a year to your customers. Don't push your business on them, have some info the lady of the house would find interesting and useful. Flowers to plant for that time of year, tips or info about young children, household stain cleaning tips, etc. Add just a small strip with your business info at the top or bottom of the newsletter. This is not supposed to be an add or solicitation, just something nice from your company to them. This keeps you in front of them and on their mind all year. Send out advertising post cards 2-3 times a year with specials, or seasonal reminders for services. Always send them Christmas cards. When the time comes when they need your services they will call you, instead of someone else. When their friend is talking with them about needing a roof cleaned or gutters done, your customer will recommend you. The biggest reason a good service company losses a followup job is because of Indifference..... The news letters do not have to be fancy. They can be run off at your local Kinko's, UPS store etc, on a nice piece of paper. They have all kinds to chose from.
Use SEND OUT CARDS for Christmas cards. This company also has an online database to use for your customers. They work on package deals, but it only costs $.62 each to send a custom card. This includes the postage.
Are yall serious that's common sense this is where the business plan comes into place that you all have been making jokes at me for planning properly...Success is when you can keep the money flowing, just like your car needs wash so does your property with NON-Pressure =] Building a strong customer base and that's what I'm working on to build a plan that will keep the money flowing in year after year...
I suggest you guys check out constantcontact.com This popular little tool allows you to send email newsletters at ease to all your clients.
Mike, if your selling gutter cleanouts are you calling lots of repeats in June and December? If not you need to get those clients signing contracts for bi-annual gutter cleanings and get them on a call list!
The biggest problem most people have with followups is the time restraint many are on. Constantcontact can make it a lot easier. If you get some office staff, have them call every customer you do a couple days after the job. You will be surprised how many times this leads to more work.