The HVAC (Heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning) and plumbing industries are two of the most in-demand services in the world. We all know what that entails; with all that demand, competition will start sprouting left and right. These are the types of businesses that need to stand out in order to be successful.
Sans the larger companies, a lot of plumbing and HVAC services have been relying on word of mouth and flyers for their marketing. That’s the way these smaller companies have been doing it for quite a while now. Ask them, and they will tell how much those larger corporations have taken a chunk out of their business. Simply put, it’s tough to do business when your competitor can do commercial spots, billboards, and radio ads.
However, websites have definitely changed the game. Its way cheaper than standard advertising and it evens out the playing field quite a bit. Along with social media, nearly all in the plumbing and HVAC industry have adopted websites to stay in the ever-expanding marketing game.
So how does having a plumbing and HVAC website aid in the industry? Well, here are just a few great examples.
Why it’s essential to have a plumbing and HVAC website
It’s Good To Look Reliable
The first impression always last. Whether it’s an awful first date or a really awkward first job interview, it’s tough to get back from that. The truth is the same when someone goes to a brand’s website.
According to the website, Sweor, it takes a measly 0.05 seconds for people to form an opinion about your website. This opinion will be their basis if they want to stay or leave your site. Just think about that for a second, because you may be losing a lot of potential customers just because your site looks like it was abandoned in the 90’s.
That is because a lot of customers associate your website with the service that you can provide. I mean, people probably won’t jump with enthusiasm in entrusting their plumbing to you if your site looks like a tangled mess right?
The Best Place To Check Your Services
A website is still the best place where you can neatly list down your services. Just like a menu, the ever-competitive HVAC and plumbing landscape relies on showing potential customers their list of services and even prices.
A plumbing and HVAC website still beats social media in that aspect in my book.
Vital Things That Your Plumbing and HVAC Website Should Have
Breathe Great Branding
As stated above, your website should look exceptional on every page that you have. Your branding should reflect what your business is all about. While functionality and clarity are critical, how your website looks will play an equally crucial part in how your customers will come to accept you.
Sometimes it’s even as simple as the color that you choose for your website. According to Crowdspring, the proper color can increase the readability of your site by up to 40%.
You might say that the plumbing and HVAC industry does not really scream glamour and a well-designed website is not necessary. Well, that is where you are wrong. Just search plumbers in your area, and you will probably be taken to sites that are clean, informative, and very active. There is no other way around this.
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Make Sure to Keep it Simple
You don’t really have to be too hip or cool to have a successful plumbing and HVAC website. Just keep it simple, clear, and easily navigable. No need to get too fancy or artsy with this one.
Check your website now. If it looks like it was inspired by a used car lot, then it is time for a significant overhaul. Gone are the days when people like being peppered with signs saying how fantastic and low their prices it. Just put your promos in a neat part of your website and your customers are sure to appreciate it.
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Does Your Logo Need A Refresh?
A lot of start-up companies don’t put much of a stock when it comes to logos. But the best of the best know how vital it is when it comes to making an impression. In today’s ever demanding world, no one will take your company seriously if your logo looks like it was done by a five-year-old on his iPad.
Color is also important in your logo. Here is a bit of statistics that might help you out: 33% of brands in the top 100 all use blue in their logos. It is said that the color blue can exude the feeling of one on one communication as well as personalized messaging.
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Don’t Play With Your Hotline!
Did you know that 183 out 250 of the top HVAC and Plumbing companies put their hotline numbers on the top left part of their websites? Well, there is an excellent reason for that. Experts say that most people look to that part of the screen to check for hotline numbers.
So keep this in mind if ever you feel like getting too creative with your plumbing and HVAC website. Unless people’s preferences have changed, it is wise to put the hotline number where it belongs.
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It’s All About the Services and Prices
A dedicated page for your all of your services is a must have for any website. Just think about it, there is a good chance that this page is the final frontier between your customers getting your services or leaving. Make sure that all your services are listed in an easy to see categorized manner.
Make sure that you highlight services that your competitors do not have. If you have a 24/7 emergency response hotline, then put that in a prominent place in your site.
If you are unsure about whether to put your prices in there then here is a bit of a tip for you. According to Passion for Business, one of the things customers like seeing on a website is a list of services/products along with their corresponding prices.
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Think About LiveChat
The plumbing and HVAC business runs on quick and reliable service. Rapid response is critical if you want to gain new customers and keep the old ones. I mean, why would customers trust you if its hard to reach you? Especially in plumbing, where emergencies can be catastrophic to home and business owner, time is extremely vital.
Put a LiveChat tool on the bottom of your plumbing and HVAC website and interact with customers in real time. You can address their concerns over the chat as well as talk them through your various services and guarantees. Make them feel like your always on top of the job, and your business will be booming in no time.
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Link To Your Social Media Sites (And Vice Versa)
Social media is fast becoming an essential online marketing tool, and you really should not be caught without one. In the US alone, 70 percent of the population has at least one profile on a social media platform. Small wonder that 50 million small businesses are using social media to offer their services.
Social media is miles better than any website when it comes to interacting with a community. Plus, its way easier to update your company’s statuses on these sites. Use this to your advantage and always link your posts to your website!
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Be Real
Your customers will know if your site is being updated, so you really have to pay attention. If you have new services or have to cut out old ones, then you should always update your pages. Another important to update are any price changes that you are having.
Updating those details is important, but you should also keep putting out fresh content. Think about putting lots of blogs, photos, and videos for your customers. Put fun tidbits about plumbing while showing off some of your excellent work on videos and photos.
Regularly update your site with photos of your hardworking staff. Make your customers feel like they are talking with real people!
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Get Your Story Straight!
A short but sweet “About Us” page is just what the doctor ordered when it comes to plumbing and HVAC websites. When it comes to pipe and heating issues, reliability is king. So if you have a fantastic story to tell, then don’t hesitate to tell it.
For example, your company might be in the industry for over 80 years now. You can always say that you are a third generation owner of a business that started with your grandfather. Most people would think that your strength is business is because of years of exceptional quality when it comes to working.
Don’t be afraid to use your advantages. Sometimes a story can paint a pretty picture of what you are all about.
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Put Some Testimonials
Even before the internet, good reviews and testimonials have been used by companies as an effective marketing tool. Movies rely on great reviews to get theaters packed while restaurants used to live and die through newspaper critiques.
In the age of social media, reviews and testimonials are even more critical. People have more access to blogs and other people’s comments that any bad press is really frowned upon by brands. An influx of bad reviews can put even great corporations to its knees.
On the flip side, great reviews can also take your business to new heights. According to Boast, customer testimonials are the most effective content there is at 89 percent effectivity. That’s a huge number that can positively affect your sales.
Place some testimonials on the front page of your website. Be careful not to pepper your site with these, just choose a few glowing reviews that can give customers insight on your brand is all about.
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Make Sure Your Site Is Mobile Friendly
I know this gets preached from time and time again, but you would not believe how many websites are still being left on the dust by not being mobile-ready. It’s really something that you check out or risk throngs of potential customers.
According to Statista, in 2018, 50 percent of all internet usage will be from mobile devices such as phones and tablets. That figure will continue to grow more and more as these mobile devices are starting to become more popular in the next few years.
Make sure that your website is mobile friendly and don’t risk more customers leaving your site.
Time To Boost Your Website
If your website is lacking most of what is written here, then it might be a great time to change a lot of things. The internet is going to be here for a very long time, and if you are in the plumbing or HVAC industry, it’s a good bet that your website needs to stand out and be efficient for customers.
