ReNews -- Remodelors Council News - 09/08/2004 (Plain Text Version)Doug Sutton, Sr. CGR, CAPS View Graphical Version | Subscribe to NAHB Publications | Email our Editor... In this issue: Business Building Tips: Remodelers Reach Customers in Cyber SpaceThe Internet, no matter who actually created it, has become indispensable. Internet growth and use over the last few years has been a phenomenon no one could have imagined. Those with vision have jumped on the Internet Express and created Web sites to tout their company and what they offer to a generation of consumers who do not even own a Yellow Pages book. That’s right. Your growing consumer base, Gen Xers who are finally making money, do not use the yellow pages. They rarely read a printed newspaper and most breezed through college asking Jeeves the true meaning of quantum physics. These are the people who, when it comes time to embark on a remodeling project, will go to the World Wide Web to research available project and financing options and, most importantly, who can do the job. Scott Gregor of Master Plan Remodeling in Portland, OR, says “having a Web site seems to qualify me. People expect it and when you can say "check out my website" it seems to assure them I am the kind of cutting-edge remodeler they want to consider working on their project.” So, are you on the web? Are you out there in front of this growing consumer market? If you answer “yes” to either question, congratulations you belong to a cutting-edge company. If you answered “no,” don’t worry, you are not alone. According to a Remodelors Council survey, while 96% of survey respondents say they own a personal computer at work, only 48% currently have a company Web site. If you are part of 52% missing a big piece of the pie, don’t panic! You still have time to fix the situation and grow your business. An Online Company Brochure John Keohane of Keohane Construction in Dedham, MA, views his company’s Web site as another advertising medium. “Everyone has an ad in the Yellow Pages to give themselves credibility and this Web site is another avenue to show people who we are and what we do, and to get more information on our company. We actually have the website because in today’s market you need credibility and to some people not having a website leads to thoughts that you are not a good company.” The Sky is the Limit Mike Carden, of MUI Corporation in Vestavia Hills, AL, says “I learned some time ago that linking to major manufacturers is the key to increase your traffic.” Carden says potential customers know of Hardi-Plank, Therma-Tru, etc., and therefore the best thing to increase leads is to link to the major manufacturers that are a part of your business. Anderson also uses his site to link to manufacturers to give customers more options in styles and products than the projects included on the site. “We also will link to our local HBAs Web site to show customers we belong to a professional organization, it helps add to legitimacy. Arthur Kriens of Kriens Remodeling in Sioux Falls, SD, sees his site as an evolving portfolio. “We use our Web site as a presentation book that includes pictures of our projects and our future plans include expanding the presentation book so potential customers will have a good idea of who we are and what we do before they call. We believe this will set us apart from other remodelers and the “one guy in a truck” operators.” You Want a Web Site, Too? Other items to consider when creating your site include:
Chuck Russell of Westhill, Inc., in Woodinville, WA, says, “Remember, we as remodeling contractors strive to be professional and our sites should reflect that commitment.” Lora Deller of Red Oak Remodeling in York, PA, adds, “Look at other sites in your industry to get ideas to help you start. Pull out ideas that you like and dislike. Look at your competitor's sites to see how you can make your site different.” Finally, all companies with Web sites agree: hire a professional Web designer. You are good at what you do; let a professional Web designer do what he does. When deciding on whom to use, choose a Web designer that you can easily relate to because you will be working with them closely. Just like you would advise your customers to shop around for the “right” contractor, look at Web designers and sites they have designed. As Anderson points out, “Companies without Web sites need to realize that Web sites are not just a fad. This is where consumers get information and do research. Today, consumers are more educated and know what they are looking for and having a website is the most cost effective way to get your company out in front of these potential clients. If you don’t have a Web site the consumer notices that and you are missing an opportunity.” Can you really afford to continue missing these opportunities? To read more business management articles, subcribe to NBN Online, NAHB's free weekly e-newsletter. For more information or to contact us directly, please visit www.NAHB.org | ©2004, National Association of Home Builders |