How to Earn Referrals for Your Painting Business
September 7, 2017
Have you ever met a painter that can’t keep up with all of the business they have? If you’re trying to grow your own business, it can be frustrating – what did they do to get so much business?
First, they’re probably doing great work, and they’re getting it done on time and on budget. But that alone won’t get you there. If they’ve been in the business for a long time, the odds are good that their biggest source of new business is referrals.
Did you know that 92% of people trust recommendations from their friends! While it can seem difficult to get customers to provide referrals, businesses grow much quicker and have much better customers when they earn referrals. Here are a few ways you can do just that.
Ask for Referrals.
While it’s easy to assume that people will share their great experiences with friends, family and neighbors, they are unfortunately more likely to bring up their awful experiences. Think about it yourself; if you’re having a conversation with a friend, what’s more likely to come up, a really great customer experience or one of the worst you’ve ever had? Unfortunately, bad news spreads faster than good news.
If happy customers are asked, however, most are willing to provide a good word to others who need a great painter. They just need to be reminded to think of someone who needs the recommendation and to make sure they get it to them.
Ask for Referrals at the Right Time
The best time to ask for a referral is right after you’ve pleased the customer with great service. Helping a customer get a project done on a short deadline or doing a great job at a price lower than expected are great ways to earn referrals. People move from task to task very quickly these days, and they may have forgotten the details that make a referral compelling if they get the request two days – or even two hours – after you complete the painting project. They’re also more likely to do you a favor if you send an email request for a referral within minutes of talking with them face-to-face.
Make Referring Your Painting Business as Easy, and Visible, as Possible
Most people look online for testimonials and reviews. Some people check Google to see who has the highest reviews posted. Younger customers may share their experiences directly with their friends and neighbors on social media services like Facebook, Twitter or Nextdoor. While a person-to-person referral is valuable, a strong review on the internet has the potential to reach thousands of people looking for a quality paint job.
In order to get the most impact from your referrals, make sure they’re being posted on major online review sites. In order to maximize the number of referrals you receive, make it as easy as possible by sending them directly to the platform you’d like them to use to review your business. And remember that well-reviewed painting contractors are among the first to show up in Google Local maps!
To learn how your painting company can easily gain more referrals and online reviews, call ProPainter Websites at 855-385-1134 or email Team_PPW@propainterwebsites.com.
