Growth strategies across the roofing industry have long been dominated by word-of-mouth marketing and referrals. Although we have seen a shift towards digital marketing in recent years, referrals are still highly critical to the growth and success of roofing companies.
At Summa Media, we might be digital marketing experts, but we also help our roofing clients build strong referral networks in order to help them best achieve their sales and revenue goals. Today we are going to share our tips for creating a strong referral network for your roofing business. Keep reading below to learn more!
Creating a Referral Network for Your Roofing Business
Deliver High Quality Results With Top-Notch Customer Service
In order to build a strong referral network, you must first strive to deliver high quality final products paired with top-notch customer service to each and every one of your clients. The only way to get referrals from previous clients or industry connections is to build a stellar reputation in your community. By focusing here first and foremost, the rest of tips we share will come much more naturally.
Ask For Referrals When You Are Top of Mind
Don’t be afraid to ask for referrals when you have wrapped up a project for a happy client! It might be a bit daunting if it is your first time, but asking for referrals when your business and a client’s satisfaction with your business is top of mind is the perfect time to ask.
If you don’t feel comfortable asking for referrals up front, ask your client if you could leave a few business cards with them to distribute to their network. Worse case scenario, you’re out a few business cards, but the more likely scenario is that they share your card with a friend or colleague in need of your services!
Keep In Touch With Old Clients
Ask your previous clients to subscribe to your roofing company’s newsletter. By keeping in touch with them, you and your business will be in the back of their mind should a friend ever mention they are in need of a new roof. You can even include requests for referrals in your newsletter with an incentive such as a Visa gift card for the referrer to encourage your old clients to send business your way.
If you are sending regular newsletters to old clients be sure not to send to them more than once a month at the very most. Too many emails in their inbox will feel spammy and likely encourage them to hit unsubscribe.
Build Strategic Partnerships
Building strategic community partnerships and relationships is one of the single best ways to get referrals. Creating symbiotic relationships with other business owners in your city in which you both send each other referrals is often very beneficial for both parties. Targeting professionals such as:
- Real estate agents
- Interior designers
- Hardware stores
- Handymen
- Contractors with a different speciality (ie. kitchen renovations, electricians)
To meet these professionals consider attending local industry networking events or your local chamber of commerce’s monthly meetings.
Remember that age old saying: “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” And in the roofing business that still holds true. Focus on strategically building your referral network this fiscal year to help take your growth to the next level.
If you are looking for help with this or any other aspects of your marketing plan, the Summa Media team is here for your business. Contact our team today to learn more about our services!
