As a veteran blogger and social media aficionado, I visit many on-line groups to get a feel for what’s going on in the industries we work with.
This past week, I visited the Roofing Contractor Network in Linked In and I found a large group discussion called “Hail Storm Season”. The conversation began with a roofer who was frustrated that immediately after a hail storm in the Dallas/Ft Worth market last week, many workmen descended on the area, sticking signs in the ground and knocking on doors touting their services. This particular roofing contractor noted that many of these workers were unlicensed and uninsured, did shoddy work and undercut the pricing making it difficult for the legitimate Roofers to compete.
Post-storm Marketing Tip – Contractors who handle post-storm repairs need to keep a stock of marketing postcards in their office to mail immediately after the big storm hits. Remember, it’s not a question of “if” – it’s a question of “when”. Home Improvement companies need to be prepared to market immediately. It’s a simple process to obtain a quality list of local home owners and get that mailing out the same day.
By listing license and insurance information on the marketing card, Roofing contractors can show that they are legitimate companies. Adding a referral will go a long way to establishing credibility. It is a well-known fact that direct mailing improves a company’s reputation and strengthens their branding.
For those companies that follow this simple marketing tip, next time I visit the Roofing Contractor Network – I expect the discussion title to be “Hail, it’s Storm Season!”
NOTE – This blog is from 2014. I believe that a great deal of the concept of post-Storm marketing has changed. Yes, I still believe that business need to be prepared to seize the moment. Water dealers need to be ready with marketing cards or digital marketing ads to immediately market into areas affected by boil water notices. Roofing contractors should have their material ready-to-go after a hail storm.
But marketers need to temper their excitement to market and make money with sensitivity for the people who are affected. I invite my readers to visit my article and presentation on Communicating During a Crisis.
