Is it possible to do domestic work only ?

[Sparx-66]

Hi Everyone, I've just joined & have a fundamental question - is it possible to survive doing domestic work only ? - I've launched a domestic only business just over a year ago, I have been actively canvassing since - High quality leaflets, Yell advert, Which trusted trader, full page advert in an established local magazine delivered to 19000 homes, fully signwritten van,& plenty of cold calling at businesses that are connected with the domestic market. I'm an NICEIC member & that is very prominently featured. The point is that despite all this only a trickle of work comes in & overall having paid out to all this commitment I've earnt significantly less than a part-time shelf-stacker at a supermarket. So is it just a question of time ?

 

[Octopus]

Private message.

If you click on a members name, you then get an option to send a private message. On the message include the url to your site...

 

[Sparx-66]

Ok thank you.

 

[Risteard]

I don't think you should be afraid of posting the link to the website for others to see/comment upon.

I can tell you that most tradesmen do not have a website - and those that do frequently have something which is never updated. So if you look after your website you are likely to be streets ahead of the competition. This doesn't mean that you will rank up on Google overnight. You won't.

But if you look after the content then the chances are that over time you will see more promising results which should make having a website worthwhile.

 

[Sparx-66]

I don't think you should be afraid of posting the link to the website for others to see/comment upon.

I can tell you that most tradesmen do not have a website - and those that do frequently have something which is never updated. So if you look after your website you are likely to be streets ahead of the competition. This doesn't mean that you will rank up on Google overnight. You won't.

But if you look after the content then the chances are that over time you will see more promising results which should make having a website worthwhile.

Thank-you for your comments

 

[captainkev]

When you do a job, always leave 2 or 3 cards with u your invoice, these will quickly make their way round to customers who are more likely to be more genuine than leaflet drops. You will be surprised how much work you get with this recommendation and eventually you will drop on the one contact which will give you regular work

 

[Midwest]

Personally, I think having a web site for 'providing a service' as opposed to offering a 'product' is hardly beneficial, certainly for a sole trader. I haven't a web site, so perhaps, not in a position to make comment, but as others have said, you will get most work, eventually by word of mouth. I pay for a small advert, in a local free leaflet and only get enough work, to pay for the advert!

In the meantime, do some subbying. It gives you experience, both as an electrician and as a business person. You can also pinch their ideas!

 

[Octopus]

It amazes me how many really scruffy individuals you come across in the wholesalers.... if you are going to concentrate on domestic "image" and first impressions count.

So logo'ed polo shirts, sweatshirts etc are a must IMHO

 

[Midwest]

It amazes me how many really scruffy individuals you come across in the wholesalers.... if you are going to concentrate on domestic "image" and first impressions count.

So logo'ed polo shirts, sweatshirts etc are a must IMHO

My logo'ed polos are normally covered in brick dust or plaster. Note to oneself, get somebody else to do the chasing and making good, and leave me to do the technical stuff

 

[Octopus]

My logo'ed polos are normally covered in brick dust or plaster. Note to oneself, get somebody else to do the chasing and making good, and leave me to do the technical stuff

As are mine quite often.... but thats still much better than some torn scruffy wear!

 

[Leesparkykent]

As are mine quite often.... but thats still much better than some torn scruffy wear!

keep a clean T-shirt in the van for looking at jobs on the way home after a day of chasing etc.

 

[Midwest]

keep a clean T-shirt in the van for looking at jobs on the way home after a day of chasing etc.

What about those filthy trousers, coiffed' hair style and brick dust face pack

 

[HandySparks]

Personally, I think having a web site for 'providing a service' as opposed to offering a 'product' is hardly beneficial, certainly for a sole trader.

I get quite a good proportion of new business through my website. It wasn't the case 5 years ago, but it's grown steadily over the last few years.

 

[Midwest]

I get quite a good proportion of new business through my website. It wasn't the case 5 years ago, but it's grown steadily over the last few years.

Well as I said I ain't got one so I'll be advised. Just thinking how I've looked for services in the past.

 

[Risteard]

I get quite a good proportion of new business through my website. It wasn't the case 5 years ago, but it's grown steadily over the last few years.

It's because the likes of Google (Bing, Yandex, Yahoo!, Altavista (does it still exist?)) take your site more seriously after it has been there a while. This is a good thing as otherwise we could be flooded with rubbish new spam sites popping up overnight and outranking all of us!

You also need to consider things like "is my site mobile-friendly"?

 

[Welchyboy1]

A website is is for me just a reference point really for customers, it does bring in a bit now and again, but compared to all the spam i have to constantly delete, and nusiance calls from sales its not really worth it, definatly not something you should rely on for work

small ads in the local paper has worked pretty good when i first started out

But nothing comes close to the good old way of word of mouth, recommendation for doing a good job, and its absolutely free!!