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By: Tim Bouchard
Paid Advertising, SEO, and Content Strategy Expert
University of Maryland, Smith School of Business; B.S. Marketing and Management
Tim is the founder and owner of Blueworks Pro, where he works with clients to reach their revenue and growth goals through content-based marketing strategies.
My journey growing a home service business began during my college years when I started my own painting business called Waterfront Services. At the same time, I also worked as a sales representative for College Works Painting. These experiences allowed me to gain valuable skills in sales, estimating, crew management, and running a business.
Sales Rep to Full Time Entrepreneur
As a sales representative at College Works Painting, my main responsibilities were to acquire leads, set appointments, estimate jobs, and book projects. I learned how to effectively knock on doors and sell painting services to homeowners. I took these skills and applied them to my own business, using methods like posting on Nextdoor, Facebook, and utilizing lead generation services like Angie’s List and HomeAdvisor.
Building A Good Home Service Business
I understood the importance of building trust with customers, and I knew that having a strong online presence was crucial. I made sure to check all the digital marketing boxes, including having a Google My Business listing, a website, social media accounts, and a polished online presence. This helped homeowners see that my home service business was legitimate and trustworthy.
In person, I would show up to appointments with a professional appearance, armed with a clipboard and iPad to do estimates and show homeowners how their projects would look. I used my sales skills to build rapport and gain trust with clients, ultimately providing them with a great product and service.
The Impact of Marketing and Trust
Through these marketing techniques, I was able to generate $250,000 in revenue in just two years and help over 60 homeowners with their outdoor projects. The combination of online presence, strong marketing strategies, and excellent customer service allowed me to stand out in the industry.
Trust and marketing go hand in hand, and I understood the importance of both. I made sure to have a robust online presence on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Google My Business, and Nextdoor. By consistently posting before and after photos of completed projects, I was able to showcase my work and attract new leads. I also encouraged satisfied customers to recommend me on Nextdoor, which further generated leads. Lastly, I recorded video testimonials of my happy clients and posted them on my website and social media.
Utilizing Lead Generation Platforms
In addition to online marketing, I utilized lead generation services like Angie’s List and HomeAdvisor. These platforms allowed me to bid on jobs and book projects, thanks to my strong sales skills and structured approach. By being one of the first to call new leads, I was able to secure many jobs through these competitive platforms. Leads from these sources are pivotal early on for the growth of a home service business.
The Evolution: Transitioning and Refining The Focus
As my business grew, I realized that my passion lay more in lead generation and marketing than in fulfilling the work myself. I made the decision to close down Waterfront Services and focus on my marketing degree at the University of Maryland. I also started a wood products business as part of an entrepreneurship class, which further honed my skills in marketing and running a business.
Through networking, I landed a position as a salesperson and marketing director at Annapolis Painting Services. Here, I brought my skills from Waterfront Services and applied them to a larger company. I focused on outbound marketing strategies like Facebook and Google ads, as well as creating media content such as videos and blogs. By revamping the company’s online presence and implementing effective marketing strategies, I was able to attract more customers and increase conversions.
Inspired by my success at Annapolis Painting Services, I decided to start my own agency called Blueworks Pro. I now offer video production and marketing services to home service businesses. By leveraging my skills in lead generation, digital marketing, and video content creation, I help my clients attract qualified leads and achieve a return on investment.
Conclusion: Reflecting On Building A Home Service Business
My journey from a sales representative to a marketing director and agency owner has been challenging but rewarding. I have learned the importance of building trust with customers, having a strong online presence, and utilizing various marketing channels. By leveraging my skills and continuously adapting to the ever-changing marketing landscape, I have been able to help numerous home service businesses grow and succeed.
In conclusion, my experience in the home service industry has taught me the importance of sales, marketing, and providing excellent customer service. By leveraging my skills and continuously learning and adapting, I have been able to grow businesses and help them thrive in a competitive market. I am excited to continue my journey in the industry and help more home service businesses achieve their goals.