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Marketing Advice for Tilers | Training | UK Tilers Register

Site last published: 06/30/08

Marketing Advice for Tilers

09/03/08 14:48 Filed in: Training

Marketing Advice for Tilers

We've complied a check list for any budding tiler looking to get their skills recognised after they've completed their training or apprenticeship. Where possible we've tried to put the items into the preferred order, but as you'll see you can get a few of things rolling at the same time.

Unique selling point
As with any business you need to have a reason for someone to employ you, a reason for them to call you and trust you over other tradesmen; especially those who have been trading for many years. A 'unique selling point' is just that, a reason to choose your skills.

This can be a particular niche within the tiling industry, for example natural stones, victorian flooring, geometric designs, tiler renovation etc. So for any new business it would be wise advice to examine the current competition and see what is missing, what services are lacking. At the very least you could offer those services to other tradesmen.

Needless to say that anything you choose as your niche, you need to be able to back it up professionally.

Exposure
It is no good having all the talent and professionalism in the world if no one but yourself knows you exist. You need to get noticed.

Website - Top points for this would be a cheap but professional looking website that can be used as a contact point with a professional email address, an online gallery, a place to write articles and news. If done correctly a website can be a very effective marketing tool and one that need not cost the earth.

Business Cards - The reason for putting business cards after the creation of a website, is simply so you can advertise your website address, email and any logos on the cards. It's just more cost effective to do something once. If you are looking to leave some business cards with a showroom etc, leave them in a small plastic display case; no one likes cards littering a counter.

Flyers - Small flyers or business cards are best, they are more likely to be kept, pinned on notice boards etc. But as a rule of thumb only 2% of all distributed flyers will result in contact, so only use them in areas which show signs of property development, renovation or property sales. Remember you don't need to pay VAT on flyers unless you offer a discount or something for free.

Local tile distributors and showrooms - These outlets are probably your most important port of call, not only can you develop excellent trade links with them and in turn reduced material or tile costs. But you can also learn in depth knowledge of the tiles, required adhesives etc. A showroom is more likely to recommend you if they know you fully understand their products. Don't forget your 'unique selling point'. Remember to enquire about reward or voucher schemes, where you earn a commission for sending or accompanying customers to their showrooms.

Kitchen and bathroom shows - What good is a showroom for expensive bathrooms and kitchens if they don't have access to professional tilers? They might have kitchen fitter, electricians and plumbers, but have you seen them fix tiles? Hardly in keeping with their highly priced furniture. So ensure you take along a portfolio and business cards and explain what services and specialisations you offer. Remember 'unique selling point'.

Local tradesmen - You can get work from other tradesmen but it will normally be at a much lower rate than those you've quoted for yourself. Always ensure both parties are happy with what is expected of you and what the payment terms are.

Web Directories - Any website you submit your details to has to be worth it. They should ideally be free, Google especially penalises sites which pay for links from other sites, hence why this site does not charge. Sites offering referrals are by and large worthless, you'll never really cover your investment - mainly because most web users don't trust their services; who knows who's going to call you?

Resources

Here a few links to businesses that we know offer great prices and services.

Website Design - The UK Tiler Register are currently offering a website package for £200 which includes: website design, domain name, email address, hosting for a year. For more details email us here

Business cards, Flyers - Azimuth Print Great print quality and very good customer service.

Web Directories

UK Tiler Register
UK Web Directory [Click the submit link button]
Gumtree
Freeindex
Tilers101
Yellowpages [free listing]
Thomson local [free listing]
BL3 [Click submit link]

Tags: marketing, advertising