LEAVING $$ ON THE TABLE

How much $ money $ are you leaving on the table when your efforts to build your social media profiles don't match your calls to action.  Here's what I've discovered as I go through website after website of stone and tile shops.  You write the "about us" section telling the story of the family business and how it was started by your grandfather or father and you give his name and then you ask them to email you to sales@yourwebsite. You've just broken that social connection. You talk about your customer service being the best and if they have any questions email showroom@yourwebsite.  You've just broken that connection that is so valuable. Here's the bottom line, people want to do business with people not websites! So make your website personal and use your names. Let your future clients know who your designers are and what they've done and how to reach them. If they are going to pay $5,000 or $50,000 on a remodel of a bathroom or kitchen, don't just tell them, show them! How do you differentiate yourself in the market? EVERY website says they put customers first and don't have ANY testimonials from satisfied clients.  

In a random survey recently 66% of homeowners questioned are comfortable with the upturn in the economy and are ready to invest in their homes.  If they are going to spend money with you chances are they are going to check you out online. It's all about strategy in social media. Do you have negative reviews on Yelp or Google+? Have you Googled or Binged your store lately? What your customers are saying about you is out there in an internet cloud and you have to know what the conversation is and you have to participate.  Maybe two years ago the website being up was just enough.  It's not enough now. How far would you drive to visit a friend? What store might stay open late to design your project because you don't get off work until 6PM? Again I'll ask, what are you going to do to be different and special in the marketplace? My educated guess is that you'll be rewarded with lots of business if you make the shift from impersonal to personal.