Does your home service business really need a website? 4 thoughts from 5 years working with small home service businesses

In today's digital age, the internet is unavoidable unless you've decided to live under a rock (no judgement here). And because nearly 46% of Google searches, according to Google, are for local businesses, it can be crucial for local businesses to have an online presence. However, for home service businesses, such as plumbing, landscaping, cleaning services, HVAC, and electrical companies, the importance of having a website may not always be immediately apparent. In this post, I'll attempt to apply my half decade experience working at digital marketing agencies and reviewing hundreds of successful and not so successful local businesses to give you my thoughts on whether a website is necessary for your local home service businesses or not.

Before I get into anything, I want to express one main opinion. This opinion is evolved from working with hundreds of thousands of dollars per month in business accounts across dozens of industries. I've seen companies rise and companies fall. So what's my opinion towards websites? A website cannot save a terrible business. Rather, a website can support, fuel, and grow a business. A recurring theme I'll never back down from is that a business must do good business if they want to succeed. If you're a home remodeler and you ruin everyone's kitchen, no amount of stunning online presence will override your bad word of mouth reputation. Trustworthy people that do good business is a necessary foundation and is enough to support a small business alone.

However, if you do good business and are looking to take your business to the next level, these are the reasons you need a website.

Having a website with proper SEO and visibility built in allows your home service business to reach your perfect audience in your local area. With the increasing reliance on the internet to find products and services (especially among millennials like myself that Google everything), potential customers are more likely to search online for home service providers now more than ever. And a properly build website with good SEO ensures that your business is visible to these potential customers.

With my clients, SEO is at the root of everything we do. I not only build stunning websites for my clients visually, but I help their website meet the needs that Google demands. My goal is not only to have your website attracting customers by the look, feel, and engagement level, but also by getting found in the first place for important keywords such as "fence company near me" or "best hvac company near me." Without SEO, you could have the best looking site in the world - but if nobody sees it, what use is it?

Next, let's face it. Good visuals can contribute to good business. If you're fencing company and the fence isn't straight, it does more harm than good for your business to show it off. If you're a home remodeler and the bathroom floor tiles are crooked, your reputation may plummet. Well, similarly, a professionally designed website that is informational and engaging to your audience helps establish credibility and trust with potential customers. It serves as a digital storefront where visitors can learn more about your services, view testimonials from satisfied clients, and get a sense of your expertise and professionalism. A well-designed website with informative content and engaging visuals can instill confidence in potential customers and differentiate your business from competitors.

Sure, some small businesses can get away with the "small time feel" vibe and have business cards designed on Microsoft paint, a simple decal on the truck, and a website built in the 90s. I get it. Some companies want their business to look small time and not over the top professional. But personally... if I'm trying to find a home remodeler and I land on a website that barely functions, what does that say about how seriously they take their business? Just like if I walk into a restaurant and my first impression is a cockroach running across the floor, what does that say about the cleanliness of the kitchen?

Arguably, this is the most important part. When you have a business in a local home service industry, people want to see your work. We live in a review driven world. Whether someone is shopping on Amazon for new shoes or shopping on Google for a new kitchen or fence, they want to see what they're getting themselves into. While Facebook is admittedly a great place to showcase your photos as well, a website is simply helping you cover all your bases. Many, many customers searching on Google for a kitchen remodel will find a company to meet their needs longs before stumbling across your Facebook page.

A website serves as a fully customized platform to showcase your services and highlight your past work through portfolios, case studies, before-and-after photos, and more. This visual representation lets your potential customers see the quality of your workmanship and gain confidence in your ability to meet their needs.

If you're wanting to showcase your business and your work in a much better feel, consider contacting me! I'd be more than happy to give you an assessment of your business, free advice, or even help your business stand out with a fully customized website. 

Your website serves as a central hub for customer engagement and communication. Through features such as contact forms, live chat, or email subscriptions, you can interact with potential and existing customers, address their inquiries, and provide timely updates about your services or promotions. This two-way communication fosters stronger relationships with your audience and encourages repeat business and referrals. This also keeps your business top of mind and allows customers to trust that you're proactive in your business.

But not only this, your website is also a place to educate customers and ultimately save you time in your business. If you have customers calling and asking the same questions 12 times per day, for instance, you can put the answer to that question front and center, thus saving you time and upping the quality of every call.

In conclusion, having a website is not just a luxury but a necessity for home service businesses in today's digital landscape. A website enhances your reach and visibility, establishes credibility and trust, showcases your services and portfolio, and improves customer engagement and communication. Whether you're a small local business or a larger enterprise, investing in a professionally designed website can help you stand out in a competitive market, attract more customers, and drive business growth. So, if you've been wondering whether your home service business needs a website, the answer is a resounding yes. It's time to embrace the digital frontier and unlock the full potential of your business online.

If you need help with these items and are considering having someone build you a customized, powerful website, feel free to reach out. I work with about 2 clients per month and would love to speak with you and see if we're a good fit to work together.