Virtual Canvassing - The Next Normal
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Successfully grow your business in a new era where face-to-face meetings are limited and home improvement projects are in high demand. Pros have turned to virtual canvassing techniques to identify and convert sales leads. In fact, according to Paul Burleson, National Remodeling Accounts Manager at Royal Building Products, “The majority of national remodelers are on target to beat last year’s numbers by 20 percent, and the nation's top remodelers have set records for their summer sales.”

So What is Virtual Canvassing?

Homeowners are still interested in home improvement and renovation projects, especially the more time they spend at home. However, social distancing makes it challenging for pros to gather leads.

Enter virtual canvassing—a sales technique that helps generate new leads without setting foot on a prospect’s property. Pros are using various social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Pinterest to start conversations, promote their projects and search for new job opportunities. This allows them to still keep their distance but still gain leads for future business.

How to Successfully Implement Virtual Canvassing:

Establish a Social Presence for Your Business

Successfully garnering leads by creating a presence for your business online (this goes beyond your website).

  • Claim your Google Business page.
  • Make sure that all of your channels use the same business name and branding so that you look professional and legitimate.
  • Make sure updated contact information is easy to find on all your channels.

Keep Your Pages Updated

Keep followers engaged by posting new content on a regular basis.

  • Post at least twice a week on every channel and focus on sharing completed projects, before/after photos, and conversation starters.
  • Engage followers by asking questions and sharing expert tips
  • Ask for reviews and referrals and request that your clients tag you in their photos so you can reshare their images!

Show Off Your Work

Attract new customers who are actively looking for design and renovation inspiration by sharing your completed projects.

  • Use hashtags and tag the brand pages of the products you’re working with so that those brands can reshare your content.
  • Use the best platforms for sharing images and tagging: Houzz, Instagram and Pinterest.
  • Ask clients to put out lawn signs advertising your business once work is completed.

Be Active in Your Local Community Groups

There are countless online community portals and groups, including neighborhood groups on Facebook and apps like NextDoor and Patch. These are great communities to be part of—not only to post about your services but also to monitor leads. Many people use these groups to source recommendations for contractors.

The key to effective virtual canvassing is to create a streamlined and consistent method of promoting your work. By sharpening your message, emphasizing the quality of your work, and finding the right audience, virtual canvassing is a powerful tool for growing your business.