Do you have a knack for DIY or home improvement and have always dreamt of running your own business? If your answer is yes, starting a home services franchise may be the perfect option. Due to the pandemic, home improvement and handyman companies have increased in popularity. Many individuals were stuck at home and decided to renovate their homes. That’s where the demand for a home improvement franchise comes in. These businesses send professionals to customers who require expert services, such as replacing worn-out flooring.
The internet makes it easy for entrepreneurs to set up their own home improvement businesses and to start attracting potential clients. Joining a home improvement franchise could make this even easier as the franchise will offer you a pre-established business plan and brand to trade under. If you have good knowledge of DIY or construction and know your way around a website, you could easily set up your very own home improvement business. Here are our top tips for how to start a home improvement franchise.
Marketing
If you join a franchise, your website will already be set up for you and you will not have to worry about deciding on a brand name or logo. This means that you can get started with marketing your home improvement business straightaway, to attract as many potential customers as possible. One of the most crucial steps for reaching potential customers is enhancing the online presence of your franchise business. For this reason, it makes perfect sense to use franchise marketing solutions, which make it simple to develop more effective marketing campaigns. You should focus on spreading the word about your business through local social media pages. It may also be a good idea to place posters or flyers in local furniture stores or construction outlets; this is where you are likely to find potential customers. You could also create an online advert and ask for this to be featured on a home improvement blog or website. A good marketing campaign is the difference between a successful business and a not so successful one.
Make your business legal
Before taking any official jobs, you must make sure that your business is registered and has all of the necessary licenses and insurance that are required to trade. After registering your franchise, you will need to check if your business will require any license to run. Licences give you permission to carry out activities such as placing an advertisement board on a pavement in the street. Finally, you will need to purchase the correct insurance for your business to run. If you join a franchise, they will be able to guide you through exactly what you need. Most home improvement businesses will need employers liability insurance and commercial motor insurance.
Have the right equipment to hand
When a customer books a home improvement service, whether it is installing a new kitchen or inspecting damp areas, they expect the process to be straightforward and problem-free. You should make sure that your business has all the equipment that you may need for the job before advertising your services so that you aren’t caught out in front of customers. The most important pieces of equipment are basic tools, a kart to transport the heavier pieces and some protective clothing. The extra pieces of equipment that you may need will depend on the type of job that you are handling. To be safe, it is recommended that you buy everything that you need- even if you may not end up using it.
Connect with other local businesses
One of the best ways to get your business going is to reach out to other local businesses that may be able to provide you with clients. It might be a good idea to become friendly with local furniture shops, builders, interior design companies or even local removal companies as these businesses are likely to reach your target market. You could create a partnership with a local company and offer a discounted price for customers of that company. Having connections with local businesses will not only help you to reach clients, teach you the tricks of the trade. It is likely that strategies that have worked for other local companies will also work well for your own.
There are a wide range of resources out there to help you get started with your own home improvement franchise. There are a number of types of professional services franchise opportunities to choose from, from jobs like damp mitigation to full on construction and DIY services. You’re sure to find a franchise for you, but you must be sure to carry out due diligence and resources like this article to help you get off on the right foot.