Marketing has an essential part to play in helping your business flourish and gaining new business. For this reason, Jenny Andrews, NAPIT’s Head of Communications, has chosen to provide 5 top tips on how to sell yourself and your business in the competitive trade industry.

5 – Advance your business

To advance your business with marketing techniques, a simple method is to look for ideas. You can begin doing this by considering your main selling points and putting an efficient marketing plan into effect. Knowing the value of your skills and who your customers are will bring engagement to the table.
4 – Create a simple business brand

Keep your branding simple. For example, nothing stands out more than a clear logo and a professional looking website. Design stationary and brochures, get the perfect business brand and pitch your statement across as many platforms as possible. Less is more so don’t go too overboard by ordering more than a six-month supply of printed materials or branded stationary. Don’t be shy about your business, but remember to take one hurdle at a time.

3 – Market online
Make sure you have a website that suits your business, if you aren’t the biggest tech guru, visit a professional to piece together your ideas.

Network by interacting on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook via dedicated external links and social media feed widgets.

Buffer is a great example to use to schedule your social media posts throughout the day, week or month. Post effectively and you’ll see the engagement of interest within your field boost.

2 – Network

With each given opportunity, tell people what you do and who your target market is. Connect with potential suppliers or employers at any trade events you attend such as local wholesaler breakfast mornings and calibration days and they may return the favour to you.

Be prepared to pitch what your company is all about and carry business cards just in case you meet a potential client on your journey.

As for digital networking, if you are a member of NAPIT you can use the NAPIT Forum to your advantage and develop partnerships– these tradespeople may be able to help you to sell a product or service to your target market. Why not share your own expertise with fellow NAPIT members? Visit forum.napit.org.uk/

Another networking opportunity that may be relevant to you and your business is NAPIT EXPO. You get the chance to gain up to date knowledge from the experts, have your say on relevant topics and browse the latest products on the market. The NAPIT EXPO team will be coming to four major locations in the UK in 2017. For more information visit: www.napitexpo.co.uk/

1 – Advertise your competency

To reassure potential customers that you are a competent and registered installer, influence their decision-making and publicise your competency by displaying your scheme operator logo on your van and work wear. This way customers can be self-assured that you’re the best person for the job. NAPIT members can purchase a range of branded merchandise on the NAPIT Direct online store: napitdirect.co.uk/

Use your full potential as a business to identify what you can offer to prospective customers and be the one winning new business. Remember that it is vital to create your own distinctive business brand, network within your industry and, most importantly, promote your competency to customers.