Offline Advice needed

Well, they need to build their brand, right? Who is their target market? Who can they JV with? An seo'd website with adwords campaign would be an online option. What about offline options? What's the best way to reach their target market? You can't answer that until you know who they are.

Just a quick note.

I am guessing that you are talking about offline marketing for him?

Depends what and how he is marketing at the minute.

Profile his existing customers and identify where they were from. See if they will do testimonials to advertise the products and services to new customers.

Approach high end builders, local councils to see if there is an interest.

Without knowing too much about the actual product/service it is difficult.

Have a look at the local planning departments records to see if there are any new developments happening where you can install the Gates/railings/etc.

I am guessing this maybe more rural.

Not sure if this helps but even if it gives you a little bit more to talk to them about then all good.

Let me know a little more and where they are at with the current marketing and I maybe able to broaden my understanding and thinking.

Cheers

J4y

I ran a fab shop for a couple of years about 5 years ago, and my strategy was to get in with high-end custom homebuilders and do all the metalwork for them. Driveway gates, stair railings, wine room gates, custom structural support brackets, chimney caps, etc. Especially for the railings and chimney caps, after proving ourselves the first time they would issue us the PO again and again for the next one. I could creep my price up and they were happy to pay it because they knew we'd deliver on time and right.

Of course, Vancouver was in the middle of a housing and reno boom and people had money. I'm sure your market is different. However, most builders would rather not have the hassle of finding and testing a new metal shop to work with, and will stick with you provided you've met their expectations.

If there isn't much new building where you are, check into the renovation market. Contractors doing renos are in the same boat as new constructors: they want someone reliable they can call and not have to worry about.

For your SEO, you definitely want to find a way for the public to hit your client's website. Make sure there are lots of photos of previous projects. Encourage your client to get testimonial letters from satisfied customers and post these on the site as well.

Sometimes a Physical brochure may help. I know when I get emails from Toolstation or Screwfix I just delete them. If I get a booklet I will sit there and work out what I need and then go get it. I am not saying it will definatly work but if they have some money to spend on it then it is worth a try. If not a large brochure then may be a mini one with offers and then follow up with calls and point them to the website. Making sure they use specific codes to trace what is and what isn't working.

Get referrals from existing clients see if there is any margin in it to discount or rewards either or. Remember birds of a feather and all that.

What about dyversifying into other markets.

I once done some marketing with a company that made components of some sort. Business was slow and they had dyversified and setup a part of their business that made metal body jewellery. This then took over the main part of the business. It is just and example but a real one.This is about 8 years ago now, but I am sure with the increase in piercing the body art part of the business will still be going strong. I know this is nothing like what your company have but you could use it as an example.

Can they offer a budget line of what they offer.

What about Caravan sites, travellers sites, grave yards, cremeatoriums. I was thinking around the grave or head stones.

Just bouncing a few ideas around. I hope it helps.

Cheers

J4y

You could advertise in home/real estate mags that are local. Check your local builders association and ask what the best options are