As i’m in the middle of a transition and re-brand of the Sawmill Business, I’ve been asking our audience a lot of questions.
Why?
Because I want to know what you’re thinking, feeling, and doing in your businesses so that I can identify your problems and challenges and in turn, help you grow your business.
As you may recall, the Sawmill Business Podcast started because of my involvement with my father-in-law’s wood biz, Crosscut Lumber. Over the years that I’ve been a part of his family, I’ve helped him grow his business, and he’s let me pick his brain. I’ve seen what it takes to grow a wood business, and I want to help you.
Today’s question comes from a member of our audience, and it’s a good one…
Q. I’ve started my wood related business, and I have a few clients. However, I want to continue growing my client base while increasing my social media following. How do I do this?
A. Here’s the thing, you shouldn’t do these two things separately. They go hand in hand and should be done at the same time for optimal results.
When it comes to social media, documenting all of your work is king- the work you create, the business conversations you have, the wood you cut, all of it!
- Remember – The way to grow your social media following is by showcasing your work and your brand.
For example, if you’re a sawyer and you’re in the middle of a milling job, set up a tripod and record yourself working! Or, if your customer is there, ask them to take a picture!
- Did you cut some massive slabs recently? Take a picture and post it!
Again and again, you’ll hear me say this – “You HAVE to get in front of the camera sometimes!”
In order to build your brand and your client base, people need to see who you are and what you do. The more often you put value, content, and goodwill into the marketplace, the more people will tend to think of you the next time they need your services.
It’s unfortunate, but in this day and age, good work is simply not enough to grow a business. To truly gain traction and a constant stream of inbound leads, you have to focus on networking and growing your social media following.
How else can I grow my client base?
When you’re thinking about how to grow your client base, think to yourself – Who are the types of people that you would consider your ideal customers?
Ask yourself –
- Who are your past customers?
- Who did you like working for?
- Who else have you done work with?
Once you’ve answered these questions, make a profile of the answers.
- What age do your clients tend to be?
- Gender?
- What type of car do they drive?
- What type of lifestyle mindset do they have?
If you’re not happy with the answers, remember this – “The types of customers that you’re attracting are being attracted to the type of business brand that you personify.”
Another Key Is To Utilize Past Clients.
If you’ve done good work and your client was satisfied, ask them these questions –
- How was it working with me?
- Would you mind giving me a testimonial?
- When you ask for a testimonial, ideally you want it on video.
One of the smartest and simplest things that you can do for your wood business is to build a community around your current client base. Add value to their life by becoming a part of it!
Summer BBQ’s, fall bonfires, restaurant dinners, and sports-related gatherings are just some of the ways in which you can network, while becoming a community pillar at the same time.
The idea is, if they’re thinking about you, they’re more likely to talk about you!