Three Tips to Help Material Suppliers Increase Sales

The weather outside is frightful and it may seem the perfect time for construction material suppliers to wait out the cold weather in anticipation of the busy season (when the call for concrete, gravel, fencing, landscaping, signage, etc. will be in full swing). It’s true, winds and snowstorms cause construction project delays, temporarily sidelining crews throughout the Tri-State Region, delaying the purchasing of materials.

However, spring is coming! Plan ahead by using your down time to get your company’s products and services in front of would-be customers and to look for ways to upsell or increase the average spend of existing clients. Many general contractors and subs have their usual list of suppliers. Want to become a go-to resource? Get in front of them by considering these ideas for kick-starting sales in the New Year:

 Get Social!

Networking, as you already know, is not only worthwhile, it’s necessary if you want to find new clients. You can do it the tried-and-true way; face-time allows you to find out, in person, how your company can help them overcome their challenges in the marketplace. In addition to catching up with current clients, you may get an opportunity to shake hands with key decision-makers you haven’t been able to get to take your calls. Don’t forget to ask happy customers for referrals and introductions, as well!

Of course, don’t forget about social media. If you personally prefer not to “Link,” “Like” or “Blog,” find someone in your organization who knows their way around the Internet. Every time you make a move online to talk about your company, your message gets shared with an exponential number of online users. It’s like distributing your business card to thousands of people at once.

When Disaster Strikes, Are You Ready to Sell?

In the wake of SuperStorm Sandy and a host of Nor’easter blizzards, there is a lot of attention being paid to disaster planning and how rising tides and other climate issues will impact construction requirements. Whether this is your core business or not, don’t miss out. Think restoration, fortifying foundations, raising, moving, building infrastructure to repair damage and prepare for changing climate and the next disaster.

To make sure your company is not missing out on disaster-related opportunities, apply to be included on the U.S. Federal Contractors Registration as well as FEMA’s Debris Removal Contractor Registry. Both of these registries are go-to resources after disaster strikes. Additionally, the New York Governor’s Office on Storm Recovery advises residents to check with municipal building and construction officials for recommendations on “Finding Reputable Contractors.” Regardless of which state your company is located, go shake some hands and get listed on the lists of referred contracting material suppliers in your region.

Want More Sales? Get Serious about Advertising

In addition to your company’s website (which should be updated regularly), it’s important to become familiar with the variety of online advertising resources that will allow you to reach prospects. The Internet is called the World Wide Web for a reason; there are many options out there, at a variety of price points.

Be smart; put your money where your would-be clients are looking. To maximize your budget and increase your hit rate, choose advertising outlets that allow you to reach your target audience — prospective clients in your ideal geographic region. Point of note:  you are reading this article and so are your clients and competitors.

CIS can help you meet all three of the objectives outlined in this article. The great thing about Internet marketing is that you can change direction, literally, with the click of a mouse button. Take the time now to prepare multiple targeted messages that can be implemented in online ads and emails over the next several months, as needed. In addition to having something ready to go to market your company if disaster strikes, you can think ahead to seasonal promotions and be ready to reach customers fast!

CIS’ advertising opportunities help companies like yours reach thousands of potential clients and partners. It’s targeted by geography and interest. Like you, CIS’ online visitors are bidding on work found on CISLeads.com and winning jobs. Contact CIS for assistance with a customized advertising plan that will take your business to the next level in 2014.

When it comes to winning more business in 2014, you need to find a way to connect with more people. Further, it’s important to do more than just talk about what you are selling; make sure your audience needs to buy what you have to sell. Whether you opt for the old fashioned face-to-face meeting or the consistent “e” communication with an online newsletter, blogging or electronic advertising, you have to set in place a strategy for winning new business and work your plan.

CIS is here to help. If we can help you reach more customers, please let us know. Visit cisleads.com or email customer service at Sue@cisleads.com.