At Prospect Genius, we work with hundreds of small businesses and have a front-row view of their advertising and deal-closing techniques. That puts us in the pretty unique position of being able to see what actually works and what isn’t terribly effective… I thought it might be helpful to share some tips and tricks that may help you close more business deals, allowing you to learn from the experiences of other local companies just like yours. Keep reading to find out how simple steps can help your company get ahead!
A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words
As a business owner, you may already know that adding pictures and images to your advertising can be quite helpful, but did you realize that the types of photos you use can make a huge difference? While photos of products are better than nothing, using images that include you and your staff are actually more effective. That’s because when a potential customer can see a picture of the person who will be performing services in their home, they are subconsciously put at ease and feel more secure in calling the business to set up an appointment. And if the staff members in your photo are smiling, even better! Smiling, happy employees convey to your customers that you’re a friendly, happy, wonderful company to do business with. Using photos of smiling professionals in your advertising, particularly online, can help you convert more potential customers into satisfied, paying clients.
Customer Reviews
But just because you have some great “people pictures” on your website doesn’t mean you’ll automatically end up with more business. Another important aspect of any small business’s Internet presence is customer reviews. Having a number of great reviews on your website can work magic; not having any reviews can actually break the deal for a customer who’s wavering about calling. The simple truth is that when customers search for a plumber, electrician, appliance repair shop, etc., they want to see that other people in the area have previously used your company and have good things to say. Positive reviews make your company look more professional, reputable, and appealing to potential customers.
However, we all know that it can be hard to get clients to fill out reviews for you, even if they were fully satisfied. The PG team has seen a few tricks that can help you collect the reviews you need, though. Try:

• Offering incentives. Providing a small incentive, such as $5 off or a 5% discount on their next service call, can encourage a customer to take a minute or two to send you an e-mail or fill out a review form.
• Printing postcards. Postcards with prepaid postage are another great way to get the reviews to come flooding in. Have postcards printed with your address and space for a customer review and then have all of your technicians leave a card at every job site. That makes it super easy for clients to give you a review–if you do part of the work, they’re far more likely to meet you halfway!

Making sure you make the best impression on potential customers with smiling photos and positive customer reviews can go a long way when you’re trying to attract new business to your company and close deals. Take advantage of these easy steps to help your local business get ahead!
And if you’re interested in learning more about local online advertising and how Prospect Genius can help you, just give us a call today or visit our website for additional information.