Craftsman:15 solutions on how to make yourself known?

Making yourself known when launching your activity is strategic, and this also concerns craft businesses.
There are many ways to make yourself known as a craftsman, more or less expensive and effective. But before committing to communication actions and marketing expenses, ask yourself the right questions:
What is your core business?
Who is your target: in other words, who do you want to reach?
What are the characteristics, expectations and preferences of your target customers?
How your target customers informed and what are are they receptive to?
For example, a craftsman will not communicate in the same way depending on whether he is addressing the elderly or businesses. It’s up to you to put yourself in the shoes of your future customers to define the best communication strategy.

15 solutions to make yourself known as a craftsman.

Here are 15 ways to develop your notoriety and make yourself known as a craftsman.

1) Buy advertising space (internet, press, radios, billboards…).

Making yourself known through the purchase of advertising space is certainly an expensive solution, but effective if it is well targeted. Communicate with your target’s favorite media. Play on proximity and convey an image of professionalism. Repeat the message for a satisfying impact.
Most of all, be patient and try to measure the rate of return.

2) Enter contests.

There are many competitions in the craft world that you could participate in and around which you could communicate. Competitions are indeed an excellent springboard for the communication of craftsmen, highlighting positive values such as passion, talent, work or even professionalism.
The best known of the craft competitions is certainly.

3) Organize open houses.

As far as possible, take a tour of your workshop, your facilities and show your achievements. Invite local representatives as well as the press.
Organizing an open house takes a little preparation and organization, but it is still an inexpensive solution to make yourself known as a craftsman.

4) Take care of your paper communication media.

Paper media (brochures, brochures, flyers, business cards, invitation letters, etc.) remain the main driver of notoriety.
Pay particular attention to their development:
paper quality,
choice of graphic charter,
Logo
As well as the information they contain:
contact information,
services offered,
Certifications, ten-year guarantee, label, Siren number, etc.

5) Decorate your vehicle.

Do you have to travel regularly? Turn your vehicle into a permanent advertising medium.
From magnetic plates to the total look, the possibilities are endless. Prefer to invest in a quality decor covering the entire vehicle to create a real impact.

6) Create a website.

The website is a communication tool that has become essential in the craft industry. Beyond the contact information, your website must present your know-how and your achievements (photos). Ideally, you can also integrate a presentation video as well as customer testimonials.

7) Get a label.

The labels are a guarantee of quality for your future customers. Easily recognizable, the label will make it easier for you to gain their trust.
Certain labels also offer their members promotional solutions.
In buildings, the RGE label allows customers to benefit from the zero-rate eco-loan as well as the energy transition tax credit. Labeling can therefore turn into a shock selling point.

8) Offer your services as a subcontractor.

Get in touch with large companies established in your sector in order to offer those subcontracting services. This will allow you to gain a foothold in the market and start building your relationship network.

9) Develop your inter-professional network.

A good way to make yourself known as a craftsman is to join an entrepreneurs club (for example the BNI) or to participate in the events of your Chamber of Trades.
Generally speaking, after work meetings or entrepreneurs’ breakfasts are an excellent way to forge lasting inter-professional relationships and access great business opportunities.

10) Prospect in the field.

Time-consuming but can bring good results, door-to-door sales to individuals will still require a minimum of training on some basic commercial techniques.
To promote your building company, do not hesitate to visit the current sites and leave your business card.

11) Participate in trade shows or fairs.

The shows are generally thematic. You will thus have the guarantee that the visitors and prescribers present correspond to your target.
The cost of a salon can be quite substantial, but it is above all a matter of considering the potential of the contacts established.
Please note, participation in exhibitions and fairs requires a significant personal investment and a long period of preparation.

12) Become a sponsor.

This is another effective way to market yourself as a craftsman. Sponsoring sporting, humanitarian or cultural events, against material or financial participation, will make your company more visible thanks to the presence of your logo on various media (shirts, t-shirts, posters, panels, documents, etc.).
Sponsoring certain actions can also strengthen your brand image on the values ​​you want to convey.

13) Distribute goodies.

Small gifts are always a pleasure … as long as they correspond to the tastes of your target.
On trade fairs, on construction sites or for appointments, always take promotional items with you for your customers, partners, prospects, or suppliers.
The goodies mark the spirit, all the more if they are aesthetic and ecological.

14) Develop your presence on social networks.

Whether you are a wood frame builder, pastry chef or textile designer, presenting your know-how remains the most effective way to convince. Favor social networks adapted to your profession and your target. Take care of your photos and videos animations for company, even if it means calling on professionals. The more qualitative your posts, the more they will be shared!

15) Register in directories.

The directory, especially online, remains a must to make yourself known as a craftsman. Choose PagesJaunes and the Google My Business service, which will allow you to appear on Google’s geographic results.