How to boost your electrical business
The electrical industry is now worth more than £16.6 billion, as reported by NICEIC, and the opportunities for work, especially for those who are self-employed, are growing at a staggering rate. We’re here to help you boost your electrical business and capitalise on the opportunities out there waiting for you!
There is a high demand for skilled trades, especially with the introduction of desirable smart technologies aiming to make homes more efficient. This growing demand means tradespeople are positive about the future, with 48% believing their businesses will continue to grow and improve over the next year.
In a recent report by NICEIC, 95% of contractors saw smart meters as an opportunity for the industry to grow, 76% saw wireless technology as a potential area of expansion, and 94% saw intelligent buildings and integrated control systems as key growth opportunities.
Why do I need to grow my electrical business?
Growing your electrical business is essential for several reasons. Expanding your business increases revenue by allowing you to take on more projects, This ultimately creates higher income and profitability. The electrical industry is evolving constantly with new technologies, so by growing your business, you can remain on top against competitors.
A larger and more established business creates job security for you and your employees, as well as being able to diversify your services to keep up with the current demand. A successful business can also positively impact your local community by providing reliable services, creating jobs, and supporting local initiatives.
By focusing on growth, you ensure long-term success, sustainability, and a competitive edge in the dynamic electrical industry.
How do I market myself as an electrician?
Marketing yourself as an electrician is essential to grow your business and attract new clients. It’s important to implement a strategic marketing plan to set you apart from the competition. By using both traditional and digital marketing methods, you can effectively showcase your skills, build a professional presence and connect with potential customers. Below are some key steps to help market your electrical business:
Website Development
Building a professional online presence starts with your website, which acts as your shop window in today’s digital era, especially if you’re self-employed. It’s where you can showcase your previous work, demonstrate your capabilities, and make yourself easily discoverable. Ensure your website is Google-friendly with relevant keywords for better search engine visibility.
A well-designed website not only impresses potential customers but also drives business by enhancing your visibility on search engines like Google. Learn how to create a professional website that highlights your skills and qualifications with our guide on how to build a website for a small business.
Part P Scheme Registration
If your business isn’t registered with a government approved Part P scheme provider, then now is the time to take that leap. By joining a Part P scheme provider (like NICEIC or ELECSA), allows you to independently sign off all notifiable work without relying on subcontractors.
Notifiable work can include anything from adding a new circuit, work in a special location, rewiring a house or changing consumer units. It is a simple way to expand your business, as by offering both minor and notifiable work you immediately open yourself up to reach more customers. You can do more of your own work, less dependency on others to complete jobs, all whilst take a greater share of the profit.
Social Media
Social media has become a powerful asset for businesses in the digital age. Many tradespeople are now embracing the idea of using a social media platform as a free portfolio to showcase completed projects. It also serves as a new and unique way to get your name out there to both customers and other tradespeople. Networking on social media can mean that you connect with tradespeople that you wouldn’t meet normally, and offers you the opportunity of collaboration.
Branding your business
Branding your business in the electrical industry involves maintaining a consistent and polished image. This includes regular communication, providing detailed and transparent quotes, and consistently exceeding client expectations. It’s important to choose a business name that resonates with customers and to focus on creating an eye-catching logo, color scheme, and graphics that represent your brand effectively. These elements collectively reinforce your professionalism and enhance your business’s identity in the market.
Professional flyers
Professional flyers remain effective, even in today’s digital era. Despite the decline in physical promotions, flyers act as tangible reminders in homes, offering reassurance and prompting calls during emergencies. Satisfied customers may share your flyer, which could enhance your referrals. Include special offers to attract new clients and highlight credentials like DBS checks and industry registrations for credibility. Consistent branding with a distinctive logo across all materials strengthens your image as a reliable electrical service provider.
Online Trade Registers
Joining trade registers involves paying annual fees and allows you to tap into a network of potential customers. By listing your business in these registers, you significantly enhance your visibility within the industry. This strategic move not only boosts your credibility but also creates the opportunity to reach more potential customers, as it positions your services in front of those seeking electrical expertise.
Grow your electrician team
Growing your electrician team is an effective way to continue to expand your business effectively. Building a team of skilled and reliable electricians is crucial to meeting the diverse needs of your clients and maintaining a reputable image.
Whilst it is important to hire other skilled electricians for business success, it’s also important to embrace hiring electrical apprentices, offering a valuable pathway to expand your workforce while nurturing fresh talent and providing an opportunity for individuals to learn how to become an electrician.
Investing in continuous training and development is key for maintaining high standards within your team. Whether your staff are new to the field, have some experience, or are seasoned professionals, our electrical courses at EC4U cater to various skill levels and ensure continuous learning and development.
Moreover, when hiring new electricians, it’s essential to prioritise candidates with a versatile skill set that aligns with evolving industry demands. Understanding what to look for when hiring an electrician, including their qualifications, experience, and commitment to professional growth, ensures you assemble a team capable of delivering exceptional service and meeting client expectations.
How to get more electrician work
No matter the size of your business, there are numerous effective strategies to attract more electrician work to grow your electrical business. Below are the key approaches to gain more electrical work:
Building customer relationships
The job doesn’t finish when you leave the site. Part of creating a good customer experience means making sure they are happy with the work completed and have your contact details to hand, should any problems occur in the future with the installation. This way, you are future proofing your company by establishing a relationship between you and the customer. You can leave a business card with the customer with your contact details on as a reminder.
Reviews and referrals
Building a reputation as a reliable electrician often begins with customer reviews and referrals. Positive feedback from satisfied clients can persuade potential customers to choose your services for your expertise. Encouraging clients to leave reviews online and recommending your services to others can significantly enhance your credibility and attract new business opportunities. Another great way is to encourage current customers to spread positive word of mouth, one of the best ways to get recommendations as an electrician and further business.
Offer special promotions
Providing special promotions is an effective way to attract new customers and retain existing ones in the competitive electrical services market. Whether it’s offering discounts on first-time services, seasonal promotions, or referral incentives, these special offers can incentivize potential clients to choose your services over competitors. Strategic promotions not only increase customer acquisition but also encourage repeat business, contributing to the overall growth of your electrician business.
Networking with tradespeople
If you’ve hit a dry spell for work, it’s time to make that phone ring and get in touch with other electricians and tradespeople. Search local registered electricians on the Competent Person Scheme Register and call around to see if there are any electricians who need any help on projects in your area. Another option is to go online to Checkatrade and look at associate trades nearby and give them a call, tell them your qualifications and see if they need any additional electrical help.
Keep up with current industry trends
Staying updated on the current industry trends is essential for electricians looking to expand their business and meet evolving consumer preferences. Some current industry trends that present opportunities is Smart technology, increasingly popular among homeowners with a projected 50 billion connected devices by 2020. Electricians can offer solutions like energy-efficient upgrades, remote-controlled devices, and personalised lighting systems.
In addition to consumer interest for “plug and play” smart devices, there’s also a demand for electricians skilled in installing complex smart home systems. These systems integrate seamlessly into homes, requiring specialised knowledge and expertise.
Additionally, staying informed about emerging technologies such as electric vehicles (EVs) can broaden service offerings. Becoming an EV charger installer can help with the rising demand for sustainable transportation infrastructure.
Build on skills with electrical courses at EC4U
From the foundational 18th Edition Wiring Regulations Course that keeps you updated on the latest standards, to specialised training like the Level 3 NVQ 2357 Package to independently certify electrical work, each course is crafted to enhance your knowledge and practical abilities.
For those interested in emerging sectors, our Electric Vehicle Charging Course prepares you for installing EV infrastructure for sustainable transportation solutions. Additionally, our Inspection and Testing Courses, equip you with the skills to conduct thorough inspections and handle complex testing scenarios effectively.
If you’re looking to advance your career to grow your business whilst meeting the evolving demands of the industry, take a look at our wide range of electrical courses.