Home inspection companies need to establish themselves as professional and reliable, and efficiency is a key element in this. Sometimes when business hits a plateau and it seems we can’t do anything else to improve marketing or increase revenue, it’s time to look inwards. This is particularly true for small businesses which have limited resources to begin with. Most businesses can improve their efficiency to some extent if they are able to take a step back and look at their processes objectively. Here are 7 simple but effective ways you can make your home inspection business more efficient and productive and keep your edge on the competition.
1. Revisit your business plan
At the beginning of your business journey you would have created a business plan which outlined your goals, objectives and forecasted growth. It will have included sales numbers as well as your budget and your key priorities. Now is the time to revisit that plan and be honest about how far you have strayed from it. It’s not unusual to lose your way and get sidetracked by tasks and goals which don’t contribute to the business’ long-term success, and that’s why it’s important to take a step back now and again. What have you lost sight of and what can you do to get back on track?
2. Develop your website
Your website is your online storefront, but that doesn’t mean that it needs to be a static source of information and nothing else. You may be able to develop the website to ensure it’s working for your business and generating new leads. Optimizing the website and its content for search engines like Google will maximize your online visibility by increasing your ranking. Social media and search engine advertising can also be used to increase visitors to your website. If you have an enquiry form on your website prospective clients, you will be able to leave their details easily and quickly on a 24/7 basis. Embedding video content is a great way to communicate what you do and what your company can offer.
3. Consider outsourcing to third parties
It’s very common in small business for one or two people to be performing multiple roles out of necessity, such as accounting, administration, human resources, payroll and marketing. While this may be effective in the early stages, as the business grows you need to find a way to relieve some of the burden. Ideally, you want to give the less business critical elements to third parties who are experts in that area. Outsourcing frees up time and takes pressure away so you can focus on the areas of the business and improve efficiency and productivity.
4. Invest in technology
Technology has revolutionized almost every industry on the planet, from computer equipment to manufacturing machinery, but the simplest software can have a huge impact on a business. Software which includes home inspection tools, automated processes and communication as well as scheduling can boost productivity and improve accuracy while reducing overheads.
5. Use social media as a customer service tool
Setting up social media accounts is a great way to reach a wider audience, increase brand awareness and engage with customers. More and more people are using social media to voice their opinions about brands and ask questions. When managed appropriately, this gives businesses the opportunity to closely manage their reputation, respond to customers promptly and solve problems sooner rather than later. In addition, in recent years an active social media presence with positive social signals has started benefitting businesses in terms of search engine rankings.
6. Expand your network
To maximize your opportunities for new business and leads, you need to be out there in the market making connections. You can do this by attending networking events, joining associations and attending (or sponsoring) community events to ensure you’re visible in the local area. Consider contributing articles to relevant industry websites and magazines.
7. Refresh the work environment
Your employees spend a huge amount of their time at work and the environment you provide for them will have a significant impact on their wellbeing and enthusiasm for their work. Providing comfortable and functional seating and desks with modern computer technology will give them the practical tools they need, but you also need to consider kitchen facilities, break-out bands and social areas. You have a legal obligation as an employer to provide a safe and hygienic work environment, but it will also benefit your business in terms of employee motivation, satisfaction, productivity and retention.
