In today's digital age, having an online presence is vital for any business—especially in the cleaning industry. Websites, social media, and online reviews are all key to attracting new clients and growing your business. However, there’s one aspect of customer service that often gets overlooked: answering the phone.
As a cleanerpreneur, your goal is to build trust, establish relationships, and secure new business. While online presence is essential for visibility, the simple act of picking up the phone can often be the difference between winning a new client or losing them to a competitor. Here’s why answering that unknown number can be crucial to your success. 1. Potential Customers Won’t Wait
In my own experience recently, a potential lead called my service looking for a cleaner. After I answered, she immediately hired my service, stating how surprised she was that I picked up the phone—none of the other cleaning services she had tried even bothered to answer! This leads to a crucial lesson: customers want solutions immediately.
When a potential customer is looking for a cleaning service, they’re often ready to make a decision right then and there. They’re in the mindset to book, and every missed call is a missed opportunity. If you don't pick up the phone, the next business in their list might, and that’s where your opportunity vanishes. 2. Answering the Phone Shows You're Reliable
People trust businesses that are accessible. When you answer the phone, you're sending a strong message that your business is attentive, professional, and ready to help. On the other hand, letting calls go unanswered can create a negative impression—potential customers may think you’re too busy, unprofessional, or simply uninterested.
In the cleaning industry, reliability is one of the most critical factors customers consider. If they can’t reach you when they need to, why would they expect you to be reliable when it comes to their cleaning needs? 3. You Stand Out from Competitors
In my recent experience, the client explicitly mentioned that no other service she called picked up the phone. That’s a huge competitive advantage right there! In a world where businesses are relying more and more on automated systems, chatbots, and email forms, picking up the phone is becoming a lost art—and one that can set you apart from the competition.
It’s ironic that in the age of technology, something as simple as answering a call can feel like premium customer service. Don’t overlook this easy way to differentiate your business and make a memorable impression. 4. The Personal Touch is Still Powerful
As much as technology helps us streamline communication, people still crave that human connection—especially when it comes to services like cleaning. Answering the phone allows potential customers to hear your voice, get a sense of your professionalism, and instantly ask questions they may have.
That personal touch can build immediate trust and rapport. Customers are more likely to feel confident hiring someone they’ve spoken to directly rather than a faceless company they only interacted with via email or through an online form. 5. Speed to Response = Speed to Revenue
Every call that comes in is a potential sale. By answering quickly, you’re decreasing the time it takes to convert an inquiry into a paying client. When you pick up the phone, you can often close the deal in that same call. A client with a cleaning emergency isn’t going to wait around for an email response—they’ll hire the first person who can confirm availability and meet their needs.
Your ability to quickly respond to a phone call could be the key to locking in new revenue, so don’t let the opportunity slip through your fingers. 6. Phone Calls Provide Immediate Feedback
When a potential client calls, they’re looking for immediate answers, but they’re also providing valuable feedback. You can use that time to learn about their needs, pain points, and what they’re looking for in a cleaning service. This information helps you better tailor your pitch and build a more personal connection.
Moreover, these conversations can provide you with insights into what’s working in your business and what’s not. Is there a common reason why clients are calling? Are you addressing the same concerns repeatedly? Answering the phone gives you direct access to this kind of actionable feedback. Balancing Online Presence and Responsiveness
Of course, having a strong online presence is still critical. It’s how people find you in the first place, learn about your services, and read reviews. But don’t let that overshadow the importance of answering the phone when it rings.
The cleaning business is personal—people invite you into their homes or offices and trust you with their space. Sometimes, the old-fashioned ways of communication are the most effective in establishing that initial trust. Final Thoughts: Don’t Let That Ring Go Unanswered
Next time your phone rings, even if the number is unknown, answer it! That could be your next loyal customer. While focusing on your online marketing is essential, it’s just as crucial to make yourself easily reachable. After all, no website or social media platform can provide the instant, personal connection that a simple phone call can.
In a world where businesses are increasingly automated, make answering the phone your competitive edge. It’s easy, it's personal, and it’s highly effective. Who knows, your next big client could be on the other end of that ringing phone.
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AuthorDanny Partida is the creator and host of Archives
November 2024
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