For any handyman or other tradesperson, pricing their services can be tricky. Finding the proper hourly rate is essential to succeed in the industry and help create a steady income stream. If you set your rate too low, people may think you’re inexperienced; too high, and people won’t hire you. So, what’s the sweet spot when it comes to setting your hourly rate and growing your business as a handyman?
Define Your Services
Are you skilled in carpentry? Do you have experience with plumbing or electrical work? Knowing who you are as a handyman will help distinguish you from the competition and give potential customers an idea of your skillset and hourly rate.
Method.me cited that the hourly rate of a handyman ranges from $50 – 80/hr if they’re self-employed and can go up to $75 – 125/hr if they’re working in a corporate setup. Also, most handymen will charge 20 – 50% markup when buying the materials themselves.
Put together a portfolio outlining your services and any relevant credentials that establish trustworthiness in clients’ eyes. Make sure to include all the jobs for which you have experience so potential customers know what tasks they can hire you for—this helps them get an idea of your pricing structure too!
Speaking of pricing, it’s worth making use of estimating software for all contractor trades when courting clients. That way you can simplify the process of providing quotes, and offer accurate estimates from day one.
Networking and Word of Mouth
Networking with other contractors or service providers in your area is a great way to get the word out about your business. When you meet other local handymen, ask them to spread the word about your services and offer them an incentive like a referral fee. This will help you increase your visibility and attract more clients.
Additionally, look for ways to partner with businesses related to yours, such as home improvement stores or real estate agents. You can also join trade associations and attend industry events such as conventions or conferences to meet potential customers in person.
Utilizing Social Media
Reviews are essential to social media marketing and can help increase your business’s visibility and credibility. Review websites like Google My Business or Yelp offer excellent opportunities to showcase your work’s quality and what sets it apart from competitors.
Positive customer testimonials on these sites can help you establish trust with potential customers and demonstrate the value you offer at a reasonable hourly rate.
Create a Website
Creating a website offers potential customers a way to view your services and get information on the projects you have completed. Additionally, having a website positions your business as professional and credible.
Many free website-building platforms make creating and hosting your website easy and cost-effective. Many of these platforms even offer customizable templates. Hence, all you need to do is enter information about your business, such as contact details, services provided, and any other pertinent information. Once complete, customers can get all their questions answered immediately without contacting you directly for more details.
Make Use of Free Resources
Social media is a potent tool that you can use to promote your services without cost. Leverage the power of Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram by creating profiles for your business, sharing content regularly, and engaging with potential customers.
You can also use free online training resources to improve your knowledge and hone skills that could benefit your business. Look for tutorials and articles on website development, digital marketing, or other topics related to running a successful business to stay ahead without paying a cent.
Conclusion
Growing and succeeding as a handyman without spending much is an attainable goal. With the right tools, determination, and help from those already established in the business, you can create a path to success for yourself. Not only will you make more money, but you’ll also be satisfied knowing that your hard work is paying off.
