Becoming a professional roofer is highly tempting for many people. It’s a business model that comes with plenty of variety, and running a roofing business means that you get to take a lot more control of your working hours.
Of course, it’s a career that’s not suitable for everyone. You’re going to need to enjoy practical work, have an amazing sense of balance, and you’ll definitely need to be comfortable working with heights in all weathers. However, if you tick those boxes, then it might be time to start taking a closer look at what you need to do to launch your very own roofing business.
The Importance of Business Name
Your first step when launching any new business venture is your business plan. However, don’t underestimate the need to come up with a strong business name.
Don’t choose a name that is too long or too hard to spell, and check that your final list of potential names aren’t already being used by someone else. You should also check online to see if you can buy the domain address for your business name.
Officially Register
All businesses need to register with the government. For a roofing company, it’s a good idea to become an LLC (Limited Liability Company), as this can minimize the risks to you personally. Should your business venture run into difficulties, being an LLC will protect your personal assets and make sure that you are more protected.
Get Insured
Many of your clients will want to see that you have insurance before they make use of your services. There are many types of insurance that you can look at, but there are also policies that are designed specifically for roofers and roofing companies.
Look into roofing insurance so that mishaps don’t cause you to lose clients and profits. Remember, working with tools and at heights makes accidents a real possibility, so be prepared for them.
Buying Your Equipment
You’re not going to get far without the right tools. Compile a list of essentials, with a parallel list of what would be good to have. If the costs of buying the equipment that you need are too high, then it’s also worth having a look at your financing options. Equipment financing can be particularly useful for roofing companies.
You might also consider looking at investors. If you don’t want to ask friends and family for money, then angel investors can be a useful option that can boost your budget and give you access to experienced business professionals.
Have a Website
Remember that domain name you researched? You’re going to need to use that, and that means having a website. No business should be without a website in the digital age. Offline marketing for roofers is still perfectly viable, but being easy to find online should be your priority. If potential clients can’t find you online, then they will simply go elsewhere.
It’s never been easier to build a website, and even those with no tangible digital skills can create a website in minutes. It is easier than ever to get one up and running using a dedicated platform like WordPress or Wix. For a step-by-step guide on how to create a website and platform options to use, check the portal MyBestWebsiteBuilder.com.
Get Hiring
It’s worth remembering that you’re bound to need to hire people as your client list grows. It can be a real challenge to hire the right people, and your business is going to depend on attracting the right talent. Start by finding those people that have the skills that you lack.
As your business grows, you may want to diversify, so bear in mind employee development as well. Learn some practical interview tips and take the time to meet with every applicant. Remember that culture fit is just as important as skill identification.
Social Media
You might be under the assumption that only media companies and established brands need to use social media. The fact is that social platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter can be invaluable for small, local brands. If you hope to attract commercial clients, then you’re also going to need a LinkedIn account.
Don’t treat all of your social media accounts in the same way. If your target audience is more likely to be on Instagram, then images are the key, while Facebook users will be just as keen on text and blog posts. Learn some basic social media marketing skills to get more impact from your online presence. You could be surprised at the impact it can make on reaching more customers.
Final Words
While it’s never been easier to launch a new business, you need to plan if you want a greater chance of success. Take your time and make sure that everything is in place before you announce your business and start attracting clients. Get the foundation right and you get to take control of your business, your work/life balance, and your future.
