Top 3 reasons why your customers won't contact you

1.) They CAN'T because there is NO PHONE NUMBER 

This may sound ridiculous to most people in business, but we come across it all the time. Businesses that don't advertise a contact telephone number. At all.  

Take a step back and consider what the experience of filling out a contact form/sending an email and then waiting for someone to get back in touch with you feels like. Amplify this by pretending you have an urgent problem or enquiry. 

Let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment below.

2.) Business line is a mobile number

I must admit that this is marginally better than having no number at all. However, it still bugs me. I see it a lot with people in the trades and I know why - you guys are always on the go so using your mobile makes sense. What you need to think about though is the message that this is delivering. It can raise questions like - is this person going to be reliable? Have they had many clients before? Do they have the right skills? Essentially - can I trust this business? 

We come up against people saying "I can't afford it". You can - take a look at our infographic and you might just surprise yourself. 

4.) 08 numbers

08 numbers are great if you are B2B where people are calling from landlines or can justify the costs more easily, but B2C they suck. A whopping great 93% of the UK owns or uses a mobile and they don't like expensive calls. If you want to cater to this huge market you need an 0333 number which is inclusive of mobile minutes. 

Rule of thumb: MAKE IT EASY. 

We are going to make it easy for you by giving you three months rental free of any number of your choice until the end of February. Call us to get you set up now: 0207 458 4456

4 WAYS TO SPRUCE UP YOUR BUSINESS: Week 2

I deal with a lot of smaller businesses here at Brayford Numbers and I always like to look at your website and social media presence.

I think it is fair to say that most sole traders or SMEs have a Facebook business page or Twitter profile because they think they have to "keep up with the times".

There is absolutely no point in having one though if you a) haven't posted since 2012 or b) it's looking rather shabby aesthetically.

I can't help you with the first one unfortunately because posting what you are up to in business can only be done by you!

So, why don't you make a promise to yourself and try and tweet/post something on Facebook at least once a day:

• let us know where you or your colleagues are

• show us what you are working on (Instagram is also a fantastic tool for those of you in the trades - let's see pics of your great work!)

• boast about big clients/jobs 

• ask customers to tweet/write a post on Facebook about you if you have done a good job

A post/tweet takes seconds, but really does help people make informed decisions about your company.

So - how is your Twitter or Facebook account looking?

The cover photo at the top of both platforms is an essential piece of branding. It acts the same way as a sign above a shop - it needs to look great so it lures you in so you don't move on.
Is your cover photo suffering from:

• what? - we have no cover/profile pic

• pixelated photo(s)

• photos are cut off

• compressed images

Look at the difference between these:

We can create you a professional looking cover photo for a one off fee of £25 + VAT, per platform (Facebook or Twitter), which could last you a life time!

Interested in finding out more? - call us now for a free consultation: 0207 458 4456 

How much do 0333 numbers cost to call from a landline or mobile?

Watch Emma, one of the directors here at Brayford Numbers, explain the cost of calling 0333 numbers and discuss why you should consider changing your 08 number in today's mobile market.

Let us know your thoughts or if you have any questions.

Screen shot of whiteboard:

4 WAYS TO SPRUCE UP YOUR BUSINESS: Week 1

Cash flow is always a problem for any business, no matter what size. Make sure you get paid on time or on completion of a job with a super affordable mobile chip and pin terminal.