Why Your Trades Company Needs a CRM System

Okay, so: you are in the middle of a job; your hands are busy (and possibly even filthy). Your phone buzzes – you can’t answer it. By the time you have a moment and call back at the end of the day, that potential customer has already booked someone else!

For many landscapers, auto mechanics, and HVAC techs alike, this happens every day. In the trades, you lose money because you are busy making money.

This is why trade businesses need a CRM – which is a client relationship management (CRM) system. It organizes your customers and handles communication when you can't. Missed call text back, automated emails, scheduling requests, and more – ultimately, it stops your leads from slipping through the cracks!

CRM Systems That Actually Work

We work with all kinds of service pros. While we see a lot of software, a few stand out because they actually help you run the business instead of just adding more work.

ServiceTitan: This is the heavy lifter for large teams needing complex dispatching and inventory management. If you run multiple trucks and have office staff, this is often the standard.

Jobber: A favorite for residential pros, this tool shines at getting quotes out fast and keeping the customer loop tight. It handles the whole job cycle without requiring a degree in computer science.

Charisma CRM: Built on GoHighLevel, this is the tool we use most at My Marketing Works to drive aggressive marketing. It focuses on automation and funnels to get you paid & keep your schedule full!

Zoho: This platform is highly customizable and works well if you want to build very specific workflows for your office. It connects with just about everything but can take some time to set up.

Chiirp: If text message automation is your priority, Chiirp is a strong contender. It excels at engaging leads instantly so you stop playing phone tag. We hear many good things from our franchise clients who use it.

Google Workspace: This is another option for keeping your operations organized. It helps teams track their daily tasks without getting bogged down in complicated features. Although, our marketing pros (and some frustrated business owners) recommend not using GWS as a CRM replacement.

READ MORE > Best Marketing Channels to Get More Calls

Connect & Never Lose Another Lead

One of the most valuable things these systems do is text back a missed call. When a lead contacts your shop and you don't pick up, the system instantly sends them a text (and you a text and/or email alert).  

You can set it to say something simple like, “Sorry I missed you. Click here to grab a spot on my calendar.” Or you can automatically send a link to a quote form.

In this case it works because: The customer clicks the link. They book themselves. You just secured the job without taking your gloves off. They stop hunting for other contractors because they know they are on your schedule.

Build Your Reputation on Autopilot

Another key for our clients is how to reply to all those rave reviews! And we all know, you need Google reviews to get found online for other people to book you. It’s a seemingly endless cycle, especially when many find asking for them can be awkward and easy to forget.

When you have a CRM, you can send a review request automatically as soon as you close a job. The customer gets a link on their phone and email. They click it on the medium they like best. You get five stars. The system can even reply to the review for you! This activity signals to Google that you are a top-tier business, boosting your visibility.

Follow Up Without the Headache

If you installed a solar panel system or fixed a condenser last year, that person might need maintenance now. And, you probably don't have time to call them and check-in...

You can set up your system to send check-in emails or texts automatically. You stay top of mind. You get repeat business without having to make cold calls. We call that a win-win.

To see how these tools can stop you from losing work to the other guys in town? Give us a ring! We’d be happy to hustle hard and put our marketing automation expertise to the test. So, you say ‘my marketing works’.

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