I've been thinking about doing an article to help installers build a small inexpensive website. I have a few questions for you all ... do any of you have websites? Are you all mostly independent contractors? Do you do any advertising in your local area? If so, what do you use and what is the expense? If you've been thinking about building a website, what has been holding you back?
Stephen Perrera Posts: 823 Since: 5/27/2008
8/17/2009 11:38:34 AM
I think I am just lazy is why I have no website. Plus I use "My Page" over at www.flooringinstaller.ning.com sometimes if ppl want to know more about me and they can see pics as well as my blogs. It has pretty neat features, probably more than I could do on a website.
I also post ads in craigslist, yellow pages and I just signed up for servicemagic.
Last Edited 8/17/2009 11:39:14 AM
Kathy Andes Posts: 40 Since: 10/30/2008
8/17/2009 9:42:41 PM
Thanks, Stephen. I'm sure what you do is helpful, but I can see right off some disadvantages. I wonder why other installers don't have websites ... they are so cheap and easy to do these days ...
Kathy Andes Posts: 40 Since: 10/30/2008
8/18/2009 8:47:59 AM
One other question for installers ... how do you get most of your work? How much by referrals? Yellow pages? etc.
Roger Gerber Posts: 327 Since: 3/17/2008
8/20/2009 6:36:49 PM
Kathy, the majority of installer get their work from a retailer or workroom. They establish a relationship with them and work for the dictated price. There are a very few such as Stephen who advertise on their own and work directly fo the end user. Others use a retailer like ProSource or Direct Buy as a referrel service. Only in a few cases do the installers work for a retailer as an hourly employee.
Rusty Baker Posts: 111 Since: 6/7/2008
8/21/2009 7:48:10 PM
I don't work for retailers either. I can charge much higher rates than they pay. All of my work is by referral. A web site wouldn't do me any good. In a rural area like this people ask their friends and relatives who did their work.
Jerry Thomas Posts: 96 Since: 6/3/2008
8/24/2009 7:51:40 AM
I've had a cheap website for several years and it easily pays for itself.
Pretty lame and I hate working on it but it serves my purpose.
