Should You Offer a Free Roof Consultation? How to Add Value Without Devaluing Your Business
Author: Sheryll Poe | June 14, 2023
Many roofing contractors offer a free roof consultation to prospective clients as a way to drum up business without incurring too many overhead costs. But does offering a free roofing consultation really help roofing business owners win customers? And how can roofers offer this deal without losing money?
The Pros and Cons of Offering Free Consultations
Offering a free consultation gives you the chance to connect one-on-one with a prospective client, build a personal relationship and show them how you can help them. Providing free roof consultations can be particularly useful during the slow season, when you may have some time to spare, or in instances when you notice that your competitors are not offering a key service your business provides. A free consult can help to distinguish you as a roofing business with excellent customer service, and a client may be more likely to pick you.
On the flip side, offering a free roofing consultation could take up valuable work hours, particularly if these leads do not turn into clients. You might be giving away your expertise and your most valuable asset: time. If you're already stretched thin in terms of time and labor, free consultations might not be a good fit for your business.
Tips for Success
If you do decide to provide a free roof consultation as part of your business offerings, there are a few things you can do to make these appointments worth your time.
- Automate the process. Having a simple fill-in-the-blank form or scheduling app on your website allows visitors to schedule the consultation themselves. It should include a clear call to action. For example: "Click here for a free, 30-minute consultation where we'll go over the best roofing options for your home or business."
- Set a time limit for the consultation and stick to it. Don't let the conversation just go free-range. Roofing business owners need a conversational plan in place to diagnose the problems, convey the impact of those problems and offer roofing solutions. Whether that's 20 minutes or 45 minutes is up to you.
- Position yourself as a proven problem solver. Instead of thinking of it as a sales pitch, consider a free roofing consultation as an opportunity to show potential clients that you are the best expert to help them with their roofing needs. Consider bringing a portfolio of previous work and testimonials as further proof of your competence and track record of success.
- Make sure it's not your only lead generator. While it can be a useful tool to generate leads as part of an overall marketing strategy, free roofing consultations are not a guaranteed way to make money or win customers. You should also be advertising, networking and attending events, getting good online reviews and maintaining a strong social media presence.
Should You Offer a Free Roof Consultation?
Free roofing consultations, if done right, can help contractors attract leads, build trust and win customers. With the right strategy in place, offering free consultations can become a major part of your overall marketing efforts.