Blog>Trade>Read ‘Accelerate!’ for free – Learn the secrets to become a successful tradesperson
Last updated: 6 January 2025
Read ‘Accelerate!’ for free – Learn the secrets to become a successful tradesperson
While there’s always plenty of work to be had as a tradesperson, sometimes growth can be hard to achieve. Wouldn't it be great if you could get advice from some of the most successful entrepreneurs in your industry? If only to see how they did it. Read on to learn how our book ‘Accelerate!’ can provide just that!
Growing your business successfully
Every tradesperson running their own business knows just how important growth is. Without it, you wouldn’t be able to expand your customer base or offer your clients new services.
But maintaining consistent growth isn’t easy. In fact, it’s one of the hardest parts of running any business.
Fortunately, with the help of our book, ‘Accelerate!’, you can learn all the trade secrets to make growth simple.
What is Accelerate!?
‘Accelerate!’ was Commissioned by Richard Harpin, the founder and chief executive of Homeserve and chairman of Checkatrade.
Richard has over 25 years of experience in the home improvement industry. And he made it his goal to share his knowledge to help other businesses thrive.
As a result, ‘Accelerate!’, is all about breaking down successful business owner strategies to show how they became successful. We share their stories and offer tips on how to succeed in a competitive market.
There are even tips on how to effectively grow your business in the digital age.
Credit Image Source : Richard Harpin
Sounding interesting?
But just how much do you have to pay for this knowledge? Well, as it turns out, nothing at all!
That’s right, you can download ‘Accelerate!’, for free, right now.
Meaning you can discover the secrets to business success at no extra cost. Of course, if you want some insights now, then keep reading to learn more about what ‘Accelerate!’ has to offer.
1. Tips for success in a digital world
It’s never been more important to build your online reputation than in the modern day.
According to recent research, over 90% of people read online reviews before buying a product or service. That means you need to have an online presence with evidence of your work in order to attract new clients.
Your online profile is the first contact they'll have with your brand
As we all know, making a great first impression is extremely important. That's why building success in the digital world directly links to real-life success.
For example, in Chapter 4 of ‘Accelerate!’, we offer detailed information on how to succeed in the online world.
Your company message should be consistent across all points of contact, including, but not limited to:
Your website
Your social media profiles (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc...)
E-mail copy
Review sites (e.g.: Checkatrade)
Have we got your attention? You’ll have to download and read ‘Accelerate!’ if you want to know more.
Accelerate your business's growth
Get your free copy of "Accelerate!" today
2. Beat your competitors and boost your profits
Another point we’ve mentioned is how standing out amongst your competitors is the key to success.
To do this, you need to offer your customers something unique. Something that other businesses can’t offer.
Ideally, it all starts with the first contact made by a potential customer. You need to keep them interested to the point where they want to use your services.
That’s why, in Chapter 5, we look at how to attract new customers through a comprehensive sales strategy.
Planning is an integral part of improving sales. Both for retaining your current customer base and getting new clients in the future.
Our top tips for how to improve sales skills
Marketing your business and generating new customer leads is important. But it's only part of the story. You'll also need to make sure you're converting those leads into sales. Getting the sale is all in the technique. In this blog, we'll show you how to improve your sales skills to make sure you're
3. Quotes, customer service, and branding
As the saying goes**, your customers always come first**. Which makes being clear and open with your customers right from the start is the best approach. This is especially true if you want to build trust, and create a good and consistent reputation.
For example, your quotes need to be realistic, efficient, and entirely transparent with regard to your cost breakdown.
An adaptable template will help with this, removing the need to spend your weekends and evenings writing up new quotes. You should also look at customisable quoting with multi-choice options for your customers as well.
Our quoting and invoicing tool - saves time on your admin
With tradespeople estimated to spend around 2.5 hours every week on quoting and invoicing customers, our tool is designed to help streamline your job processes. It's easy to use, and generates both quotes and invoices at the touch of a button. > “Our members often tell us that quoting is a pain
What's the deal with branding?
Good customer service in turn also links directly to your brand.
Here, your message should be to offer customised customer quotes for a truly bespoke service.
Branding places focus on the customer while highlighting that you don't just offer the standard service. Instead, it shows that each customer's needs are unique.
Improve your business with Checkatrade
Make use of branded materials and discounts when you become a member
4. The importance of your online reputation
As we’ve already mentioned, nowadays, your online reputation is one of the most important factors in achieving business success. And online reviews play a big part in all of this.
New research has really highlighted the true power of reviews. Studies have shown that nearly half of adults (46%) avoid purchasing anything online without checking reviews first.
Furthermore, expert analysis suggests that several different review criteria affect search results, including, but not limited to:
The number of reviews
The percentage of positive reviews vs negative reviews
The regularity of reviews
The location of reviews
The detail of the reviews
Overall**, reviews affect your online reputation wherever they are found**. Some platforms, however, have more influence over customers and search engines than others.
The impact online reviews can have on your business - Free guide included
Why reviews matter Your customers need to read real reviews to give them confidence that they're making the right decision in choosing a trade professional... and hopefully that expert they choose is you! The customer testimonials your business receives will show that what you say you're good at
Customer reviews on industry-specific sites, like Checkatrade, will play a more important role in influencing customer action
Remember, when you exceed customer expectations, they’re far more likely to leave you a glowing review.
Not only that, but they’re more likely to recommend your business to their friends and family as well.
Improve your business with Checkatrade
Make use of branded materials and discounts when you become a member
5. One extra tip not found in the book
Last, but not least, in the digital age, your image is your identity. People shop with their eyes.
This means that investing in professional photography can be essential. It can be used to showcase your work online and through social channels.
Through careful planning, branding, and promotion, your business can thrive on good photography. However, equally important to business success are financial management, legal organisation, and employee management.
All of which you can find more about in ‘Accelerate!’.
Supercharge your business with Checkatrade
If any of the tips we’ve provided you have caught your interest, then be sure to download ‘Accelerate!’ today.
Concise and comprehensive, our free e-book contains information on all the following business areas:
Getting your name out there
Online marketing
Building your sales strategy
Effectively using the latest tech and IT systems
Building your team
Financial planning and profit
Legal information
Business growth
Industry success stories
And don’t forget to reach out to our team today to find out more about Checkatrade, and how a membership could help your trade business.
Is a Checkatrade membership worth it?
One way to figure out whether the cost of something is worth it is to look at ROI (Return on Investment). In its most basic sense, this is how much something costs compared with the income it generates. Working out the ROI of a Checkatrade membership is definitely a must-do for any trade business
Business FAQs
How can I start a business?
Starting any business is all about planning, which means coming up with a detailed business plan.
We cover this in chapter 8 of ‘Accelerate!’. However, you can also read our blog on creating a business plan for more information.
Accelerate your business's growth
Get your free copy of "Accelerate!" today
