By Jim Groff
Over the past several years, companies all along the construction supply channel have embraced the importance of their brand—defining it, cultivating it, and using it as the point of focus for their marketing and sales efforts. Many companies, particularly manufacturers, understand the significance of a concerted branding effort. But we still find that many firms in the industry ignore branding altogether—and dealers are among the biggest culprits.
In some ways, it's understandable. Most dealers have been doing business for a long time and they are well known to their customer bases. Dealers also may argue that word of mouth is the best and cheapest way to market.
True enough. But in an evolving marketplace, where consolidation, technology, and vertical integration are redefining the landscape almost daily, builders are making buying decisions by a different set of rules.
So what's a dealer to do? Start with branding. Here are just a few of the critical advantages a strong brand can give you:
It clearly differentiates you from competitors.It defines the value you bring to the process.It builds repeat sales and generates trial among prospects.It creates loyalty. We still buy from brands we trust, and a strong dealer brand can prevent longtime customers from taking their dollars to a competitor.It creates the foundation for your entire sales and marketing program.It turns your staff into brand ambassadors—a team that co...Click here to read full article from Pro Sales Magazine