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Be Your Own Media Company: Use Social Selling to Promote HVAC Services

July 1, 2016
The conversational nature of social media channels captures people’s interest and builds relationships. Provide value and people will pay attention.

Confused about Social Selling? You’re not alone. In our trade businesses, the number one reason for not using social media is simple. We think it’s too complicated. When contractors tell me they don’t know where to start with social media — Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Snapchat — my answer is just get started. Here’s why:

We live in a mobile first world. The average human being is no further than an arm’s length away from their mobile phone 24/7. People see and search for everything via mobile devices.

It doesn’t matter how great your service is, if no one knows about it. Social platforms have the power to change this.

The conversational nature of social media channels captures people’s interest and builds relationships. HVAC contractors keep people’s lives running smoothly. We should share those stories and talk about our business. Educate people on what we do and how we do it. If you put out good content, people will respond to it.

Facebook is a great place to start, and it’s free. Maybe you had a job that was particularly tough, dirty or messy. Ask the homeowner if you can snap it, share it and use the situation to help educate others. Chances are, the homeowner will like it and share it too. Get your friends to share with comments about the great work you do. Satisfied customers may even write a review for you.

It doesn’t matter how great your service is, if no one knows about it. Social platforms have the power to change this.

Social is social. Provide value and people will pay attention. It is not always about putting your summer special out there. Social selling is about value, and good information. Getting connected and sharing experiences creates social selling opportunities. You, your employees, your company — you are the media company.

About the Author

Derek Cole

Derek Cole began his HVAC career as a summer job between high school and college. That led to a fulltime passion for the industry and a series of promotions from installer to general manager with Simmons Heating & Air Conditioning in Fayetteville, NC. Simmons became a One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® franchise in 2009. Derek is very active on social media channels and broadcasts on YouTube, hosting #AskDerekCole and co-hosting The Comfort Experts.