Kitchen Marketing

Many kitchen and bath professionals are looking out their showroom windows wondering where all the customers are.  I’ll give you a hint, with high gas prices and tight money they are shopping online.  Right now, while you’re reading this blog someone, somewhere in your community is typing “kitchen design showroom” or “kitchen designer” or “new kitchen” into Google. 

Let’s assume for a moment that you are among the top five or even among those on the first page of results (because I don’t want to talk about SEO) and a potential client clicks through to your website. 

What happens next? 

My intent is to toss out a handful of questions to consider… perhaps there is an “aha” moment lurking, or maybe you answer “yes” to everything, get bored and move onto another posting.  So, I submit for your consideration…

• Are you happy with your website?
• Graphically, does it complement your brand?   It is upscale enough for your client base or approachable enough for lower priced jobs? 
• Is the font easy on the eyes?  Is the type large enough for 50+ customers?  Is there enough contrast between the font and the background?
• What are you saying?  Will a customer get the feeling that you and your staff know what you are doing?  Are you sharing enough of your professional background and expertise?  Are you touting your affiliations and accreditations?  Do you explain why each is a benefit to the homeowner?
• Do you carry the products they want?  Do you list your manufacturers by name?  Consumers know appliances, some know cabinetry… what if they Google “Viking Range in your city”?  I know, I said no SEO talk… but humor me.
• Are you showing a broad range of style and room renovations?  This is your life-blood… your portfolio of designs.  Are you showing enough projects?  Do you want befores and afters – not everyone does, do you?  Will your visitors know that you do spaces other than kitchens and baths?  Are you showing examples of bars, outdoor living spaces, laundry rooms, offices, etc?
• Can your visitors find your showroom?  Are you using interactive maps?  Is your email address or phone number on every page of your site?
• Are your testimonials current?  Do they represent real people?  Does the word “anonymous” at the end of testimonial negate the great things they say?  Are they on every page?  Should they be?
• Are you telling your customers enough to get them excited about contacting you, but not telling your competitors (who are also visiting your site) all your trade secrets…?

I hope you enjoyed this nosh of website food for thought…  have a great week. 

Visit www.KitchenMarketing.com for additional information.

Become a Fan of http://www.facebook.com/Zpromotion– just because ;-)

2/10 – I updated the web page: http://www.kitchenmarketing.com/web.htm – specifically, the list of questions to consider as you begin or update your internet presence.