When you own an HVAC business, the importance of marketing your service cannot be understated. Research has found 84% of HVAC consumers do not have a particular company or contractor in mind when searching for these services.
While marketing is an essential part of growing your business and reaching the right people, it’s not a simple task. That’s why a comprehensive marketing strategy is the starting point for any HVAC business wanting to improve its online presence and attract more clients.
When creating an HVAC marketing strategy, it’s important to be aware of certain challenges that may arise:
- Half of U.S. homeowners don’t know what HVAC companies do.
- HVAC work is not necessarily glamorous and, thus, does not provide as many opportunities for portfolios of work like carpentry, landscaping, or masonry.
- HVAC work isn’t always neat and tidy because technicians often have to get into messy spaces to work.
Thankfully, these challenges can be overcome for HVAC contractors with effective marketing efforts.
Understand the HVAC Industry and Target Market
One of the most important things you’ll need when developing a marketing strategy for HVAC is a target market. However, even though your brain might say, “I want my customers all to be wealthy homeowners in the X metropolitan area and surrounding towns,” the data may say otherwise.
For example, many marketing facts and figures will vary based on geography, but in general, homeowners or property managers would be a reasonable target market for residential or commercial HVAC companies.
These types of customers will likely have different needs, budgets, and requirements than large commercial or industrial establishments seeking HVAC services. The only way to truly identify the most ideal target market is to research your area and use data to come to an informed decision.
Identifying Your Target Audience
To identify your target audience in the HVAC industry, you can start off by asking a few questions:
- Are there areas that are predominantly made up of homeowners?
- Are you interested in commercial contracts with property managers or apartment complexes?
- Which areas have the most of these potential markets?
- Are there areas in and around your location with older homes that may likely need HVAC upgrades?
- Which areas are more affluent vs. those with lower-income residents?
- Which are up-and-coming?
Questions like these will help you develop your customer personas. Personas are fictional representations of the types of customers you want to attract through your marketing efforts. You can develop as many personas as you need but it’s helpful to at least have one or two - a homeowner vs. a property manager, for example - because these personas will have different needs.
Your customer personas should include important demographics and details about the types of customers you want to reach. Consider their ages, budgets, jobs and job titles, interests, concerns, and obstacles, for example.
Analyzing the Needs and Pain Points of Your HVAC Target Market
Once you have your target audience and customer personas narrowed down, you can create a list of needs and pain points for them. As an HVAC technician, you likely already have a good idea of the most common issues they run into. You also have valuable insights into the most common questions, uncertainties, and other friction experienced when talking with HVAC customers.
This information helps you create content that is helpful and establishes you and your company as an expert who cares. You can also use it to prepare to address any common questions, either on your website or for any technicians who are asked these questions.
Develop a Strong Brand Identity
Branding is the term used to describe what customers associate your company with. It involves developing a company name, logo, catchphrase/slogan, and other brand-specific things unique to your company.
For example, Nike’s “woosh” logo doesn’t even need a catchphrase for consumers to know which brand of shoes it is. Similarly, everyone knows “Just Do It.” is their slogan and anytime a consumer hears it or sees their “woosh,” they will think of Nike.
One important aspect of developing your brand identity is consistency. Your brand will have the same colors, fonts, logo, etc. across all channels (website, social media, ads, company vehicles, uniforms, et.al.).
The Importance of a Compelling Brand Identity in HVAC Marketing
HVAC companies need to stand apart because the nature of these services doesn’t lend itself to before and after pictures of projects or exciting press releases about a new HVAC certification.
Think about your competitors:
- What are their branding strategies?
- Do they stick out?
- Who would local customers most likely call if they needed emergency HVAC services?
Aside from searching for HVAC local services (or “near me”) on Google, many may already have the name of a company in mind, just based on the company’s unique slogan, logo, or marketing efforts.
Creating a Memorable and Unique Brand Image
It may be tempting to do an online search for clip art or some kind of free image to download and use for your logo. You may also feel compelled to use a slogan like, “We treat you like family” or something simple and quick.
But these ideas are not going to make your brand image stand out or be easily remembered. Try to think outside the box. Be authentic and honest about your company, what you stand for, the services you provide, and why. This can guide your ideas as you explore memorable and unique options.
Make sure your brand accurately represents the “vibe” of your company. Funny? Professional? Quirky? Low-cost? Community-oriented? Consider these things when developing a brand image.
Utilizing Branding Elements Consistently Across Marketing Channels
Once you have your brand identity established, you can use it to make your company far more popular among local consumers by using your slogan, logo, brand colors, etc. across all marketing channels. This includes:
- Paid ads
- Social media
- Website
- Blog posts
- Videos/photos
- Banners
- Company vehicles
- Uniforms/hats
Essentially, anywhere you or your employees might be seen by clients or your online marketing efforts flash for your target market, they should know it’s your company by the brand you are presenting.
6 Tips to Build an Effective HVAC Marketing Strategy
Marketing strategies are complex and involve a lot of research, analysis, and even some trial and error. For some, investing in a marketing service may be a sound investment. For others, such an investment may not be financially realistic. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t create at least a basic marketing strategy to get your company, brand, and services out there effectively.
Here are the top marketing tips to help you significantly grow your HVAC business.
1. Build a Website
Having an online presence is crucial for any business, including HVAC. A website serves as a digital storefront, providing information about your services, projects, and credentials. It helps potential clients find and learn more about your business.
By not having a website, you risk falling behind your competitors who are leveraging digital marketing channels to attract clients. A well-designed website helps you stay competitive and relevant in the market.
2. Claim Your Business on Google
Google offers a free service for businesses to share their services, which should be a quick first stop for HVAC contractors. Once you claim your Google Business Profile, you can customize your listing to include your hours, contact information, and more.
Perhaps most importantly, your Google Business Profile will showcase the reviews left by your existing customers, which is crucial to gain new clients You can also respond to reviews, which is an important and valuable way to establish trust.
3. Use Social Media
The purpose of online marketing is to drive traffic to your website and attract new customers. Social media is a powerful tool for HVAC contractors to use for reaching their target audience.
Social media also gives you the opportunity to engage with your followers and customers to build trust - not just with existing customers, but those who are looking at your company to gauge your level of customer service.
4. Invest in Online Ads
One great aspect of online advertising is the ability to create significantly targeted ad campaigns. Pay-Per-Click (PPC) ads are a popular option because you are only charged for the times a person clicks on your ad. And services like Google Ads will show your ads only to those most likely to be interested in your services.
Similarly, a small budget for Facebook ads, for example, will get your brand in front of a specific type of consumer, based on the parameters you set up.
5. Create Video Content
For trades like deck-building, home renovations, and landscaping, before and after photos are sufficient to showcase a company’s best work for potential clients. Unfortunately, HVAC technicians’ projects don’t usually have new siding or showy shrubs with outdoor lighting. That’s why you need an alternative way to showcase, your expertise, knowledge, and helpfulness.
YouTube is the second-most visited website in the world. And while written content is an important part of your marketing strategy, you can augment the written content with video tutorials, tips, and industry tricks.
For example, one video on the most common fix for ACs that won’t turn on has garnered 2.3 million views, but if the same content were written, it might not be as helpful since there would be no visuals to show the right tools, parts, etc. It is free to create a YouTube channel, and you can upload videos up to 15 minutes long with a free account.
You can also customize your HVAC company’s YouTube channel with branded images for your channel’s picture, banner, and video watermarks and include links to your website or social media, to drive more traffic.
6. Sponsor Local Events
Community events such as school, church, or other civic events are excellent opportunities to get your company in front of local residents in your community. Be sure you’re wearing and/or otherwise displaying your brand’s colors and consider branded swag giveaways such as pens/pencils, buttons, bumper stickers, etc.
7. Offer Referral Discounts
Discounts don’t have to break the bank. Offer your existing customers a special gift for their referrals - a branded mug or gift card to a local coffee shop - and a discount for the new customer.
8. Nurture Existing Relationships
Your customers should feel valued and appreciated and it’s up to you to do this. You can offer them a special coupon for the next time they call you for service or send them an unexpected birthday gift on their special day (maybe a branded T-shirt or coffee mug) just to say thanks and let them know they matter.
HVAC Marketing Ideas for Growth and Success
Effective marketing strategies are crucial for growing your HVAC business. Understanding your target market, their needs, and their pain points will help you develop a comprehensive marketing strategy and help you grow your business.
A strong brand identity is essential. Consistency in branding elements, such as logos, colors, and slogans, will make your company stand out and be easily recognizable to potential customers.
To effectively promote your HVAC business, utilize various marketing channels, including a well-designed website, claiming your business on Google, social media engagement, online advertising, video content creation, sponsoring local events, offering referral discounts, and nurturing existing customer relationships.
For more advice on growing your HVAC company, read our blog post, Strategies to Run a Successful Business.
