Technology has given us endless ways to connect, but when it comes to marketing your building materials business, some approaches work better than others. As we increasingly rely on technology to help us through transactions, business leaders need to consider the best ways to bridge the gap between in-person and online shopping.
Today’s consumers have come to expect a seamless omnichannel experience—a trend that’s been demonstrated across all verticals. The majority of consumers are executing transactions both online and offline, sometimes simultaneously, and they expect cross-channel consistency in their experiences with each brand.
Part of this priority includes the user’s ability to access the information they need about a business (e.g., address, phone number, operating hours, services) and use it to initiate a transaction in person. This is particularly relevant for building materials companies and manufacturers that employ a contractor or distributor locator to connect with their clientele.
A locator that provides rich content on dealers or contractors allows the customer to learn more about who they will buy from. They’re able to read reviews, see past projects, and form a vision of the contractor or dealer before they buy, allowing them to envision the success of their project. Ultimately, this translates into confidence that triggers the purchase process.
In short, the easier you make it to do business with you, the more likely a customer is to close on a sale. The less friction, the better. But achieving this level of seamlessness means having the right tools and systems in place, including those that optimize experiences with your building materials brand, online or otherwise.
The omnichannel capabilities of advanced dealer locator software can help you generate more business by:
Many consumers prefer the immersive experience of shopping in person but yearn for the convenience of shopping online. With a dealer locator, they can have both, as they can perform as little or as much of the transaction online as they please. For example, if the client requires a first-time consultation, they’re able to schedule it easily whether it takes place in person, online, over the phone, or through a combination of the three.
Another benefit to employing an intuitive contractor locator platform like Bullseye is its capacity for data collection and analysis. Our locator platform enables live updates to store information that keeps customers informed and aware of changes in a timely manner. Plus, closed-loop reporting capabilities unlock insights into customer preferences and behaviors, allowing businesses to tailor campaigns to specific needs and actions.
Geolocation features enable users to identify ideal dealer or store locations based on dynamic characteristics, such as the current stock of inventory or the customer’s current location. For added convenience, this functionality requires no manual input from the customer.
As the expectation of omnichannel seamlessness continues to rise, businesses must equip themselves with the resources necessary to meet and communicate with customers where they are. Satisfying buyers relies on optimizing their online and offline experiences by strategically leveraging the tools in your tech stack.
One of these essential tools is the right dealer locator. Thanks to its advanced features, Bullseye’s locator platform reaches your potential customers at the ideal time—when they are ready to buy—resulting in a smooth and seamless customer journey. If you think it may be time to upgrade to a better locator, review this checklist of features that your dealer locator needs to have.