You might be a bricklayer, plasterer, carpenter, electrician or plumber and you are not so happy with your current employment; the good news is, it’s never been easier to go self-employed and with some digital marketing here and there, you can quote for projects and be your own boss.
Create a complete package
Regardless of your trade, you need to create a dynamic bio and list all the things you can do; images of previous work and some testimonials from happy homeowners will do just fine. If you are customer-focused, people will recommend you to their friends and after a while, you don’t need to advertise.
Register the business
Even though it’s a one-man show, you still need to register with the Australian government; take out owner builder insurance to cover any liability and you are pretty much good to go. Registering can be done online and we recommend consulting with a local business lawyer, who can advise you regarding taxation and accounting.
Build a website
No one will take you seriously without some form of digital representation; either get stuck into WordPress or hire a local web designer to build and host your site; this gives the business credibility, if you are affiliated with any building federations or associations, add these to your platform, along with images of previous projects you have worked on.
Social media
This is the key to great marketing; We don’t know of anyone who doesn’t have a Facebook account, do you? Create a page for your business and make good use of Facebook marketing; for a few dollars, you can boost a post to reach thousands of users, which is a very cost-effective way to get your name out there. Maybe it is time to analyse the benefits of your current employment.
Business vehicle
Ideally, a covered van that contains all your tools and gear, with your log and name in view; this is your mobile workshop – all your assets should be insured for loss or theft. Leasing might be a better option than outright purchase, which is something to discuss with a business guru, there are tax benefits to vehicle leasing that should be investigated.
Bookkeeping & accounting
Don’t make the mistake of thinking you can start keeping records after a few months; prior to launch, talk to a local bookkeeper/accountant and they will set up spreadsheets for you to use on a daily basis. This makes it easy for the accountant and if you don’t have the time to sit and key in the data, outsource to a local provider.
Warranty
Of course, you should offer a warranty on all your work, this is standard in the industry and there will be times when you need to go that extra mile to make the client happy. If you have confidence in your ability, a no-quibble warranty would give clients peace of mind, knowing that you will make good if ever the need arises.
You should make a lot more money working for yourself and as long as you put something aside for taxes, your business should grow and become an established member of your local community.