How Pulling the Trigger on Marketing Now Will Save You Money Now and Make You Money Later
Many small business owners are doing what they can to get through today's workload and struggles, so we don't doubt that you may not even be thinking about 2021 yet for your construction or home services business.
But small businesses have to stay agile to survive and grow. That's why we're here to help you to recognize the opportunities to improve your business while saving a little coin in your pocket at the same time.
While we are marketing professionals first and foremost, we'd suggest you chat with whoever runs your books before you close out 2020. Let's talk about how you can improve your marketing and overall presence while saving money at tax time for 2021.
Paying for Marketing Now to Reduce Future Payments in 2021
We aren't accountants, but we think most would suggest that you deduct your marketing expenses from profits to lower your upcoming tax bill. Prepaying for marketing services now reduces your taxable profits.
So if you were planning to make those upgrades and improvements anyway, starting those processes before 12/31/2020 is a no-brainer.
If you can prepay annually for services, you can take usually advantage of a discounted price today and not worry about paying for your marketing again until next year – all while reducing your upcoming tax bill.
Start Your Online Marketing Now to Launch in 2021
When it comes to websites and online marketing, it can sometimes feel like turning a battleship. That's to say – it's easy to get things started – but it takes a while to get it done right. For most of our clients, we can design, write custom content, and launch a new website within a four to six week time period.
It goes without saying that you can start your online marketing processes at the tail end of 2020 and be ready for a brand new debut at the top of 2021.
Websites & Online Marketing Don't Work Overnight
If you launch your website on Monday, that doesn't mean your phone will be ringing off the hook on Tuesday. Aside from just getting it launched in the first place, it takes time and development of on-site and off-site efforts to create a strong web presence.
If you're an HVAC and you start thinking about a website and EDDM postcards in March, you're already far too late for the Spring season. Starting your efforts in 2020 means your efforts can grow fruitful earlier in 2021.
You Should INCREASE Your Marketing in Off-Peak, Not Decrease
Whether it is your website, your Pay-Per-Click, or your Facebook Ads – you shouldn't just turn off your marketing because it is a slower time of year. Even industries that traditionally cannot work in their off-season, like landscapers or pressure washers in areas with cold winters, you should NOT turn off your website.
You should, at a baseline, maintain what you have as far as your marketing efforts are concerned. In slow seasons, increasing your advertising is the only way to increase your business.
About Chris Lonergan
Chris Lonergan has over 12 years of contractor marketing experience with Footbridge Media. With a background in web design, print design, content creation, and online marketing, Chris is focused on providing quality marketing and business solutions in the construction and service industries - helping small business owners to more efficiently manage their companies and grow their operations.
Chris Lonergan has previously contributed to and/or been featured in PM Magazine (Plumbing & Mechanical | Contractors x Engineers), theNEWS (ACHR - Air Conditioning | Heating | Refrigeration), Service Roundtable's blog, inPAINT Magazine, the SMB Marketing Agency Show, and the Green Industry Podcast. Chris is also a past SGI/CertainPath breakout session presenter.
