Categories
Doors & windows

Transform your doors with these door painting hacks

Whether you’re gearing up for a full-blown home renovation or simply looking to spruce up your living space, painting a door can work wonders for your home’s aesthetic appeal. However, it can be quite time-consuming, especially if it’s your first time giving your doors a new look.  

But don’t worry, there are several ways to simplify your door painting task! Read on to learn some smart painting tips and hacks that can help minimise errors in your DIY project. 

8 door painting hacks and tips for your DIY project 

1.  Leave the door on the hinges

Metal chrome hinged hinges on a white interior door / Source: iStock

When painting your door, there’s the risk of getting paint on your door’s trim, on the walls, ceilings, or floors. You don’t want this mishap, especially if you’re painting your front door.

TikTok DIY expert DIY With Emma offers a smart hack that suggests using a plastic folder to keep paint from going where it shouldn’t. Hold the folder along your door’s top and bottom edges while painting across them. With this painting doors and trims hack, you can leave the door on its hinges and paint the door without messing up the edges that fit into the frame. 

2. Get your prep work ahead of time

Before you start your project, do some prep work in advance. Cover the hinges and remove door knobs to protect them from paint.

Once you’re done with the hinges, smooth out any lumps on the door’s surface by sanding them. Additionally, have some shims ready to ensure the door stays securely in place. Shims are handy little pieces that help fill gaps or spaces. Doing these preparations ensures a hassle-free process and favourable results when painting doors.

3. Sand and prime for a smoother paint finish

Start off with clean doors before painting to avoid dust and hair messing up your paint job and guarantee a smoother paint finish. Lightly sand the door with 220-grit sandpaper between paint layers to remove dust or drips. 

Moreover, select the right type of primer and paint for the task. Satin or semi-gloss paints are great at concealing uneven areas. Meanwhile, a high-gloss paint finish gives the most shine but requires tedious preparation and takes longer to dry. 

4. Use paint rollers and brushes for a specific purpose

Painter painting a door with brush / Source: iStock

When it comes to painting different types of doors, it’s essential to know when and how to use paint rollers and brushes. Use a roller that holds lots of paint for efficiency and if you want to achieve a smooth surface. Opt for an angle brush for those tricky edges to get precise coverage. 

Remember, start with minimal paint on the roller, focus on the edges first, and then smoothly paint the rest of the door. 

5. Avoid rolling in one direction only

Work in sections of about five to six square feet to avoid leaving marks on your ceiling while painting your door. Move quickly from one section to the next so the paint along the edge doesn’t dry before you can roll the adjoining area. 

Don’t forget to roll each section at a right angle to your initial roller direction. It might seem like extra effort, but it will help you get that flawless finish you want on your door.

6. Double-check your chosen paint sheen 

Label the paint cans to avoid mixing them up, especially if using different sheens of the same colour. The same goes for painting a two-toned front door or other doors that require different paint sheens. Such attention to detail will ensure your painting project turns out beautifully without the unnecessary hassle.

Consider the sheen if you’re wondering what type of paint for internal doors is best. Avoid high-sheen paints if you’re working on textured or rough surfaces, as they’ll highlight imperfections. If you opt for a semi-gloss or gloss sheen, ensure your surface is smooth and well-prepared. 

7. Prevent paint drips with a drop cloth or rosin paper 

Paint roller and white paint over plastic drop cloth / Source: iStock

Paint drips are common when painting vertically, especially when painting glass panels on doors, since it’s more difficult for the paint to adhere to the surface. 

To quickly solve this problem, lay down a drop cloth or some rosin paper. It’s like giving your painting project a landing pad for any paint drops. This trick will save you from unwanted mess and make the painting task more efficient.

8. Consider weather conditions when painting

When painting an exterior door or any other door, consider your local climate since extreme temperatures can affect the final paint finish. 

If you live in a cold area, bring latex or acrylic paint and caulk indoors before it gets too chilly, as cold weather can cause cloudy or blotchy paint results. Avoid painting when it’s freezing outside, as the paint won’t dry properly and can easily peel off. 

On one side, extreme heat and humidity can also modify the paint finish, and the paint tends to dry rapidly, leading to uneven coverage, bubbling, or peeling. As much as possible, try to plan your painting when the weather is moderate and avoid direct sunlight if you can. This way, you’ll achieve a more accurate and lasting finish.

Additional door painting tips

To help you avoid mistakes on your next paint job, here are some more helpful door painting tips:

  • Choose your paint colour carefully: If possible, request a small sample from the store to test on your wall in various lighting conditions before buying a can or gallon and trying it out on your door. This way, you can ensure it’s the right shade for your space, saving you from extra trips to the paint store.
  • Use a smaller painting tool for panelled doors: Painting a panelled door can be tricky because of its interior details and various surfaces that can highlight imperfections. As a workaround, use a small foam or synthetic brush to carefully paint the edges, switches, sockets, or other intricate areas.
  • Keep your paint cans covered: Putting the paint can lid back on immediately can prevent messy accidents and keep the paint clean. It also prevents dried residue and mix-ups with similar-coloured lids.
  • Ensure your work area is well-lit: Avoid painting interior surfaces in dim light, as it can result in imperfections that become visible when the room is well-lit. To ensure a smooth finish, ensure all your lights are on when painting, especially indoors.

Have fun painting your doors

Giving your doors a fresh coat of paint is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to update your home. With the simple hacks and tips above, you can confidently do the task and achieve a professional-looking finish that will last for years to come. But if you do need expert help, you can always call a professional painter to help you out! 

FAQs on painting doors

What is the easiest way to paint a door?

Whether you’re painting a new door or concealing strong paint colour, you can follow these steps as a guide:

  • Start by applying a primer. Don’t forget to prime any specific spots that need filling. 
  • Grab a good-quality paintbrush or roller to apply even coats. 
  • Get a plastic folder to insert along the edges to avoid painting the door frame so you don’t have to detach the door. 
  • Let the paint dry before applying another coat for a durable finish. 

How do you paint a door smoothly and perfectly?

For a flawless door painting job, you should first clean, prep, and prime the surface. Then, choose the appropriate paint for your door and use paint rollers and brushes to avoid visible lines. 

If you’re keeping the door on its hinges, paint the trim first to prevent accidental smudges on the fresh coat. Lastly, apply at least two coats of paint for an even and smooth coverage, and let the door dry overnight before installing it or adding hardware. 

What is the easiest way to paint interior doors?

The simplest way to paint your interior door is by keeping it right in its frame and hanging on its hinges. Another benefit of not detaching the door before painting is that you can paint both sides simultaneously, making the job even easier. 

Is it easier to paint a door with a brush or roller?

Whether to use a brush or a roller to paint your door depends on your painting experience. If you’re a pro, using a brush can make it easier. On one hand, foam rollers can help you easily get that smoother, drip-free finish.

Can I paint the door hinges?

Yes, as long as you use a specialised paint and prepare the hinges before painting them. Otherwise, you might damage the hinges, or the paint might just peel off over time. 

Categories
Design & decor

Create a dramatic living room with a dark colour palette

While it’s common for homeowners to gravitate towards light and airy shades when decorating their living spaces, dark and cosy living rooms can infuse your space with a dramatic ambience. If you’re stumped on potential colour palettes for your living room space, keep scrolling!

In this guide, we’ll share some dark and cosy colour ideas for your living room and how dark-themed spaces can redefine your home’s atmosphere.

12 Dark and cosy colour ideas for the living room 

1. Elegant charcoal

Modern house interior with charcoal walls / Source: iStock

Black or charcoal are versatile colours that fit traditional and modern styles. Deep charcoal walls evoke a sense of sophistication and add drama and warmth to any living space. 

Charcoal walls create an intimate atmosphere that’s perfect for unwinding and chatting. Just be sure to balance the darkness with plenty of light and cosy furnishings like plush sofas and warm textiles.

2. Get moody with navy

Navy blue is a rich shade that gives off a calm and serene ambience. This colour goes well with many colour themes and interior styles. Pair it with bright and muted shades, such as yellow and pink, and see the colours pop. 

Navy hues are easy to pair with other colours and can transcend trends. It can be a neutral shade that’s a lasting choice for your living room.

3. Enchanting dark greens

Luxurious interior with dark green walls / Source: iStock

Dark greens should be on your dark, cosy living room ideas inspiration board. These earthy shades bring calm and balance to your home, regardless of size.

These hues also give off the illusion that you’re connected to the outdoors. Combine it with neutral shades like cream and earthy tones, and you can create a warm and soothing space with it. It creates a warm climate when relaxing or hosting get-togethers with friends. 

4. Cosy shades of grey

Chic slate grey as the primary colour is a good option for modern living room ideas. Its timeless elegance, versatility in decorating style, and balanced contrast make it a perfect choice for those seeking elevated style and comfort. 

Greys provide a great backdrop that works seamlessly with different accent colours and furniture pieces. Use this to your advantage, and you can achieve a space that’s contemporary and inviting at the same time.

5. Get in the magic with midnight blue

Living room with sofa on an empty midnight blue wall background / Source: iStock

Painting your dark-themed living room midnight blue evokes luxury and moody allure. The colour works well for both dark and light wallpapers or furniture pieces, so it’s a versatile choice for a colour scheme. 

It’s easy to pair this shade in a living room with complementary dark or neutral shades and tones. Deep charcoal greys, matte blacks, and rich browns can serve as grounding elements, preventing the space from feeling overly heavy.

6. Feel like royalty with burgundy

This deep reddish-brown colour is an interesting choice when you decide to go for a dark-themed living room. It creates a moody space, and its deep and rich character adds a touch of luxury to a room.

Despite its boldness, burgundy pairs beautifully with a range of colours, from neutrals like beige, ivory, and grey to shades like blue and teal. Burgundy lets you create a colour palette that feels modern and cosy at the same time.

7. Elegant greys and eggshells

Monochromatic grey living room / Source: iStock

Eggshell tones and greys are refined yet not overpowering colours; it’s an adaptable, versatile colour that can work with most colour schemes. 

Both colour schemes serve as versatile backdrops for various decor styles. These hues help create a balanced palette that’s visually pleasing, and they work great with dark colours like deep blue, charcoal, or black, as well as neutral colours to build an airy and comforting ambience. 

8. Try out bold and charming crimson colours

If you’re thinking about a living area with deep red colours, try adding crimson into the space. Bold and attention-grabbing, this colour instantly injects chic modernity into your living space.

Crimson furniture pieces go along well with other colours and materials. They also work with neutral or darker tones like beige, grey, or white. Alternatively, you can create captivating contrasts by pairing crimson with deeper hues like navy blue or charcoal grey.

9. Dramatic brown for the perfect backdrop

Cosy living room with terracotta walls / Source: iStock

Brown, with its earthy tones, is the ultimate colour for those looking for natural warmth in their living room. Whether you choose light or dark brown shades, they bring a homey air to the room that stands the test of time.

The colour serves as a neutral foundation that allows for versatile decor and styling. Whether you prefer minimalist, rustic, or contemporary designs, brown brings a relaxing aura that adapts to your personal taste.

10. Play with ombre

Ombre walls in a dark-themed apartment can be a stunning and creative way to add depth, drama, and interest to your space. 

Opt to use the ombre technique on a feature wall. Start with a deep, dark colour at the bottom and gradually transition to a lighter shade towards the top to create a striking focal point.

You can also use furniture pieces that incorporate ombre in their design for visual interest. But if you insist on painting your walls ombre, you can paint it yourself or consult a painter.

11. Add warmth with deep gold hues

Dark-themed interior with gold accents / Source: iStock

Deep gold hues are opulent and timeless additions to a living space, perfect if you want to create a refined home with a gold touch. These can add a touch of glamour to the space without overwhelming it. You can use gold hue accents for furnishings or pieces that reflect light, such as throw pillows, curtains, or area rugs. 

12. Metallic copper comfort

Metallic copper colours create contrast, especially if it’s partnered with dark greys, blacks, greens, blues, plums, or brown backdrops. The metallic finish of copper brings sophistication to your nest. You can display this through various decor elements, such as lighting fixtures, coffee tables, or decorative accents, to infuse the space with a sense of opulence.

Embracing the dark side

The beauty and allure of dark interiors cannot be overstated. They can create atmospheres as inviting as lighter colours and hues in many ways. With their dark hue, rich warmth, and wide depth spectrum, the interior style possibilities they bring to the table are endless. 

Are you renovating your home or planning to do it in the future? Consider hiring a professional painter or interior designer to consult and do the work for you. With their expertise, they can bring your dark-themed living space to life! 

FAQs on dark colours for the living room

Is dark colour good for the living room?

Dark colours can be an excellent choice to add style and sophistication to a living room. Choosing the right dark shade depends on your preferences, the size and lighting of the room, and the atmosphere you want to create.

How do I make a living room cosy?

To make your living room cosy, focus on warm colours, comfortable seating, and layered textures. Use soft lighting, incorporate plants, and place throws and pillows to establish the mood for comfort. 

How to decorate a living room with dark walls?

You can achieve a balanced and inviting ambience by juxtaposing dark hues with light-coloured furniture and utilising layered lighting for a warm atmosphere. Use contrasting accessories and vibrant decor to create visual interest, and strategically place mirrors to reflect light and enhance spaciousness. 

If you’re unsure how to style a dark-themed space, consult an interior designer for expert advice. 

Categories
Wellbeing

5 Valentine’s Day gift ideas they’ll love

Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to show your loved one how much you care. This year, why not take the opportunity to surprise your partner with a thoughtful and practical gift that you’ll both enjoy? Make this Valentine’s Day memorable with these seven home improvement ideas.

A clean and tidy home 

Nothing says “I love you” like a clean and decluttered home. Your loved one will appreciate the effort put into making their living space clean, comfortable, and organised.

Fresh walls 

Bring new life to any room with a fresh coat of paint. Choose your partner’s favourite colour or a neutral hue that matches their style. A fun wallpaper might be better if they prefer some bold prints. Here are some tips on how to install your own wallpaper.

Best painters near you

Kitchen upgrade 

Kitchens are the heart of a home, and a small upgrade can make a big difference. Whether it’s new tiles, a new countertop, or even a new kettle, you and your partner will appreciate these improvements. Want to renovate your kitchen? Here’s how you can start.

Garden makeover

If your partner is passionate about gardening, consider giving them a beautiful outdoor space. Hire a professional landscaper to design and create a lush and vibrant garden that they can enjoy all year round.

Home office makeover

With more and more people working from home, a dedicated home office is a must-have. You could declutter, re-organise, clean and even buy new gear to make them more comfortable working from home.

Give the gift of a clean and comfortable home this Valentine’s Day. Surprise your partner by doing these projects yourself or hire a professional to help.

Categories
News & updates

5 ways tradies can beat inflation

Inflation hits small businesses and tradespeople harder than most. In addition to the increasing cost of living, they must also cope with rising material and labour costs, which can affect cash flow.

Small businesses and tradies are still recovering from the COVID-19 lockdown disruptions and skills shortages, while inflation in Australia is the highest it has been since 2001 at 6.1 percent. When money is tight, homeowners might put off a renovation or even major repairs. When you combine this with rising material costs, it is easy to see how it can take a chunk out of profits. While these factors can’t be controlled, you can take proactive action to put your business in a steady position during inflation.

Even though inflation creates challenging times, there are ways you can offset the effects and improve your cash flow. Here are five steps you can take to help your business stay afloat during these challenging times.

1. Rethink your offerings

Now is the best time to review your products and services. You need to explore what has interest now and what has lost traction. Focus on what is currently selling with high profit, and you might want to think about revamping your current offerings. For instance, can you bundle services to save customers money on larger projects? Perhaps, it might be possible to break services up into smaller components to allow customers to customise their services by getting only what they need. Helping to continue bringing customers in the door, even if the jobs are smaller and more varied in nature.

2. Audit your supply chain

The next thing you need to do is to do a supply chain audit. Supply chain disruption can mean that you are unable to fulfil obligations to your clients. It is sometimes easy to get into the habit of ordering from the same suppliers, even if they raise prices. Now is the time to explore all your alternatives and try to find suppliers who are less expensive and reliable. Doing a supply chain audit can help you save money now and assure that you can deliver to your customers on time at affordable rates.

3. Audit your finances 

If it has been some time since you did an audit of your operational costs, this is another task that can help your bottom line. You need to look for ways to save on everything from supplies to utilities. Conducting an advertising audit should also be a part of this process. Knowing which advertising channels are helping the most and which ones are not performing will help you streamline your marketing budget.

4. Invest in technology

Small businesses and trades tend to be the last to adopt technology to streamline their business. Finding technology bundles that allow you to consolidate and automate business processes will pay for itself in labour saved over time. This can help if your company is facing staffing shortages. It can also help your staff use their time more efficiently. When considering automation software, it is a good idea to consider your needs now and what you anticipate in the short and long-term future.

5. Retain valuable staff

Finding new employees is much more expensive than keeping the ones you have. The costs of recruiting and hiring new employees have more than doubled since last year, which makes staff retention one of the most important concerns. You need to focus on creating a work environment that fosters loyalty to the company. Make sure you are listening to what your employees have to say and focusing on creating a place where people want to come every day. Sometimes, giving current staff a small pay raise is less expensive than finding new employees, and it is worth it to treat your current employees well.

Bonus Tip

Now, you know a few practical ways your business can beat inflation. It is all about creating a balance between increasing revenues and lowering as many expenses as possible. One way to increase revenues is to list with a service, like Oneflare and Airtasker which have a customer base that is looking for services just like yours in your service area. By taking these steps, it is possible to survive and thrive, even in times of rampant inflation, and these are things you should put at the top of your list.

Categories
Business guides

Tips to be a more successful business on Oneflare

Oneflare’s goal is to connect businesses with the right customers. You need a smart strategy if you’re a small or medium-sized business looking to land more jobs and grow on the platform.

It’s not just about showing up – it’s about standing out, building trust, and keeping clients engaged.

We’ve spoken to our Account Managers who have helped businesses see the most success. Here’s how you can maximise your presence and win more jobs.

Make your profile stand out

Creating a well-structured profile helps you make a good first impression and sets you apart from the competition.

Keeping it professional yet engaging can make all the difference in turning profile visitors into paying customers.

Craft a compelling message

Your introduction should immediately communicate your value.

Think of a clear and engaging headline for your introduction, and add a short but powerful description that helps potential clients understand why you’re the right fit.

Cut the fluff and focus on what makes your business unique and how you can help your clients with their needs.

Highlight your expertise

Showcase your portfolio, list specialised skills, and mention achievements to build customer trust.

If you’ve successfully completed projects similar to your client’s needs, highlight those experiences.

Confidence in your abilities reassures potential customers that they’re making the right decision.

Use high-quality photos

High-quality images of your work and your team strengthen your connection with potential clients.

Adding personal touches, such as a friendly team photo and behind-the-scenes shots of your business, can make your business more relatable and inviting.

Build trust with a verified profile

Clients will likely trust businesses with a professional website, clear credentials, and genuine customer reviews.

Encourage satisfied clients to leave testimonials, as social proof is key in attracting new customers.

Also, ensure your profile is consistent across platforms, such as Google Business or LinkedIn, to boost your legitimacy.

Keep your profile updated and relevant

An outdated profile can make your business look inactive. It’s best to constantly update your business profile to ensure clients can access the most accurate information. 

Aside from updating the type of services you offer and how your business operates, make sure to respond to reviews and update photos regularly to show your reliability as a business owner.

This helps boost your visibility in search results, as businesses with actively managed profiles and reviews rank higher in searches and are more likely to attract engagement.

Value small jobs – they lead to bigger ones

Small jobs are stepping stones to larger projects. Completing a minor repair or a small service with excellence can lead to repeat business, referrals, and even unexpected high-value contracts.

A client satisfied with a $100 job may later trust you with a $10,000 project or recommend you to someone who will.

Every job, no matter how small, is an opportunity to build trust, showcase your skills, and expand your network.

Follow-up with a call

A phone call after sending a quote can be the difference between landing a job or losing it to a competitor.

This builds rapport, establishes trust, and allows you to address client concerns immediately. Plus, it’s more personal than an email or text.

Here’s a tip: approach your clients with warmth and professionalism, ask relevant questions, and actively listen to them to turn them into loyal customers.

Consistent communication is key

Clients prefer businesses that communicate clearly.

Keep them informed at every stage, from inquiry to project completion, to foster trust and ensure a smooth experience.

This means providing them with regular updates and timely responses so you can effectively build long-term customer relationships.

Remember, businesses that consistently engage with their customers stand out, earn positive reviews, and stay ahead of the competition!

Set yourself up for success on Oneflare

Keeping your profile updated, delivering excellent service on every job, and following up with potential clients are only some of the ways you can help set yourself apart from the competition.

Register your business with Oneflare to connect with real customers and secure more jobs. The platform offers tools to showcase your expertise, helping you gain small opportunities that become long-term success.
 
Put your strategies into action and let Oneflare help your business grow.

Good luck!

Categories
Success stories

Video testimonial | Joseph from Simba Cleaning Services

Hello, I’m Joseph, we run a family-based cleaning business called Simba Cleaning Services.

We do all aspects of domestic and commercial cleaning. Being trained as a microbiologist,  I understand the essence of cleaning. We use eco-friendly detergents to make every home and office clean and germ-free, it’s the cleaning and also total disinfection.

Joseph, the owner and operator of Simba Cleaning Services.

Marketing in every business is major. I needed marketing but the channels and platforms I was using weren’t giving me exactly what I required.  I wasn’t getting that correspondence, I was not getting that support to build my young business. Until I got Oneflare, where I was given products, that were useful for my business I was given a dedicated account manager who held my hands and I can say held my hand is a toddler to where I am now, my business has grown through to Oneflare. 

Seventy-five per cent of my leads come from Oneflare, which makes me think this is really an investment. Customers can see us on the Oneflare platform and contact us and that is also because of the reviews that are published on Oneflare. The app is very user friendly because if I am so busy doing some work,  I can just put on the auto quoting feature and when my hands are free, I just need to go to the app and go to the messages. I believe this is a product that is going to take your business to the next level. I have seen where Oneflare has taken me, to where we are today in a span of 2 years. Try it, you will not regret it, it’s worth it. 

Categories
Design & technology

Tips on how to optimise your professional website

When used properly, a professional services website can account for the majority of your income. Unfortunately, most businesses think of it as an afterthought that doesn’t help improve the bottom line.

That’s a mistake which you shouldn’t repeat. In this article, you’ll learn simple but effective ways to create a website that works as a powerful lead generation and acquisition channel for your business. Additionally, we take you through some easy steps you can take today in building a winning first impression.

Think about the look and feel

First impressions always count, so put your best foot forward with a professional, secure and fast-loading website full of content curated specifically for your target client. Take the opportunity here to differentiate yourself from your competitors and make it clear why you are the best business for the job. 

Inundated with questions? Set up an FAQ section

Nip the commonly asked questions in the bud by directly addressing them on your website. Assume your customer has zero knowledge of your services so use clear and concise language, and take the time to explain things coherently. Using keywords here is also a great opportunity to boost your Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) ranking!

Get straight to the point

By the time a customer has reached your website, they’ve potentially been on dozens of others researching. Make their journey to book or purchase as easy and seamless as possible. For example, consider adding in your unique selling points, telling your story and clearly displaying your contact details at the top of every page on your website. Businesses on the Oneflare platform use their Oneflare profile as the designated one-stop-shop for explaining who they are, what they do and offer, what people are saying about them and how to get in touch with them. 

Let customers know what your website is all about straight away / Source: M.R Design & Marketing

Content is king

If appropriate, use pictures and/or videos on your site, especially in the FAQ section. Rich media is fantastic for SEO and makes it easy for customers to understand what you do. Build trust from the get-go with some positive reviews and trust badges on your site.

Build content mapped to funnel stages

When people have challenges, they follow a series of steps before they settle on a specific provider. People often first research the problem, figure out the kinds of solutions available, take a look at the service providers, and finally choose one. There’s another step that most people miss – retention – which focuses on maximizing the results of a client or getting them to come back when another relevant problem arises.

For example, if someone’s roof is leaking, they’d first search online for causes. After finding several answers, they’ll look at multiple types of solutions such as DIY or hiring a contractor. Next, they’ll vet different contractors before finally settling on one.

Use your website content to lead people through every step of this process. With the example above, the kind of content they create may look like:

  • An infographic that explains the different reasons a roof may leak
  • A blog post that dives deep into the different ways you can stop a leaky roof
  • A comparison guide that shows how your service stacks up against the competition
  • Landing pages, targeted at different buyer personas, which detail how your service will help them solve the specific problem
  • Host a podcast or video tutorial that shares insights about how to maintain the roof going forward. For a professional touch, consider hiring a local videography business to ensure your content is high-quality and engaging.

Once you’ve got all the pages set up, you may want to consider launching a local link building campaign to improve your search visibility. When it’s successful, you’ll be the first business that shows up when potential clients are looking for solutions to their problems.

Contact local web design experts

Clear and relatable social proof

The last piece of the puzzle is arguably the most important. Social proof has been proven time and again to improve conversions on almost any website.

It can be a case study, client testimonial, or even mentioning how many clients you’ve served in the past. Use the type of social proof that makes the most sense for you and supports a promise you’ve made on your landing page.

For example, if a plumber promises to get to a client’s house within 30 minutes for any plumbing issue, they would show social proof that supports that claim. Maybe a client called at 2:00 AM because of a burst pipe. A testimonial from them about how the plumber saved the day would be perfect.

Think about the biggest promises you’ve made and your value proposition then gather testimonials or even case studies that support it. Interested in learning more? Our Oneflare HQ industry leaders in sales, marketing and SEO recently discussed best practices, new technology and how to build trust with potential customers online.

Categories
News & updates

How to write effective proposals

Running a small business is challenging and very competitive. So what’s a quick and effective way to stand out from competitors who are after the same customers? The key to getting ahead is through proposals.

Proposals are an essential tool to win customers and differentiate your business from the rest. A well structured written proposal can be time-consuming and requires a lot of effort to put together, but it’s worth it. It’s an essential tool to show your understanding of the project, highlight your expertise and demonstrate the reasons why you should be trusted for the job! This article will guide you through how to write an effective proposal that wins customers.

Quotes vs Proposals

Quotes can help a customer understand the cost of the jobs while proposals provide more information on your solution to their problem. It’s important to decide whether a simple quote could suffice or if a detailed proposal will give you a better chance of securing the job.

Automated quotes that are immediately sent to a lead’s job request is effective because you’d be the first one considered. On the other hand, a proposal proves to a lead that you have a proper understanding of their job requirements and that your business has the best solution.

How to write proposals efficiently

Whether you’re a new or established business it’s important to capture what makes your services unique. Put aside some time to create a proposal template that you can easily fill out when a customer approaches you for a job. Information such as: 

  • The services you provide
  • Unique selling proposition (USP) – what makes you different to your competitors 
  • A story about why you’re in business
  • Reviews and ratings

How to structure your proposal

  1. Executive Summary
  2. Define the problem
  3. Present your solution
  4. Outline the project schedule and budget
  5. Conclusion: Tie it all together
  6. Terms and conditions (optional)

Use a customer focus perspective

A customer-focused perspective means putting your customers’ needs first. This way of writing shows that you not only value, but have an understanding of what is important to them.

When creating your proposal, explain what the problem is and provide solutions that align with what’s important to the customer. Include personalised solutions to set you apart from your competitors.

To assess if you have understood your customer’s perspective, ask yourself the following questions:

  • Who is the decision-maker?
  • What is the problem? What are the issues?
  • What motivated them to find a solution?
  • What is important to them? What do they care about?
  • Are they familiar with your company?
  • What are your strengths in relation to their problem?

Once you have answered these questions, you can get to work on your proposal.

Here are some conciseness rules you can follow to make a winning proposal:

  • Write conversationally
  • Begin with an executive summary of fewer than four sentences
  • Keep sentences short and crisp
  • Keep paragraphs short
  • Use bullet points, numbers, and white space
  • Avoid using a passive voice
  • Tell a story
Categories
Success stories

Video testimonial | Natalie from EventZen

Meet Natalie, a vibrant event planner and celebrant who has thrived on Oneflare.

My name is Natalie and I have a business called EventZen. I am a wedding, events planner and celebrant. I decided to become a celebrant because I love, love. There is a lot of joy surrounding weddings, there is a lot of stress too but I come in because I don’t want people to feel that stress. I like it to be a nice relaxed environment for them to enjoy the planning process.

Oneflare has made it really easy for me. I don’t think about marketing because I know I’ve got Oneflare there. I find it hard to work on marketing when I’d much rather be planning weddings and it’s difficult to get your business out there so Oneflare has been great. It’s brought the right clients to me at the right time. I would say about 80% of my clients come from Oneflare, which is amazing. I have so many leads come in every day and I’ve been led to some incredible clients, there have been some really amazing people that I’ve met. 

I like I quickly you get emails and texts when a lead comes up. I also love that the reviews are there and the reviews are taken from Google as well. The advice I would give to anyone wanting to try Oneflare is to absolutely go for it. It’s amazing how quickly you get the jobs and it pays for itself straight away so it’s totally worth it. 

Categories
Success stories

Success story | Wayne from WM Painting

Here we share Wayne’s story

Wayne has worked in the painting industry for over 20 years. In the beginning, he worked full-time for large companies, and on the weekends he would work privately to supplement his income for things like family holidays. Wayne’s skill and experience in the larger companies landed him as site supervisor,  where he continued to grow his industry knowledge and people management skills. 

After many years, he realised he had the experience to run his own business and more importantly, be his own boss. In 2015, Wayne had a good amount of clients from his weekend work to feel confident enough to start building his business, W&M Painting. 5 years on, Wayne grew to a team of 3 and managed to simultaneously run up to 3 jobs in different locations all across Brisbane and surrounding areas. 

The W&M team in action / Source: W&M Painting

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Challenges before Oneflare

As a first-time small business owner, Wayne “wasn’t sure how to get himself out there”. He started by hiring a designer to create a website but later found out about the need for search engine optimisation (SEO), a task that is complex and expensive to maintain. 

Wayne needed more avenues to find leads and more ways to secure work. He understood that he needed to invest in a service platform like Oneflare to find these opportunities. 

Experience on Oneflare

Since joining Oneflare over 4 years ago, Wayne has managed to build his business and employ a team of painters, all without having to think about marketing or SEO. The volume of leads brought to Wayne by Oneflare has been great enough to sustain steady business growth for W&M Painting. He recently received a 2021 Service Award, an accolade that has attributed to an even greater demand for his services. 

Results on Oneflare

W&M Painting Services now has 

  • A stellar 5-star review rating 
  • Steady, high-quality leads
  • A team of professional painters with the ability to service 3 jobs at once 
  • The freedom to choose the type of clients, jobs and locations to service

Wayne’s advice for any business looking to sign up with Oneflare is: “To get yourself out there, you need a platform. Oneflare is like a trampoline to getting yourself out there”

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Exterior house painting / Source: W&M Painting