In this day and age, I think you could debate printed material vs. electronic.  Is an information packet worth it? You could also debate the kind of learner your customer is.  Do they like to read — is printed information how they learn?  Or do they need something quick and easy to understand so they feel better about their decision.

As you prepare your information packet, think about the different kinds of clients you meet with and structure your packet accordingly. Bullets, bold-face type and underlining documents help make for a quick read.

Company Overview
Who are you?  How long have you been in the business?  What’s your area of expertise? When did you start?  This document might be the same kind of page found on the “About Us” section of your website — but it needs to be easy to read, contain your logo and give an overall pleasing feel to the reader.

Check out Select Roofing for an idea of their company overview.

Code of Ethics
Do you have company code of ethics? Does it let your customers know what you believe; how you’ll perform; and what kind of product you will put on their roof?  If not, you might want to consider developing one.

Never one for recreating the wheel — you might look at the RoofingTree.com Code of Ethics for ideas.  The North Texas Roofing Contractors Association has a code as well.  And of course, good ole Google can help too.  Just google “roofing code of ethics” and you will find a few you can use when creating your own.

If you don’t have a personal Code of Ethics for your company, include a copy from one of the professional organizations to which you belong. Which leads right into….

Professional Associations
Let your customers know about the professional associations you  have and how they help you be a better roofing contractor.  Include membership certificates if available and document the kinds of training you receive as a member.

Testimonials
Do you have some really happy clients?  Have them write down a statement for you and include it in your packet.

If you can get a client to give you a video statement you can post on your website, even better.  You can then refer customers to your website to view testimonials “live.”

It never hurts to have a few people an anxious potential client can talk with as well.  Make sure you get permission from past clients before you give out a phone number, but this is a great way to help people feel more comfortable about the work you provide.

That Extra Touch
What extra do you offer?  Is it a warranty?  Is it someone who can be reached via phone or text message if there is a problem?  Do you clean up your job site at no extra cost? Mention the extra special things you do for you customers here as well.

Tell us what you leave behind for your customers.  Send us a photo of your welcome packet and we’ll publish it for all to see — just a little added PR for your company!

So here it is — TopRoofingContractor.com.

Our Intention
TopRoofingContractor.com is designed to provide you, the roofing contractor, with tips, tools, information and ideas to better help you navigate the world wide web of tweeting, social media, advertising, website design and quality customer service that will set you above the rest and help make your business one that customers will visit and then share with their friends.

We will combine blogging, with videos and tutorials to help you better understand the tools that are out there for you to use to reach more customers.  Hopefully, we’ll add in a bit of humor along the way and help make this whole technology thing a bit less overwhelming.

Roofing On-Line: Why Should You Care
Roofing contractors don’t necessarily love technology.  Six years ago, I faxed all my members invitations and we sent out a paper copy of our newsletter. These days, I use Constant Contact for all our meeting announcements and invitations.  Everyone registers for events on-line by visiting our website, and I send scans of things attached to emails.  The fax machine rarely rings, and we love video tutorials and webinars for training people how to do things.

Given that the goal of any top roofing contractor is to put on great roofs and not worry so much about your website and touching your customers via twitter, Facebook and emails, we are going to share quick easy steps and ideas to better help you do just that.

So check back with us.  Watch for our posts.  Sign up for our newsletter and Send us comments about what you want to know more about and we will work to answer them.