Improving Customer Experience in Home Services: The Game-Changer You Can’t Ignore

Picture of Austin Newcomb
Austin Newcomb

In the home service business, customer experience is more than just a buzzword; it’s the lifeblood of your success. But customer experience is not just about that one-time service; it’s about every interaction they have with you—from that first website visit to the final invoice and beyond. But how do you measure this intangible asset and more importantly, improve it? Keep reading for practical steps you can take and find out how Purple Pig Marketing can be your secret weapon for managing your online reputation.

The Whole Nine Yards of Customer Experience

The term “customer experience” encompasses all interactions that a customer has with your business. This means every phone call, website visit, service appointment, and even the reviews they read or write about you online. To stand out in a crowded market, especially one as vital as home services, getting this right can set you up for sustained growth.

The How-To Guide for Better Customer Experience

1. Survey Says…

Surveys give you the chance to hear directly from your customers. Post-service surveys can provide a wealth of information that can help you improve your services, website, or even customer service practices. For instance, if you send out a quick post-service survey asking, ‘How easy was it to book a service through our website?’, you get instant feedback on your online booking process. If a majority find it challenging, it’s a clear sign that your website needs improvement for a smoother customer journey. Acting on this feedback not only enhances your website’s user experience but also makes it more likely that customers will complete a booking, thereby increasing conversions and customer satisfaction.

2. The Power of Reviews

Online reviews are like modern-day word of mouth. Positive ones can bring in new customers while negative ones can impact your business. Sometimes, resolving an issue promptly and efficiently can lead to customers updating their initial negative reviews to positive ones. These revised 5-star ratings not only help maintain your reputation but can also dramatically improve it. At Purple Pig, we offer reputation management services that help you take control of your online presence by helping you get more positive reviews and manage the negative ones professionally.

High ratings aren’t just vanity metrics; they have real, tangible benefits. They elevate your standing in search results, enhance credibility, and serve as social proof that can convince hesitant consumers to take the plunge. With Purple Pig’s reputation management services, you’ll have the tools and strategies to take control of your online reviews, create stronger relationships with your customers, and grow your business effectively.

3. Build Credibility with Social Proof

Before customers even interact with your business, they want to know they can trust you. Social proof like testimonials or ‘before and after’ photos can instill a level of trust and confidence that your business delivers on its promises. This sense of trust can make the entire customer experience smoother and more positive, right from the get-go. Make sure your website is built to highlight your services in the best light.

4. Content that Clicks

The content you provide—be it blog posts, how-to videos, or FAQs—should solve the problems your customers frequently face. Quality, relevant content can not only improve SEO but can also enhance customer experience by providing value.

5. Listen Up on Social Media

Social listening tools can help you monitor what’s being said about your service online. This kind of intel can provide you with invaluable insights into where you can improve.

Metrics That Matter

  • Net Promoter Score (NPS): After a service is completed, send a follow-up email to your customers asking them one simple question: “On a scale of 0-10, how likely are you to recommend our service to a friend or colleague?” The answers will categorize your customers into Promoters (9-10), Passives (7-8), and Detractors (0-6). Your NPS is calculated by subtracting the percentage of Detractors from the percentage of Promoters.

  • Customer Satisfaction Score (CSAT): Immediately after a service interaction, whether it’s a repair or consultation, send a quick survey asking customers to rate their satisfaction with the service they received. You could use a scale of 1-5 or 1-10. Average out the responses to get your CSAT score, which will tell you how well you’re meeting customer expectations.

  • Customer Effort Score (CES): This metric can be measured through a single post-interaction survey question like, “How easy was it for you to get the help you needed?” Usually, the scale for this is from ‘Very Difficult’ to ‘Very Easy.’ High effort experiences can lead to customer churn, so pay close attention to this score to identify areas where you can simplify the customer journey.

How Purple Pig Can Help

Let’s be honest, you’ve got enough on your plate running a home service business. That’s where Purple Pig steps in. Our reputation management services help you keep track of reviews, and get more of those 5-star ratings that drive new business. After all, in the home service industry, your reputation precedes you, and we make sure it’s a good one.

Ready to get started? Contact Purple Pig Marketing today and let us help you create a customer experience that differentiates you from the competition.