7 Ways to Use Software for Your Home Service Business

Are you aware that half of all businesses go under after five years? While that statistic might sound frightening, it doesn't have to define your business. With the right business plan and a strong sense of organization, you can keep your business up and running for generations to come.

And if you're in the business of helping other people keep their property looking good, there's always an opportunity to grow. Read on to learn about the seven ways you can use software to help your home service business!

1. Keep Track of Customers

When you're trying to grow your business, you need to use software for customer management. With software, you gain an easy way to maintain a database of customer and potential customer names. With the right business software, you can do that — and more.

You'll be able to collect names and contact information, as well as appointment details. But the advantages won't end there. You also can keep track of demographic details, purchase history, and other important notes.

You can even use the right software options to communicate with customers. They can fill out forms online to make service requests, for instance. Or they can see the status of a project or payment without having to call your office.

2. Offer Estimates Easily

As a business offering home services, you'll get requests from potential customers for estimates all the time. And when those requests start to mount, it can be hard to keep track of them.

Fortunately, the best software will streamline the process of recording and maintaining estimates. Rather than relying on a handwritten estimate, you'll be able to send customers a more professional and detailed estimate.

Plus, when you use software, you won't waste as much paper. You'll save time, too, since electronic templates will be easier to complete and send in a timely manner.

3. Check Progress on Projects

With job management features, you can track progress on jobs, too. Your employees can post pictures of jobs to help make it easier to identify issues and changes. They'll also be able to add notes and interact with other company employees through the software.

For larger projects, you'll be able to delegate tasks with software. That way, you can ensure that you're not wasting time and money by assigning the same jobs to multiple people. You'll end up with a more streamlined company and more productive employees!

You may be able to give your customers access to an app connected to your software, as well. With that, they'll be able to see live updates on the progress of their project.

4. Maintain a Clear Calendar

Using a comprehensive calendar through your software will help to avoid scheduling conflicts. When you use an internal calendar, you won't double-book salespeople or service technicians as often. And you'll be able to map out projects according to scope.

You'll appreciate having a calendar that updates itself frequently as technicians add new service appointments. When you notice that a particular day is underbooked, it will be easier to steer customers toward openings on those days. And when you use software with mobile capabilities, your employees will be able to update it on the go.

5. Analyze Data to Improve Efficiency

One of the key benefits of using software is the ability to collect data. When you take the time to review it each month or quarter, you'll be able to make critical adjustments that can help your business thrive.

Look at costs related to your inventory of materials or payroll, for example. Track your cash flow and look at whether your sales are going up each quarter.

Find areas to trim costs or reallocate resources. And use GPS tracking within your software to check route efficiency, too.

If you're sending out multiple crews each day, you want to be sure they're not logging too many unnecessary miles. After all, that translates to more gas costs and the potential for maintenance issues. Instead, you'll be able to craft more efficient routes to get the most from your employees!

6. Send Invoices

Using software makes it easier to send invoices to customers. Better yet, you'll be able to sync your software with other management platforms you're using at your company. In other words, you'll be able to sync invoices and other financial statements you generate with your accounting software.

For your customers, getting detailed invoices can help with budgetary planning. With Americans spending over $5,500 each month on common expenses, your customers will want to know what to expect. Being able to send invoices promptly at the conclusion of a job will help them plan their method of payment.

7. Collect Payments

Finally, good software enables you to collect payments more easily. Rather than accepting only one type of payment, you'll be able to offer multiple methods of payment. Your customers will appreciate your flexibility!

You can take payments in person, process credit cards, and even accept electronic checks. Customers will be able to create an account online and log in to make payments or ask questions. Your customers will be able to get an electronic receipt after paying, too, for their records.

Improve Your Home Service Company

Running a successful company requires keeping all aspects of your business organized. Turning to business software can help you track customers, maintain a calendar, and delegate responsibilities internally. You'll also be able to collect data, send invoices and estimates, and collect payments.

When you're ready to upgrade your business's performance with the right software, contact us!