The online community has grown from a simple connection between a few computers back in the 70s, to one of the most elaborate inventions human-kind has ever created. From HVAC eCommerce to Politics, there’s a lot to pay attention to.
All of this growth and expansion has happened so fast, and continues to occur at a near-exponential rate. For instance, Google changes what qualifies as good Search Engine Optimization constantly.
The changes brought about by this increasing connectivity can be easy to get lost in and, therefore, easy to ignore. Just keep your head down, keep doing what you’ve been doing, and you’ll survive. It’s worked up until now, so it still will, right?
Unfortunately, if you want to expand your business and grow your sales, maintaining this status quo probably won’t cut it in the long run. My boss once told me, in order to survive as a business, you must bend and morph to accommodate changes in your industry. If it’s worked for HMI for over 35 years, it can work for you.
In order to do this, we’ve found that it’s essential to keep your finger on the pulse of the trends going on in your industry. Compiled here are our findings specifically for HVAC.
Online Search Has Become a Menace for HVAC eCommerce
Believe it or not, people use the Internet today for more than just finding entertaining cat videos. For starters, the web has become one of the biggest resources out there for peer and customer reviews of products, companies, everything. Whether a potential HVAC eCommerce customer is searching online for your specific brand, or simply looking for a solution to their problem, the information they need is usually out there, and there’s plenty of it.
They may find places like Amazon, where the products are cheap. They might find a website, which has pit your brand against others to compare. Wherever their search takes them, it’s important to keep an eye out for how you’re perceived online. In the end, your public perception relies on your business practices, but also on the tactics you take to improve it.
Venveo, a marketing firm that specializes in building materials, has laid out this trend. See what they suggest.
The Changing Political Landscape
Politics can be a sticky situation, and by no means do we suggest mixing your politics with your business. However, it is important, especially in HVAC, to have a sense of the political climate present in the U.S. at all times. Regulations regarding safety and efficiency, tax incentives, etc. can all be affected by the governmental impact on the industry.
With the shift in political parties now in full swing, it is possible that some of these regulations and incentives may change in the next few years. Callahan Roach, an HVAC pricing and services provider, has a good grasp on what some of these changes might entail.
Additionally, the Air Conditioning Contractors of America, or ACCA, has promised to increase its existence within the political landscape. Check out the Q&A between HVAC industry publication, The NEWS, and the ACCA CEO here.
Scam Artists Are Targeting You and Your Contractors
Snake oil salesmen: no one likes them, but somehow they still exist, and with the Internet and cellphones, they’re getting even better at what they do. You may have already gotten a call or two.
*An unknown number calls your phone*
You: “Hello?”
Caller: “Oh, hello. Ha ha. Sorry, I was having trouble with my headset. Can you hear me alright?”
Don’t Answer. Just hang up.
These scammers have the ability to record your voice if you answer. If you do, they can take chunks of your voice and manipulate it to make it sound like you’ve said yes to their offer. Their offer is only to steal your money and your business. According to The News these scammers don’t just target individuals. They’re also targeting contractors. Luckily, the article supplies you with some ways to combat them.
Conclusion
Hopefully you’ve found something here that you can take with you and be aware of moving forward, like the importance of HVAC eCommerce. We always try to have our fingers on the pulse of each industry we work in, so we’ll try to release this kind of trend compilation every once in a while for HVAC. In the meantime, watch out for sketchy phone calls, political change, and your online presence. Staying ahead will keep you ahead!
Want to learn more about staying ahead of your competitors? Give HMI a call at 888.220.4780 to see what we can do to help.
Sources:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UStbvRnwmQ
https://www.seomechanic.com/seo-101-google-update-search-results/
https://www.angieslist.com/articles/difference-between-best-hvac-brands.htm
https://www.venveo.com/blog/how-building-products-can-stop-losing-the-online-review-battle
http://www.achrnews.com/articles/134711-acca-plans-to-expand-government-relations-in-2017
http://www.achrnews.com/articles/134498-scammers-set-their-sights-on-contractors
