Alarm installers should always capitalize on local codes and regulations to help expand their business. One often-overlooked area is required retrofitting in your state: This happens when state legislatures update laws to require different types of alarms, alarms in new places, or key alarm upgrades in existing or new construction. It is important to be aware of these changes, not just from a business perspective, but as a marketing tool to create new business for your company! Here is how to take advantage of the regulations.
Know the Retrofitting and Upgrade Laws in Your State – Ahead of Time
Typically, regulations on retrofitting alarms are made years in advance. The average owner or
contractor on the ground may not pay much attention until the law’s deadline actually starts to approach. For example, here’s a piece on a new Maryland law from a couple of years ago that affected around 800,000 homes and required upgraded fire alarms. Here’s a similar law in Illinois due to the Smoke Detector Act that’s going to require upgrades by 2023.
Alarm installation companies benefit most when they get out ahead of these laws and create campaigns based on awareness and preparation well before deadlines show up. Know the laws in your area, and the deadlines approach, even if they are a few years away. Then you will be able to properly educate any potential customers.
Provide Concise, Clear Information on Your Website About Changes
Those who visit your website looking for information should be able to quickly see notifications about any upcoming retrofitting/upgrade laws for their state. A simple message or pop-up alert can very helpful here: Something like, “New smoke alarm laws go into effect January 1st, 2022: Check here if your house is ready,” can be very effective and link to a page where visitors can sign up for estimates or installations.
If you are at a loss when it comes to design ideas for this info, take a look around at how websites are posting COVID-19 updates or alerts. You will see a lot of effective ways to display concise information with alert boxes and messages at the top of websites. This could be effective for other information as well.
Create a Timeline and Send Out Alerts
Not everyone will immediately set up an appointment for required retrofitting. A lot of people will see the notification, make a mental note…and then forget about it. So, your content should also include reminders for both homeowners and businesses about what must be done. Email lists, newsletters, social media, and blogs are all great platforms to produce this content.
If there are multiple deadlines or retrofitting laws coming up, we suggest creating a timeline infographic that clearly points out dates where homes/businesses should start retrofitting projects in order to meet the upcoming requirements. This type of graphic can then be shared on email or over social media as an easy, at-a-glance reminder for everyone. As deadlines approach, your company can also send up dedicated emails and warnings specifically about retrofitting with a stronger push to sign up for a new installation project.
Specify How You Can Provide Retrofitting Services
When the average home or business owner hear about required upgrades like those we
mentioned above, they don’t really know what it means – and that can create uncertainty. Your company should give them a path forward into the right action, and that means explaining what the regulations means.
If you are creating a webpage for upcoming laws (which is a great idea), make sure to explain the details. Talk about what sealed, 10-year battery is, and why new smoke alarms may need extra features like hush buttons. Describe the difference between a wired and wireless system.
Let visitors know exactly what you would be doing to install the upgrade, and how long it usually takes. This information allows people to make buying decisions.
Underline Your Certification to Perform Upgrades
When it comes to state laws, businesses and homeowners will also want to make sure they hire an installer that’s fully qualified to understand new requirements and make all the appropriate changes. When offering to retrofit, make sure that you mention your certifications, and how they make your company entirely prepared to complete this project, making sure laws are followed in the most efficient way.
Offer Free Installation or Retrofitting as Part of a Package
Another tactic that some alarm installation companies use is to offer retrofitting with various incentives. For example, offer retrofitting existing alarms for free if customers also purchases a new type of security system. Or you could offer a free installation of any additional alarm when people sign up for a retrofit. These types of deals make it much easier to turn a retrofitting project into more business. Other companies also partner with local fire departments or other organization to help raise awareness, which is another option to help grow your brand!
Final Note
Remember, your business must keep track of any important legislation for this to work well. If you haven’t yet, make sure you follow industry publications and are involved in the local community so you will be aware of any upcoming changes! To learn more tips for better business, check out the rest of our blog, too!
