Lockdown 2 has differed from the first one which started in March 2020 – this time the days are shorter. This awareness of the difference light makes to people’s moods is going to encourage more home-owners to consider how they can make the most of the daylight so you may see more enquiries for bi-fold doors, French doors and larger windows.
Image: Future Home and Garden
Multi-functional spaces
As people realise home working or hybrid working is here to stay, you’re going to see more enquiries for extensions. There will also be a greater need to ensure windows block out noise in the day or provide enough light when people are working at their desks. If you use acoustic glass in your windows, now is the time to shout about it!
Image Canva
Bringing the outside in
Ideal Home magazine has identified ‘bringing the outdoors in’ as a trend for 2021 which is no surprise as more people spend time at home. This is a great opportunity for your business – promoting your bifold doors could see a great return on investment so be prepared. Make videos of your bi-folds in situ or maybe even pay for a professional photographer to create images of them both open and closed.
These bi-folds were designed by our client, Sashed Ltd, using our integrate software to produce a simple quote which meant the customer had a clear understanding of what to expect and how much it would cost.
Sustainability
Sustainability was a trend in 2020 as we all became more aware of the impact of climate change and it is set to continue to be a key concern for consumers next year. Of course, working with timber is a sustainable practice. If you use sustainable timber, for example Accoya, make sure you include this in your marketing (on leaflets, on your website and on social media) so home-owners know that buying from you is sustainable. Don’t forget that timber naturally absorbs carbon dioxide, is biodegradable and naturally insulating – all things you should point out to your customers.
Good to know – the government’s Green Home Grant
The Green Home Grant is available for homeowners and landlords to apply for with the deadline now extended to the end of 2021. People can apply for a voucher to cover up to two-thirds of the cost of a ‘primary measure’ (such as insulation) and then a ‘secondary measure’ – including windows and doors. So, you may want to prepare for a surge in enquiries as the deadline nears. Details of how to register can be found here. Work must be completed by the deadline for vouchers to be redeemed.
Supporting independent businesses
Shoppers will be very keen to support independent businesses in 2021. Don’t forget to show people the faces behind your business on social media and on your website so they can see the team they are supporting!
Cottagecore
“Cottagecore” is a trend that romanticises rural living with comfy cardigans, rustic décor and an appreciation of nature. It came to the fore during the first lockdown as people took time to go on long walks and appreciate nature but it’s here to stay for 2021, according to forecasters. For your windows and doors company, there’s a chance to capitalise on this by promoting the fact you use timber in your products – sharing pictures of the process and the timber you use and highlighting the period features in your windows and doors.
This window from our client, Sashed Ltd, demonstrates the trend perfectly.
So how can our software help you make the most of these trends and see bigger profits?
With our cloud-based quote engine you’ll be able to send out branded, professional looking quotes with clear designs for the customer in an efficient manner, from anywhere. This means you don’t have to sacrifice your productivity during your busy periods and risk new customers going elsewhere if everybody is clambering for new windows or doors at similar times.
Our integrate software means you can store photos within the customer’s account so you’ll easily be able to develop ‘before and after’ content for social media, demonstrating the difference new windows and doors can make to a home.
By using the automated pricing system, along with our easy to use customer relationship management system and our automated stocks forecasting system you’ll save time so you can focus on your marketing and customer relationships.
So if you’d like more time to develop your business instead of managing the day-to-day book an online demo with Gareth now.
