How do you increase traffic to your plumbing Web site? Do you have to buy pay-per-click ads or can you use links and message boards to increase your search engine optimization for organic search?
By: Sam Barrett - December 2008 -
NewsHome builders from across the nation gather at the 2009 International Builders’ Show to learn more about home building trends and technology, like green building.
Every plumber will face some common financial problems. Learn how to deal with them head-on before it’s too late, or avoid them altogether.
3D sketching software makes do-it-yourself CAD concepts easier than ever.
Tree root infestation can be a big problem for plumbers. Consider these options—including augers, RootX and HydroJetters—for clearing the sewer lines.
Effective job management skills to win new business and attract repeat customers.
Estimating plumbing projects requires planning and time. Find out how you can prevent under- and overestimating your bids and keep more projects coming your way.
Your customers want to go ‘green’ with building projects that help the environment and save costs. But upfront expenses can be significant. Here's how to justify the investment.
Going ‘green’ is admirable, but comes with a pricetag. How to evaluate costs of environmentally sound practices and services so your efforts don’t sink your bottom line.
Create a warranty that you and your clients are comfortable with.
The current recession has forced business owners to re-evaluate their pricing structure with respect to job estimates and supply expenses. Guidance from experts can provide a blueprint as to how to improve margins.
Now may be the time to boost your benefits. Learn how to take the next step and ad
Determining what type of water softener is best for your client is almost as important as installing it correctly. Here are some factors to consider when making that decision.
Central vacuum systems are becoming increasingly common in new construction, and the skills required make installation a natural fit for plumbers and HVAC contractors looking to expand.
Prepare for a variety of situations when addressing a flooded basement. Sump pump battery backup units, water alarms and other products and services like water restoration make the plumber a hero.
Social media has changed the way companies advertise. Now more than ever, small businesses can promote themselves online by targeting customers and expanding their networks, often for little or no cost.
Plumbing contractors can take advantage of low-cost ways to advertise and market their business including Web sites, signage and newsletters.
As a small business owner, it can be easy to get lost in work when trying to ensure the stability of your business. But having a proper work–life balance can be vital to not only your health, but the overall health of your company.
There currently are 40,000 job boards on the Internet, with more to come. Here is advice about how to put them to work for you in your searches for qualified construction and building trade candidates.
Cash flow has been called the lifeblood of business, so follow these tips to keep on the positive side and eventually increase it. Landscaping contractors can keep a steady cash flow by utilizing credit, discounts and contracts, and by planning for the future.
By: LowesForPros Staff - August 2009 -
NewsThe latest news, advice and information from building construction and managment professionals across the United States.
Touchless Fixtures at LOWE'S for Pros. Learn about using infrared faucets and plumbing fixtures for your next plumbing contract
Reduce the chances of an audit by avoiding these typical audit-triggering tax moves.
Sometimes the simplest, unintentional gesture or phrase can be interpreted as harassment. Follow these guidelines to help avoid litigation.
Make sure visitors to work sites follow safety procedures. Accidents can result in expensive lawsuits for personal injury caused by negligence.
Creating a partnership requires blending philosophies, dividing duties and turning cooperation between friends or family into a successful business. Follow these guidelines to avoid problems in the future.
There are many considerations when devising your marketing strategy. It’s easy to make a mistake and head down the wrong path, but it’s never too late to rebound from a failing marketing strategy.
Kitchen And Bath Design updates from LOWE'S For Pros. What contractors should know about kitchen trends and bathroom styles.
Bathroom Design Trends at LOWE'S for Pros. Luxury bathroom designs, bathroom features and ideas to jumpstart your next job.
Lithium ion and nickel cadmium batteries have become more commonplace for performing residential and commercial jobs. Here’s a primer on selecting the best option for your applications.
Intern and mentoring programs can help a contractor’s business while giving back to the communityc
Someone has to make sure all those jobs are completed efficiently and on time. Who better to do that than you?
It can be easy to forget that plumbing contractors need to worry about electrical hazards just as much as an electrician—especially when dealing with a flooded area. Follow these safety precautions to minimize your exposure to dangers associated with and caused by electrical shock.
Plumbers get hot working during the summer too. Here are some tips from Quality Service Contractors to help plumbing contractors stay cool and healthy during the hot summer months.
A home-inspection service can supplement income and provide synergy with a construction company’s main line of work.
Reduce your tax bill by making wise deductions.
If your contracting shop is ready to take on major construction-industry projects or those for state/local/federal customers, a performance bond is essential. Getting one requires extensive review of your financial grounding and experience.
Your business can benefit greatly from Internet search engine optimization (SEO). It can boost your presence Web presence by marketing to those who are searching for services similar to the ones you provide.
By: Steve Hendershot - June 2008 -
NewsBoth bottled water and tap water are under fire—bottled water for the waste created by plastic bottles that aren’t recycled, tap water for traces of pharmaceutical products found in the water supply. Will those controversies create an opening for water filtration systems?
A brand is a major differentiator among small business owners in the same industry—it's a way consumers and even competitors identify a business. But creating a solid brand strategy is no easy feat. In part one of a three part series, learn how you can brand your business for success.
After launching your brand, it’s critical for you to differentiate your business from the wealth of competition. Experts weigh in on how to distinguish your core marketing message to ensure an immediate bond with potential customers.
Launching a great brand will fuel a winning success strategy. But you need employees to understand, accept and then effectively promote your vision for the gameplan to work.
Plumbers or plumbing contractors who consider branching out into commercial refrigeration need to pay attention to EPA licensing and training courses. Here are some tips on making the leap.
Lowe’s For Pros offers tips on how to make the leap from residential plumbing and heating contracting to becoming a commercial mechanical contractor. Knowing what you’re doing could diversify and strengthen your business.
With the help of Sed de Saber-Construction Edition, your Spanish-speaking workers are empowered to learn English in just four months.
A contractor’s built-in web of association, subcontractor and supplier contacts can be expanded and leveraged to gain referrals that will bring in more business.
When a remodeler needs a plumbing contractor, who's he going to call? Follow these steps to make sure he calls you.
A strong strategic plan can give your business a competitive edge and a healthier bottom line. Here is expert advice for developing a successful strategic plan.
Think of a company Intranet as a 21st Century bulletin board, one that can maximize efficiency, increase workflow and unify employee communications. By launching one, you’ll see immediate return on investment, experts say.
Getting to know general contractors can put you ahead. Here are some tips to make these partnerships successful.
