Industry-recognized credentials allow home improvement pros to demonstrate the knowledge and skills required to succeed in a specific industry or trade. Whether you’re a plumber who has successfully passed the Red Seal examination or have a Construction Management diploma, these credentials and wins should be celebrated and shared with project-ready homeowners to help gain trust.
Let’s look at what a credential is, why they matter, and how you can leverage them to help increase homeowner connections on your HomeStars profile.
What are Credentials?
The Oxford Dictionary defines credentials as “the qualities, training or experience that make you suitable to do something”. With that being considered, the right credentials can help show prospects that you’re a qualified pro that possesses the appropriate skills to complete their renovation or repair project.
Examples of credentials can include academic diplomas, academic degrees, trade certifications, and licenses. Credentials are usually unique to every industry; for example, an interior designer’s credentials will look different than a general contractor’s. The same can be said for provinces across Canada. Each province holds unique opportunities for home service pros to expand their knowledge and be credited for doing so.
Why Do Credentials Matter to Your Business?
One of the biggest challenges home service pros face is attracting new customers. Building your repertoire of credentials, earning certifications, and/or other educational assets shares a strong message to potential customers. These credentials can help build trust and convey to customers that you do quality work at the highest utmost standards, and in turn potentially help you win more jobs. Credentials can also help:
Share Your Knowledge and Dedication to Your Craft
Your credentials are a great way to showcase your understanding and expertise in your craft. Depending on your trade, many credentials and certifications are optional. In these cases, going a step further and earning credentials that go over and beyond the necessities show homeowners that you’re a pro who cares deeply about what you do.
Gain Homeowner Trust
Much like reviews and the HomeStars Verification badge, showcasing your credentials on your HomeStars profile can build and boost trust with potential customers looking for your home services. Credentials help tell your story and show homeowners why they should hire you.
Differentiate You From the Competition
When a homeowner is looking to take on a big project like a major renovation on their home, their research will be thorough. For most, when they’re at the final stages of picking a pro, they may be contemplating working with one business vs. another. In cases like these credentials can be the straw that broke the camel’s back and sway the hiring decisions in your favour!
Learn How to Add Your Credentials to Your HomeStars Profile
If you have credentials that you haven’t added to your HomeStars profile, now is the time. Make it a point to spruce up your profile and evaluate all you have to offer your clients. Share your accomplishments like certificates, course completions and other attainments in your profile to help gain homeowner trust!
To learn how to update your profile check out “5 Steps to Creating an All-Star Profile” or if you’re all set, log in now and update your credentials today!
