In a digital marketplace, standing out as a consultant requires more than just listing your general expertise. Buyers are looking for immediate solutions to specific challenges. Unfortunately, many consultants, particularly in the water industry, still rely on broad descriptions of their services, such as "civil engineering projects" or "option studies." While these general listings may work in a traditional setting, they fall short in the online world, where buyers need clarity and precision.

This is where a more service-based approach comes into play. By providing detailed and specific service offerings, consultants can attract more buyers, offer immediate value, and grow their business. Our platform makes this process easy, with flexible service options, a request-for-quote (RFQ) feature, and a built-in buyer review system to help boost visibility.

 

The Changing Landscape of Consulting Services

In the past, many consultants marketed themselves as generalists. They listed broad capabilities and relied on networks, conversations and referrals to secure new clients. However, in today’s digital world, buyers are increasingly searching for services that solve specific problems—and they want to know upfront if you’re the right fit.

On digital platforms like ours, specificity is the key to success. Instead of browsing a list of generalised services and hoping one might match their needs, buyers are now looking for precisely defined solutions. This allows them to compare options, make quick decisions, and either purchase a service directly or engage in a tailored conversation through the RFQ feature.

 

Why Detailed Service Listings Matter

1. Increased Visibility

Search engines and buyers on our platform favour detailed listings. A specific service such as "Water Treatment Plant Process Optimisation” is far more likely to show up in search results and catch a buyer’s eye than a vague "Process Engineering Services” offering. By defining what you offer, you become easier to find.

2. Buyer Reviews Build Trust

Our platform’s buyer review system further increases your visibility. As clients purchase and rate your specific services, those listings rise higher on the platform. Positive reviews serve as endorsements, building trust and encouraging new clients to choose you over competitors.

3. Immediate Buyer Confidence

When buyers see exactly what you offer, they feel confident that your service matches their needs. This speeds up the decision-making process and reduces the need for lengthy back-and-forth communication, saving you and the buyer time.

4. More Conversions

Specific services allow for a Buy Now option, which enables buyers to instantly engage with your service. If you don’t wish to provide pricing, the RFQ option offers flexibility by allowing buyers to request a custom quote without you needing to provide a price upfront. If the buyer accepts your quote a transaction is completed, meaning you get a purchase order faster.

 

How to Detail Your Services for Maximum Impact

1. Be Specific, Not General

Instead of listing a broad category like "Process Engineering,” break it down into precise offerings. For example, you could list:

  • "Preliminary Process Design for Water Treatment Plants”
  • "Energy Efficiency Audits for Pumping Stations”
  • "Detailed Feasibility Studies for Wastewater Solids Management Systems”

Being specific not only helps buyers identify the exact service they need but also positions you as a specialist in that area, making your services more appealing.

2. Break Down Your Offerings with Variants

If your consultancy provides multiple related services, use variants to give buyers more choices. For example, if you offer water safety planning, your service variant might be source water type and the options might include:

  • Option 1: Groundwater Source
  • Option 2: Surface Water (River) Source
  • Option 3: Surface Water (Lake) Source

You can add more than one variant so you could also combine the above with plant size for example.

This approach allows buyers to see exactly what fits their needs, and it gives them the flexibility to choose the level of service required for their project. It also gives you the information you need to be able to provide a price.

3. Use the RFQ Option to avoid showing pricing to your competitors

Whilst you may want to show some pricing, its’ more likely that you won’t want to show pricing, but that shouldn’t stop you from listing a service. Our RFQ feature allows buyers to request a quote without the seller having to display pricing publicly. This applies to any product variant too.

4. Leverage Buyer Reviews

The more specific your service listings, the more likely buyers will leave detailed reviews. Our platform's buyer review system helps to enhance your credibility and visibility. When buyers leave reviews for a specific service, it boosts the listing, making it easier for future buyers to find your service. Positive reviews not only instil trust but also give new buyers confidence in choosing your service.

 

Why Our Platform Works for Professional Service Providers

  • Product/Service Variants: You can offer flexibility to buyers by detailing different packages or service levels.
  • RFQ process: You can have potential buyers request a quote for a specific service that you list so that you do not need to show pricing.
  • Buyer Reviews: Our review system enhances your credibility. The more reviews you receive for specific services, the more visible your listings become to future buyers.
  • Verified Seller Profiles: We use Stripe Connect for independent business verification ensuring your professional credibility and making it easier for buyers to trust you.
  • Reach New Clients: Our marketplace is designed to connect consultants like you with a growing number of buyers in the New Zealand water industry.

 

Take the First Step Toward More Clients

Now is the time to update your listings and detail the specific services you offer. The more precise your service descriptions, the more likely buyers will choose you as their go-to consultant. Start making your services easy to find and easy to understand, and you’ll see more inquiries, faster conversions, and a growing client base.

 

Ready to Get Started? Create your shop and add service listing on our platform and start seeing more inquiries and faster conversions.