Rolling Along
7 Ways to Get More Customers – January 2018
It can be extremely difficult to promote your location with a small (or non-existent) marketing budget. It’s tough, but it can be accomplished! We’ve put together a list of free ways that you can attract more customers to your location(s). Contact Hannah, at hannah@wheelfunrentals.com, if you want to try any of these ideas!
1. Offer time-sensitive returning customer coupons and staple them to customers’ receipts. This is a great way to promote return business. For example, ask customers to return and rent again within two weeks, and give them a second hour free or buy-one-get-one-free if they bring their receipt for proof.
2. Offer free passes to local media (newspaper writers, bloggers, local news reporters, etc.). Giving free passes to local members of the media is a great way to get people out to your location. Offering free passes in exchange for a write-up can potentially get the word out to thousands of locals, and create/strengthen your relationship with the media, which may come in handy in the future.
3. Have staff members ride a Surrey around the area, handing out coupons when business is slow. We’ve mentioned this before, but it works! The items in our rental fleets are often our best marketing tool. When people see them out and about, they want to try them for themselves. Handing out a half off or second hour free coupon is a great way to get them to satisfy their curiosity and when those customers take that second hour, they are doing extended marketing for us.
4. Create coupons or discounts for random holidays. Have fun with quirky holidays like National Joke Day, National Bike to Work Day, etc. by giving out holiday-themed coupons. We’re happy to help create the artwork or campaign with you, just let us know! Email Hannah at hannah@wheelfunrentals.com.
5. If your location is part of a park, shopping center, or partnered with a hotel or local business, give them free passes to give away. If there is somebody with a larger reach than you nearby, whether that’s a park, shopping center, hotel, restaurant, etc., offer them free passes to hand out at their business or through social media.
6. Get yourself on TripAdvisor! TripAdvisor is a free review site, much like Yelp, and if you are ranked as a top attraction in your city, you are sure to attract more customers. Once you get on TripAdvisor, ask your customers (politely) to review your location. Most often people will visit a review site before going to a new place, and the more positive reviews you have, the more likely you are to gain customers.
7. Press releases work! If you’re taking part in an event, offering a new product, or have any other exciting news to share, let us know and we’ll help write the release. Getting even one article in a small publication is a great way to get local customers to find you. Many families with children are looking for healthy ways to have fun, and we want to be at the top of that list. As you know, throughout the year WFR Central does send out press releases on your behalf, but more are definitely better and when the news is specific like an event or new product, it will have greater impact.
