The Executive Suite: How to Advertise a Mobile Automotive Business

Thursday, October 17, 2013

How to Advertise a Mobile Automotive Business

Advertising a mobile automotive service business can appeal to a wide scope of potential customers. Select the right media format to reach the broadest base of people who need on-site mobile auto repairs. Strongly consider online formats, including mobile advertising and building your own website. Stress the convenience of mobile services in advertising headlines. Compare results you obtain from various media formats over one to three months. Revise your strategy to make the most cost-effective choices for your ongoing advertising efforts.

Suggestions

Identify auto owners who would benefit from your services. Downtown office workers might need a battery charged in the parking area where they work. Potential buyers of a used car might want it inspected before they buy. Some car owners might want their car serviced in the driveway of their home.
Determine your media strategy. Select the appropriate media to reach potential customers. Reach office workers by advertising in newspapers and via mobile advertising on cell phones. Yellow page publications, specialty magazines and websites like Auto Trader will reach used-car buyers. Online advertising can reach all types of potential users. Get rates for pay-per-click (PPC) advertising from search engine sites like Google, Yahoo! and directory websites in your city.
Contact the advertising sales departments for different media. Describe your services and ask each company how many potential users your advertising might reach. Compare each media format in terms of rates, how long your advertising will run, and how many members of your target audience they will reach. Use this information to set your advertising budget.
Use low-cost means like business cards and fliers with tear-offs featuring your contact information. Contact human resources departments to get permission to post fliers in cafeterias or a small ad in company newsletters. Ask places like restaurants, car washes, and nightclubs to post your advertising. Offer a discount or free services to the business owner in exchange.
Develop a website to support your overall advertising plan. Potential customers will search for service providers online. Load your website with key words like "car repairs," "on-premise auto repairs," and "towing services." This will increase the chances that your website will come up when people search for services.
Partner with other companies. Speak with insurance agencies and auto repair shops to explore opportunities to develop business partnerships. Discuss ways to become listed on their roster of companies they work with to get referral business. Ask to display an advertising poster and a stock of business cards in their offices and business locations.