Promoting your work at car shows is one way to advertise an auto detailing business.
Running any small business can be a challenge, especially in a competitive economy. Auto detailing businesses need to attract clients who appreciate careful work and entrust valuable cars, trucks and motorcycles to the hands of skilled detailing technicians. Follow some basic steps and be creative to market your auto detailing business and establish new and repeat customers.
Print Advertising
Though it might seem old-fashioned, traditional print advertising is essential for good coverage in your marketing. Be sure to place your business in the local yellow pages and advertise in local newspapers. Taking out an ad in the classifieds where car shoppers are likely to read it is one way to make your name known to your target customers. It also makes it possible for customers to find you with minimal effort.
Web Advertising
Having a strong web presence is also essential, especially for younger customers who may not have an established, long-term relationship with an auto detailing shop. Invest in website design and have your site listed on all of your promotional materials, including business cards. Use the site to show pictures of work your shop has completed, along with basic information like your location, the skills of your technicians and any current promotions.
Promotions
An auto detailing business should serve individual customers with one-time needs, such as a rust spot or accident damage to a vehicle. However, getting repeat customers, such as car collectors or custom car builders, can set your business up for future sales. Use promotions, such as loyalty discounts or coupons for first-time customers, to get both kinds of buyers into your shop.
Exhibition
Auto detailing shops rely on the quality of their work and the skill of the employees to stand out from the competition. To do this, you not only need to hire talented artists and skilled technicians, but also put their work on display for your potential customers to see. Encourage any employees who have detailed cars to compete in local or regional car shows, and consider offering to sponsor owners of vehicles your shop has worked on by paying the exhibition fee. Putting your work on display in front of car enthusiasts is important in letting customers compare your work, side-by-side, to the competition's. Besides participating in car shows, consider using a company vehicle. This is useful if you offer any sort of mobile detailing services, or simply for an owner or manager to commute to work each day. Print the name of your business on the vehicle, along with a phone number, address, slogan and web address. And be sure to give it a top-notch paint job with elaborate detailing to impress other drivers every day.
Tags: auto detailing, auto detailing business, detailing business, your business, your shop, your work
