As the owner of a petrol station, it can be tempting to believe that the fuel industry is a necessary, essential service where you can get by without extensive marketing. Any small business owner would tell you this is not true.
While service stations are certainly essential, they also exist within a saturated market. This means that, in order to distinguish yourself from the next petrol station around the corner, marketing should always remain at the front of your mind.
It can be tricky to understand what marketing strategies are effective in the fuel industry. From traditional word of mouth, to the new digital landscape, today’s marketing strategies don’t have to be complex. Here are some simple ways to market your petrol station in 2021.
Set Your Business Apart
With such a wide option of service stations for customers to choose from, setting your petrol station apart from the competition is the first battle. Many people choose their petrol station of choice based on convenience. Luckily, there are aspects of the customer experience that you can capitalize on to help ensure return business.
Some service stations can underestimate the importance of excellent customer service. This is an oversight. Going above and beyond for your customers will always impress. A memorably great experience at your service station will make you stand out from the crowd. Along these lines, ensuring your business is always clean, functional, and avoids closures at the pumps will help draw people to your petrol station over your competitors.
Focus On Online Reviews
One of the best things you can do to market your business in 2021 is prioritize your online reviews. When searching for a local business, most consumers will scour the internet to find the most appealing options in their area. Without fail, positive testimonials and reviews from real customers are a powerful way to drive new traffic at your petrol station.
The more positive public reviews your business receives, the more your brand’s reputation and trust will increase. In such a competitive market, this is a critical edge to have over other service stations in your area.
Build an Online Presence
In 2021, a brand’s online presence is critical. ServoPro has previously discussed the importance of maintaining social media platforms such as a Facebook business page. Maintaining an online presence is a way to stay in your customer’s mind after they drive off the forecourt, as well as reach a wider audience.
Additionally, many of today’s consumers will take to the internet to interact with businesses and brands they trust. A strong online profile or website will allow your business to remain visible to your audience, as well as interact, field questions, and handle any possible customer complaints.
Not sure where to start with creating a website? As part of your ServoPro Membership, we create a website for you, free of charge.
Run a Promotion
Traditional marketing tactics continue to work, even in today’s increasingly digital landscape. While it may seem unnecessary to run promotions at your service station, you shouldn’t underestimate their value. If distinguishing your business from others in the area is your priority, then competitions or promotions are a perfect way to help your petrol station stand out from the crowd.
Offer monthly raffles, discounted fuels, or buy-one-get-one deals on specific stock items. Any promotion that catches your consumers attention is an effective way to make a lasting impression, and create an increased incentive for return business.
Create a Rewards Program
Brand loyalty is one of the most effective marketing strategies around. The more return business you are able to create at your petrol station, the more you will stand out from other businesses in the same area. However, to create brand loyalty, many customers will find themselves looking for a specific reason to visit your service station.
Rewards programs like loyalty programs or punch cards allow customers to be rewarded for choosing your petrol station. Additionally, it signals that you value your customers and truly care about their business. If you’re struggling to create regulars at your petrol station, implementing a rewards system may help.
Marketing your business in today’s landscape can feel overwhelming. However, it’s important to remember that many of the classic strategies still work. By integrating both in-person and digital marketing strategies, you can easily distinguish your petrol station from the competition.
If you need some ideas on how to better market your petrol station. Reach out to Dan on 0490 415 063 or [email protected]