Small Business Marketing Tactics – An Owner’s View

After being coached by the team at Deluxe Corp., one small business owner has clarified her company’s top marketing tactics.  Diane Presser, Founder of Comfort Coach Transport, shares some methods she’s using to find and win new customers.

These include: 1) keeping her small business website content updated monthly, 2) talking about her company with people that are potential referral sources that she meets daily while delivering her services, and 3) adding social media to her ongoing marketing efforts.

Last year, the Deluxe folks chose Diane to participate in a small business program called Project REV.  According to the Deluxe, Corp. website:

• Project REV is a collaborative, yearlong marketing partnership created by Deluxe to help 10 hand-selected small business owners figure out – at our expense – what marketing programs will work best for them. Our small business customers have told us they don’t know how to choose the right marketing tools, or how to measure the effectiveness of their effort.

I asked Diane to share some insights from Project REV about fresh ways for finding new customers and suggestions for other business owners.  Here are her answers.

SCBI: As a first-time entrepreneur, what were the 3-5 most important things you wish you’d known about finding customers when you started Comfort Coach Transport?

Diane Presser: First, I learned that you don’t have to win customers all at once. Rather, it is best to target my customer base and market to medical facilities, rehab and surgery centers to receive a steady stream of customers. This allows for more referrals and new business opportunities.

The second thing I learned is that marketing opportunities are constantly presenting themselves. For example, when I drop off a customer at a hospital or center, I always remember to introduce myself to available nurses or social workers and tell them about my business. This gives me the ability to market for my company on a more personal level.

Third, I learned that all small business owners should be set up to accept all forms of monetary payment at all times. My advice is to get set up with a smartphone or another payment platform that allows you to quickly accept payments on your phone when away from your office.

SCBI: What are the most valuable marketing strategies that you’ve learned from the Deluxe team and that you’d recommend to other startups?

Diane: Over the past year, Deluxe taught me key marketing strategies that make me better at choosing marketing tactics based on the unique needs of my business. I recommend that other small business owners and entrepreneurs continually update their web presence. It is imperative to keep your small business website updated on a monthly basis.

Another key item I would recommend is for all small business owners to create a business plan. It is essential. And never be afraid to ask for recommendations!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SCBI: What are your next-step goals for finding and winning new customers, based on what you’ve learned in the Project REV program?

Project REV has really made me aware of the importance of using social media. My next steps are to develop my social media presence through my blog, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. In order to find and win new customers, I plan to leverage any networking opportunities and attend more meet-ups. Comfort Coach Transport recently decided to paint the vans with our logo colors, making us the only company among our competitors with uniquely painted vehicles.

SCBI: As a busy small business owner, how do you stay in touch with your best customers?

Diane: Generally, I make phone calls just to ask how things are going. It never hurts to drop “hello” notes during special occasions. I also use EasyContact, an email marketing platform to stay in touch.

Diane Presser and I hope you’ll find some inspiration for updating your marketing tactics from what’s she’s shared.

Any other tactics you’d like to share?  Please enter them in the friendly comments section below.

Comfort Coach Transport provides safe, comfortable, prompt and respectful non-emergency medical transportation to doctor and dentist appointments, hospitals clinics, family outings and more.  If you’re located in one of the Southern California communities of North County San Diego and know someone that needs transportation services, give Diane a call on 866-701-7776!  Check out her website here.