Finding my target audience.

[RyanJ]

Hello Everyone

I've started up removals and while everything so far is going OK. I'm about breaking even and spending a lot on PPC. Now I know this is a working progress. Getting my SEO good is top priority! However I met a man who has a yard and ten to fifteen vans running daily. He doesn't do removals but he does a lot of transport. He started with one van. I'd like to do transport as well, for example provide a service for people who sell ride on lawn mowers. Doing backloads is also something I'm looking into. How do I market this, I don't want to spend a lot on PPC like I am currently doing. I cannot risk it for that. There are so many local van businesses and I would like to do round the country. Any ideas on marketing where I can measure my return and any good ways of finding and reaching out to people who need my services. I think recurring customers is key here which removals doesn't have. I've tried leaflets to houses for sale but only about fifty and that took a long time. I will attempt this again though.

Sorry for the amount of text, any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

 

[AlexandraS]

hi Ryan

I think maybe you are underestimating your current client-base. Everyone needs a "man with a van" from time to time - and house-moves most definitely!

They've just moved in to a new house and:-

i) Need to take a load of crap to the tip which they should've taken before but didn't.
ii) Need to buy new furniture.

Don't overlook the customers right under your nose. I'd be reluctant to go for expensive PPC advertising because I think your customers are going to be local and very much "word of mouth" and as you say, you'll be starting with one van and not a fleet.

 

[fisicx]

Have you got your phone number painted on the side of the van along with a list of things you can do?

50 leaflets isn't a lot. 1000 is good number to start with. Have you offered all the estate agents and letting agents a fee for finding you work. What about charity shops, all shops, clubs, pubs and everyone else.

Are you the local man with a van everyone calls?

The bloke we use parks up on the main road at night, on the back of his van is his website. The website is simple: one page with a list if the things he does and a phone number. He is always busy.

 

[RyanJ]

Thanks for your responses! Great idea till I can get more removal work and my own fleet.
I'll try leaflets again but with a lot more, what do you suggest for other forms of local marketing ?

Thanks for your replies!

 

[andrewflower12]

hey buddy

this is always big problem in ppc market

best solution for you is

target all those keywords in which searches are coming but your competitors are not there on that keywords

so you will there in less competitive area and i am sure there are many keywords like that which you can use in ppc market

so do that it's lil secrete of ppc

 

[pjajackson]

Hi Ryan

I work for the home delivery company Arrow XL and have been in transport sales for over 10 yrs.

To supplement your removals business you could always explore utilising your in home experience for home delivery. There are probably many local, independent businesses in your area that require such a service. The key is being able to deliver a service that is truly needed. For example local retailers of white good and appliances may need those items delivered, installed and the old one taking away.

I would therefore profile the local businesses in your are and determine their needs (i.e. your customer specification) examples would be:

• Furniture retailers and manufacturers (store and online)
• Appliance retailers and manufacturers (store and online)
• Bedding
• Cabinetry
• Garden furniture & BBQs
• Flatpack

Begin to develop a sales proposition and tailor your offer to meet the needs of these identified customer types. Produce marketing collateral e.g. sales documents, presentations etc.

Once you have a clearly defined customer profile and offer to serve them, it makes targeted selling much easier and will save money on advertising!

Cheers

Paul

 

Speak to local estate agents people are buying or renting all the time. You may be able to work out a deal or at worst leave flyers or cards with them

 

[Cagben]

Connect with other couriers and transport companies on twitter etc,email transport companies so that they know you are available for back loads etc.
A friend of mine gets lots of work via twitter i.e putting out where he is and that he is empty and available.