Marketing Ideas For A Local Services App

[rizbit]

Ok so ive completed the first phase of developement of a mobile app service on android and iphone.

The app basically provides a hand checked niche directory of garages and related businesses in the UK.

it also allows users to get quotes from businesses who are members... For example get a quote to replace the clutch in your car from 10 local garages in just a few clicks in the app....

Now we have marketed to businesses and in some town we have over a dozen signed up.

We just now need to target users to get the ball rolling and give the businesses some requests from users so they can respond with quotes and get work.

We have already looked into In Your Area ads, Facebook Ads, Twitter Ads, but the pick up is slow. Cant afford a TV ad... So I am just looking for new ideas to help.

 

[intheTRADE]

Unfortunately I have no suggestions how to generate users for this

But as a driver its not something I would use. If the clutch goes on my car I haven't got time to download an app, fill in details and wait for a quote. I've got a local garage I already use and if I wasn't happy with their price I would do a quick Google search for other garages in my area and get on the phone to them

 

[fisicx]

Agree with @intheTRADE, if I need something fixing I go to the same place I always go. Their numbers are already stored in my phone to it’s easy to book an appointment. If I need something new I’ll google or ask on a site like nextdoor or ask a friend.

 

[rizbit]

Based on market research most car owners said they would find an app like this usefull.

I agree lot of people go to the same places, I used to. But then i realised sometimes they overcharge you or even give you wrong diagnoses. You then have to ring around and get different feedback and prices.

I once had a minor fluid leak that cost £40 to fix, whereas my regular garage said it was leaking transmission fluid from gear box and would cost £400 to fix.

You dont know till you shop around.

This app helps you get multiple quotes from different local garages. And all you have to do is install a free app, sign up then enter very basic profile details.. Then add all your car details (well as much as you want). It stores your car. Then when you want a quote for a repair just select that car.

The more info you give the garage the better the quote accuracy.

The directory is better than google as its manually created and checked individually so you know exactly what services that garage provides. So its a fresh 2021 upto date directory seperated into multiple categories. So if you just looking for places that do MOT just select MOT and you can see them all listed. Lots of business details on google places are out of date or even incorrect. Also this service is niche for car repairs only.

Preparation is the key to success. you know at some point you car will need repairs or new tyres, so why not be prepared with an app...

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

Based on market research most car owners said they would find an app like this usefull.

More details of the market research?

Also, the ratio between 'those who were asked' becoming 'those who did something' are extremely low.

 

[SEODEV#338055]

Have you considered advertising with a niche car-related internet forum?

Most forums offer advertising opportunities

• Banner ads
• Special offer ads
• Email newsletter ads
• Signature ads (prolific users)
• Social media channel ads
• Competition sponsorship
• Podcast ads

I'd imagine many UKBF posters are car owners

Maybe @Ozzy has some advertising space available?

 

[Lucan Unlordly]

In order for your app to work you have to have genuine local businesses on board in sufficient quantity to provide a range of quotations. Pressure to accept paying service providers from farther afield to balance the figures would stifle your concept. Businesses like the national drain clearance or insulation guys who have a local number but are actually based 40 miles up the road kill most national directories.

 

[fisicx]

Echo what @Lucan Unlordly said.

You need to seed the app with data before marketing. This means getting a list of local garages for the whole of the UK and importing the information into the app. That way you can offer a finished product to users. You then offer garages the opportunity to pay for upgrades to their listing.

Without the initial data set the app will fail.