How to Let Customers Know About Your New Franchise
The relationship between franchisor and franchisee can yield big rewards for both parties. It still takes work, though, and awareness with local customers is one of the most important challenges to tackle as a new business. If you’re prepared to put in some sweat, spreading the word about your new business will yield bigger profits and a sustained customer base. What are some ways you can build customer awareness in your community for your new auto glass business?
Use Social Media
Targeting customers has never been easier. It’s often said that when something is free, you’re the product, not the client. This is certainly true with Facebook and Google, but the data they collect can be fertile grounds for a new franchise opportunity like yours.
With Facebook ads, you select some demographic information such as age, location, interests and more to deliver ads to accounts that match them all. They can be highly specific and they run consistently until you reach the quota you paid for. In the auto glass business, age is a factor–children under 16 are unlikely to own a car requiring windshield replacement. Accounting for demographics like age in your social media marketing is important. Additionally, regular posts that aren’t ads can be an effective way to stay in front of customers who have already followed your social media presence.
When you partner with a franchisor like NOVUS, you gain access to high-quality, professional marketing content that can be customized for your market and posted. This saves you the time of trying to create content on your own, or the expense of hiring a designer to do the same. NOVUS also provides resources to manage your Facebook and Google ad buying for you.
Word of Mouth Is Powerful
Have you perfected your elevator pitch yet? If not, it’s time to start practicing. Keep it simple and to the point. Many business owners have a long-winded, rambling elevator pitch that doesn’t engage the listener. There are many resources for creating a great elevator pitch, so get practicing!
When are working on your pitch, think about the impression you’ll make. How will you stand out in the memory of those you meet? You are the spokesperson for your franchise, so how do you create those memorable moments? Try asking everyone you meet how they got their start and what they like most about their industry. Engaging potential clients and partners with genuine curiosity creates a strong impression.
For any sales pitch you make, to a fleet manager, insurance agent, or consumer, think about your value propositions. What sets you apart from other auto glass businesses? What can you offer that they can’t? Fleets, insurers, and consumers all value some of the same things and some different things. NOVUS has the experience to know what these are and provides the value propositions for you to offer your customers. All you have to do is figure out how you’ll communicate them. Good news, we’ll help you with that too.
Don’t Forget to Follow Up
After a networking meeting, sales call, or community event, your head will likely be swimming with potential partnership ideas and new professional acquaintances. You might also be exhausted! There is one more step to creating a lasting impression: the follow-up.
Usually a brief email, it’s important to remind new contacts who you are and the value you bring. No matter where you are in your franchise career, you have expertise and experience that others don’t. By partnering with NOVUS you have technology and capabilities that others don’t. A simple email with a subject like, “Have you tried [NOVUS solution] for [Contact’s pain-point]?” goes a long way in cementing your presence in their mind as someone who can help them. You are a great listener because you identified the challenge they are experiencing and you are willing to offer help to them.
As a franchisee, don’t forget you have a strong network of support with your franchisor. Marketing copy, best practices, mentors, and more are available to help you through the process. Don’t be afraid to reach out and take advantage of the wealth of resources NOVUS offers!
If you would like to know more about launching a franchise in the windshield repair and replacement industry with NOVUS Glass, please contact us today. You can reach us at our website or by phone at 800-944-6811.
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