Building Your Driving Business

The demand for experienced and reliable drivers is constantly growing. As people are returning to their pre-pandemic routine, more and more vehicles take the road. Taxis, delivery trucks, vans, specialist commute vehicles, etc., all sorts of drivers are needed. The pandemic has affected many businesses and individuals, forcing companies to adjust to staff and skill shortages. As a result, drivers will play a crucial role in the economic recovery. For seasoned and qualified drivers, this is good news. It's the perfect opportunity to start and grow your business. 

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Start as a freelancer to build up clientele

It can be tricky to establish your brand reputation from day one. However, you can get familiar with your local clientele through freelancing or temporary driving positions. You can, for example, become an Uber driver, which will let you understand the market needs. Through your position, you can get to experience what local customers need and identify different customer persona. The information will allow you to gather market data and define your business strategy accordingly. 

Similarly, you can join companies as a temporary delivery driver, learning more about the B2B requirements and challenges. It's not often you can get paid while performing market research!

 

Create a powerful online presence

A driving business needs a strong online presence. Depending on your business, you might choose to use a website or a mobile app. Indeed, if you choose to address B2B challenges, your website will be the first point of contact for clients. You can use it to display your services, rates, and even testimonials and case studies. Be careful about competitors' leaving fake reviews on your website or other networks. As the B2B world can be highly competitive, you might need to consider reputation management services too. 

 

As a B2C driver, it can be helpful to have an app so your customers can book your services on the go. 

 

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Share unique stories

Video stories are one of the most useful marketing tools for both B2B and B2C ventures. Indeed, video content is engaging and enables the business to create a unique and authentic connection with the viewer. As a driver, you could create Instagram stories or YouTube videos to share your day-to-day experience on the road. It could be a short behind-the-scene video about how to prepare for a long drive or even a unique client story (assuming the client agrees to share the details). 

 

Offer unique and relevant services

What do people in your market need but can't get? Every market has unique requirements that competitors ignore. For instance, perhaps your area has many elderly residents who require taxi services for medical appointments or everyday commutes. Seniors could need specialist medical assistance or equipment which needs to fit within the vehicle. 

If you live in an area with a college, you could be very useful to the highly active young population who can't afford a vehicle, but can afford a great haircut, mani and pedi at the salon several miles away and just needs a ride to get there or the return trip. Or, if their laptop busted and they need a new one for an assignment due tomorrow, you could gift them a ride to the store or back from there.

 

 

Starting a driving business can be a fantastic decision for experienced drivers who seek an independent and prosperous career path. It goes without saying that you won't be able to establish your business reputation overnight. However, a thorough understanding of your local market, combined with a credible digital presence, can help grow your brand awareness, 

This is a contributed post.

 

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