So you’ve started your own transport business and need to get clients rolling in.
You’ve invested in the best vehicles, hired the most qualified drivers, set competitive rates, built a website, and created social media profiles.
But now what? How do you get people to hire your services?
In this article, we’ll explore 15 strategic ways to get new clients for your transport business so you’ll book jobs in no time.
Using these strategies, you’ll gain exposure, build your reputation, and watch your client list and revenue grow.
How to Get Clients for Transport Business
You need to put in the work to build up your client base. Here are some top ways to get new clients for your transport business:
1. Target the Right Customers for Your Transport Business
You need to target the right customers to build a successful transport business. Here are some tips for finding your ideal clients:
a. Focus on Businesses That Frequently Ship Goods or Raw Materials
Manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers are excellent potential clients. They regularly need transportation services to move their products.
b.Target Companies With Supply Chain Needs
Any organization that relies on a supply chain to get their goods or components will likely need freight shipping and transport.
c. Look for Businesses That Sell or Distribute Bulky Goods
If a company sells huge, heavy products, they’ll surely need help transporting them. Things like machinery, building materials, and furniture are ideal.
d. Don’t Forget Small Businesses
While big companies often need more frequent shipping, small businesses still need transport services.
They may value the personalized service a smaller transport company can offer.
e. Search Industry Directories and Databases
Sites like ThomasNet, Manta, and Hoovers are great for finding businesses in specific industries and locations.
d. You Can Also Check Local Business Groups and Chambers of Commerce
With the right targeting and persistence, you’ll build a loyal client base that becomes long-term customers.
2. Create an Informative Website
A well-designed website is essential for any modern business. Include details about your services, contact information, photos of your vehicles, and testimonials from happy clients.
Make it easy for people to request price quotes or book reservations. Optimizing your website for search engines can help boost traffic and rankings in search results.
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3. Build Your Social Media Following
Many potential customers look to social media to find and research businesses.
Start accounts for your company on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Post regularly about your services, share photos, run contests and promotions, and engage with your followers. Link back to your website and blog posts to drive more traffic.
4. Start a Blog
A company blog is a great way to establish your brand as an authority in the transportation industry.
Share helpful tips, insights about destinations you serve, profiles of your drivers, behind-the-scenes looks at your operations, and more.
Optimize your blog posts for search engines by including relevant keywords and internal links.
Promote new posts on your social media accounts to increase readership.
5. Run a Customer Loyalty Program
Offering loyalty rewards and discounts is an effective way to keep clients returning and referring others.
Provide benefits like discounted or free rides after a certain number of bookings, VIP access to special events, or partner perks from local businesses.
Loyalty programs demonstrate your appreciation for repeat customers and their continued support of your company.
6. Claim Your Business Profiles
Register your transportation company on sites where people search for local businesses like Yelp, TripAdvisor, Google My Business, and Bing Places for Business.
Complete all profile information and add photos if possible. Monitor reviews and respond promptly to build goodwill.
Having profiles on various platforms expands your online visibility and helps establish credibility.
7. Attend Local Events
Networking is one of the most effective ways to find new clients for your transport business. A good way to network is to attend events within your business area.
Check sites like Eventbrite and Meetup for networking events in your area. Look for ones centered around business, entrepreneurship, or your local chamber of commerce.
Bring business cards to share with people you meet. Also, be prepared to give a quick elevator pitch about your company and services.
Look for leads and listen to people discussing transport or shipping needs. Politely interrupt, introduce yourself, and offer a business card. Follow up within a few days.
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8. Build Relationships
Connect with people in related industries like warehouses, e-commerce companies, manufacturers, and distributors. They frequently ship and transport goods.
You can also partner with non-competing businesses that serve the same customers, like hotels, airports, and travel agencies.
Provide them with promotional materials about your services to pass on to their customers or see if you can be listed as their preferred transport supplier.
Join relevant industry organizations and LinkedIn groups to connect with people in similar businesses. Engage by commenting on posts and starting discussions.
Get to know managers and executives at complementary companies. Take them for coffee or lunch to build rapport. Look for opportunities to support each other.
9. Make Connections Online
Let your company’s presence be felt online. Engage with people by liking and commenting on their posts. You can also share industry news and advice.
Contact people who may need your services via social media messages and emails. Briefly introduce your company and ask if they have any upcoming transport needs.
Ensure your company website is optimized for search engines like Google so potential new clients can easily find you online. Focus on keywords like “transport company in [your city name].”
10. Loyalty Programs
Offering deals is a great way to attract new clients and keep your current customers returning.
Implement a points or rewards system that gives customers discounts for repeat business or reaching certain spending thresholds.
For example, offer 10% off their 5th or free ride after 10 paid rides.
Send loyalty members special coupons and deals to make them feel valued. Give them advance notice about sales and new service offerings.
11. Seasonal Specials
Run promotions around holidays and busy seasons. Offer package deals for airport rides over the holidays or student move-in days.
Advertise seasonally-themed discounts like “10% off all pumpkin patch rides in October!” to create a sense of urgency.
12. Create Bundle Services
Create bundled service packages at a lower overall price, such as an airport shuttle ride and luggage handling service.
This boosts the value for your customers and secures their business for multiple services.
For corporate clients, assemble a package including airport transfers, employee shuttles, and event transportation at a negotiated bulk rate.
13 Referral Programs
A referral program is an easy and effective way to attract new customers, build loyalty, and increase your customer lifetime value
Word-of-mouth marketing is one of the best ways to get new clients. Set up a referral program that rewards existing customers for telling friends about your company.
For example, offer customers a 10-15% discount on their next ride if a new customer mentions their name when booking.
The new customer also gets a first-time discount, so everyone wins.
14. Treat Customers With Respect
Providing excellent customer service should be a top priority for any transport business.
All customers should be treated with politeness, empathy, and inclusiveness, regardless of who they are.
Address them as “sir” or “ma’am,” make eye contact, smile, and listen attentively to their needs. Your professionalism and positivity will make them feel valued.
Reply promptly to customer calls, emails, and requests. Let clients know when their shipment will be picked up or delivered, what to expect from the process, and how they can reach you with any questions or concerns.
Your responsiveness will reassure them and build trust in your business.
14. Accommodate Special Requests
Satisfied customers will return again and again and refer others to your company.
Do your best to meet unique needs and accommodate special demands when possible.
If extra services or options would improve the customer’s experience, try to oblige. Going above and beyond shows you care about their satisfaction.
15. Continuously Improve your services
Ask customers for feedback and reviews after each delivery or shipment. Look for ways you can enhance your services and address any concerns.
Make improvements to your operations, technology, vehicles, or staff training. A commitment to continuous improvement will set you apart from competitors.
Moreover, happy customers will spread the word about your company.
Conclusion
You can gain new clients and grow your transport business quickly with hard work and persistence.
The key is providing value through high-quality service, building authority, and strategically promoting what you offer.
While some of these strategies may take time to implement and perfect, focusing on even a few can help boost your visibility, strengthen your online presence, build trust in your brand, and gain new loyal customers.
Remember, growing a business takes dedication and consistency. Stay focused on providing a fantastic experience for your current customers, ask for referrals, and keep improving your services.
If you do, you’ll be well on your way to growing a successful transport company with a steady stream of new clients.