My mom runs a small gas supply business for homes and buildings. She’s been at it for over 30 years, and I recently started helping her out. Lately, though, it feels like we have fewer customers since so many new businesses have opened up. Does anyone have tips on how we can get our customers back or attract new ones?
With 30 years of experience, everything in your business must be streamlined and really well-done. You should highlight this when talking to potential customers. Working with your mom’s business means they’ll get reliability and expertise that new companies might not offer.
@Vesper
True, she knows everything about the business and still has clients, but just not as many as before.
@Vesper
Experience is valuable. People with years of knowledge can often spot details that others miss. It’s a good thing to let customers know about.
I work for a company that sells kitchen products, and we set up a website to reach more people. We also ranked different pages for different locations, which brought in a lot more clients. SEO (search engine optimization) really helped grow our customer base, so maybe it’s something to consider for your business.
@Pat
Good idea, thank you.
Use testimonials from happy customers and emphasize your business history. Maybe try some creative marketing tactics, like being visible in local markets or online communities. Look up what others in similar businesses are doing, especially ones that seem successful, and adapt what you can to your business.
@Kingsley
But she’s only got one helper who does the accounting. I told her hiring more people could increase her workload capacity and income.
Ezra said:
@Kingsley
But she’s only got one helper who does the accounting. I told her hiring more people could increase her workload capacity and income.
I get it… working alone in this business is tough, but she’s done it for 30 years, which is really impressive. If you start taking on more responsibilities, she might eventually see the value in hiring. Show her how your ideas could bring in more clients. Having you by her side could make all the difference.
@Kingsley
Thanks so much. I really appreciate your advice.
Customer reviews can help. Even a few positive reviews go a long way with new clients.
Your mom’s experience is a big selling point. Thirty years means trust, which many newer companies can’t offer. Maybe reach out to local residential buildings or property managers and let them know about your reliability. Offering a discount for first-time customers might help bring them in. Social media, like local Facebook groups, is also good for getting noticed by people nearby.
@Bailey
That sounds like a plan. I think in a couple of years, once I know more about the business, I’ll be ready to help her more directly, but for now, I’m just 17. Thanks for the advice.
Play up your mom’s years in the industry. People like supporting local businesses, and 30+ years says a lot about her reliability.
Consider building partnerships with other local businesses that could bring in referrals.
Setting up a Google Business Profile can really help. Show your working space, portfolio, and reviews there. Add your business to free local or national directories online. Being visible online helps with competition. If you can, also make a website and try advertising or SEO to boost visibility.
Some industries focus on loud and very niche customers, but personally, I’d stick to your main customer base who actually need gas services and can pay for it. Just a thought on where to direct your energy.
If you’re interested in digital marketing, try reaching out to companies like emailscrubber.io; they specialize in email marketing, which could help.
I wish someone would buy my extra gas, I’ve got tons of it sitting around.
Online marketing can be a big help in getting your gas business noticed. A professional website with details on services, pricing, and contact info is a good start. SEO can make your site more visible, and social media can help you connect with local customers. Try Google Ads or social media ads to reach specific areas, and think about sharing tips and stories from customers; it builds trust. Don’t forget email marketing for sharing updates and promotions with your customers.