Know-How Exchange : Advertising/PR

Possibility: contact municipal services in your town/city such as social services dept, senior center, etc. for posting information. Flyers posted in food markets, public library, etc. are also good for gettng the word out. Don''t forget some local PR. Prepare a press release and submit it with a photograph with a customer/mode of transportation to the local news media.

Best of luck!

Be sure when you reach out to these businesses that you show your certification and insurance papers so they know you provide a reliable, safe ride.

Also highlight the great testimonials that you already have. Offer an incentive for new clients your current ones bring to you. (Don't forget to thank them then, and forever!)

Good suggestions already provided.

Did your business plan justify there was a need for your service in your service area that isn't being met?

Since you haven't told us details about your service, can we assume your service meets / exceeds the competition in capabilities, hours, prices, service area, presentation materials, etc. Transporting wheelchair persons in a Nissan Sentra doesn't scream market domination.

I'm familiar with transportation services in Sun City AZ and despite the number of retired residents, there are only a couple major services (serving all of Phoenix metro area), many public services, and very few smaller local services. Assisted living communities have their own vans and most persons don't go out without trusted persons with them.

Seniors are apprehensive, frugal, and very security conscious. The are afraid to try someone new until forced. Trust is most important. Companionship and assistance with tasks (doctor appointment, shopping, homebound food delivery, etc.) is as important as the transportation.

REFERRALS

As a start-up, you'll need to do some / lots business for free to get good referrals. Blind testimonials have limited value.

GET PERSONAL

This is as much about relationships as about capabilities. Consider giving a talk to the residents (retirement communities, HOA community center, etc) so they can meet you, and hear how your service is trustful, meaningful, and cost-effective to them.

Well, I guess Karen has told almost everything. Prepare a specific consumer journey for your target customer, find the touch points. In your case, touch points could be hospitals, parks, theaters etc. When you target for the AdWords, be sure of it, as it might not be that much effective.

Contact medical professionals. They would be better referral sources than rehab/nursing facilities. Doctors and especially the nursing staff will be better sources.

For those type of businesses you need to understand they take a piece of the pie. When you pitched them did you offer a commission? If not, go back and present that option.

Make sure you know competitive pricing, and can quickly outline your value proposition over the competition. Your online presence will be more for credibility as potential referral partners, medical professionals, etc will check you out before moving forward.