In need of advertising ideas for Roadside company.?

Question

I do roadside assitance and I am creating car magnets for advertising. My problem is in trying to figure out an idea that stands out that will make those who dont have roadside actually jot down my number for future possabilities. But that is such a non impulse buy I feel that something needs to be on the sign that would make them feel as if they need to save my number. Something to the effect of "dont pay standerd lockout fees!" I can not put actual prices because that could vary depending on how far they are and time of day.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!

Answer 1

Congratulations!  With gas prices what they are, even the "big guys" are going to be raising prices.  In our area, buying local is becoming an obsession so I think respect for us small business owners is growing by leaps and bounds.  As far as competing with AAA - I would 100% of the time call a local person because it OFTEN takes AAA at least an hour to get to you and if there is even the hint of fowl weather, it can take several hours.  If I broke down in an ufamiliar area and there were businesses around, I would walk to a gas station, restaraunt, etc and ask the people there who they would recommend.  I would take their recommendations - so - get to know your local business people, get some magnets in their stores that they can stick on the sales counter so it is handy, find out how to advertise on the paper place mats in food establishments, etc.  All small business owners are fighting the same battle.  In return for their support and referrences, put together a packet of their info together for your clients.  While the client is waiting for car repair, they can find a place to stay overnight if needed, a place to eat, get an ice cream cone, and so on.  By working together with other local business owners, everyone wins.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

David's answer is great, but if you're willing to invest some time into it you should also consider reading the book "Guerrilla Marketing" by Jay Conrad Levinson, it tells you a lot of practical and effective ways to market your business for very little or no money at all.

I hope this helps and I wish you success

Answer 4

Ah man, one of the best questions I've seen today! I think what you're doing is awesome, but, can you really compete with guys like AAA? I'm going off-topic here, but you could try becoming a business partner with them instead of a competitor. Ok, I love taking on the big guys, so here's what I would do:

build a website allowing consumers to evaluate current roadside assistance programs' pricing and such. Use the site to promote your own business in a legitimate fashion. I don't know much about roadside assistance, but I can't imagine being able to compete with AAA since their larger size allows them to offer low prices.

Do you think that car magnets are the best way to encourage roadside assistance? Try teaming up with some local insurance companies and form a mutually-beneficial relationship with them.