Transportation Marketing Ideas: 5 Ways to Grow Your Business

As a small trucking business owner, you know that it takes a lot of hard work and dedication to grow your company. Though putting in extra hours to manage your company is essential, it’s not the only factor that will drive your business into a success.

To make your transportation business more profitable and let it grow further, you also need financing through transportation business loans. These loans will help you secure enough cash for:

• Capital investment (new equipment purchases)
• Covering daily operational expenses
• Paying off debts
• Investing in marketing efforts

Though marketing can seem like a second choice to expand your business, it’s crucial to consider it to reach more customers and cement your presence in the transportation industry.

With many digital marketing strategies out there, it can get challenging to pick the best ones for your business. This blog post will discuss the top five transportation marketing ideas to help you reach new customers and grow your business. Keep reading to learn more!

Why is Transportation Marketing Important?

It might seem impossible to break into the transportation industry with big competitors in the same business. But investing in marketing efforts can help you get the spotlight you need to gain a significant following and increase your customer base.

Finding your niche, understanding your customers, and growing your customer base can mean the difference between success and failure as a small business owner.

Here are some benefits to marketing your trucking business:

• Providing a great first impression for new customers
• Building brand recognition and authority
• Selling services, you might otherwise struggle to sell
• Promoting events or seminars, you’re attending
• Attracting skilled employees through advertising on job boards

Now that you know how marketing can benefit your transportation business, read on to find out how to get started!

Top 5 Transportation Marketing Ideas to Grow Your Business

As more people move to online platforms to search for products and services, transportation companies can leverage the power of online marketing to attract attention and gain more clients.

As a small business owner, these five strategies for growing your company will help you increase your brand awareness, build long-term relationships with customers, and grow your small transportation business.

1. Build a Website

Most businesses rely on word-of-mouth advertising to get the word out about their product or service. Still, only a select few have loyal consumers that will recommend them to others.

You need a great website to grow your business when it comes down to it. This is the first step in attracting potential customers, and you must take the time to build a site that represents your company well.

Having a professional website is integral to maintaining your current customers and drawing in new ones. But remember, you need Google to be on your side by following SEO best practices.

Search engine optimization or SEO includes implementing practices to improve your site rankings and gain more traffic to drive sales. Check out a few tips to help you gain recognition on search engines.

Add Common Search Terms

One of the best ways to increase traffic and market your transportation services is to add standard search engine terms and phrases directly to your site. Since you need to focus on attracting prospective customers, this strategy will help connect with potential buyers looking for what you’re selling.

For example, if your company specializes in transporting automobiles, you should add keywords like “car transport” or “car shipping” to your webpage. When people search for these terms, your site will be one of the first results they consult.

Claim Your Listing on Google

Most people look to Google first to find a product or service, so it’s essential to take advantage of this opportunity. Google My Business is the local business center on Google to edit and manage your online listing. Ensure that your company name and address are included in your profile and that your contact information is accurate.

In addition, you might want to add photos of your business or some of the services you offer regularly. Claiming and updating your profile will help new customers find your business online and put you ahead of potential buyers!

2. Invest in Email Marketing

Email marketing has been a cornerstone in the world of digital communication, and it’s what many businesses use to increase sales. The importance of email marketing for your transportation business means that you should refine your message to meet your key customers’ needs.

Having a solid email marketing strategy makes it easier to establish trust and credibility with customers. When you target manufacturing companies with your email marketing, for instance, you should highlight the ways that your transportation business can save them time and money. You might want to include a case study or testimonial from a satisfied customer to help seal the deal.

You could also create a newsletter or send informative content related to what your business offers to get clients interested. By nurturing relationships with prospects instead of pushing instant sales, you’ll be able to gain customers over time.

3. Use Relevant Sites to Find Transportation Routes

Another great way to promote your trucking business is by using relevant sites that offer route information. If you can get your business listed on these types of websites, it could help improve your website’s ranking and attract potential buyers.

In addition, be sure to update your company profile with accurate information like hours of operation, types of services offered, and pricing. This will help people interested in using your services get all the necessary information without having to contact you directly.

Three Common Sites to Find New Routes

There are a number of websites that can help truckers find new routes, depending on the type of cargo they’re transporting. Here are a few popular options:

1. TruckingTruth: This website is designed specifically for professional truck drivers and offers a variety of resources like job listings, news, and advice columns.
2. TruckRouter: This website offers interactive maps and tools that allow drivers to plan routes, find truck stops, and calculate tolls.
3. USA Truck Route Finder: This website provides detailed information on trucking routes throughout the United States.

4. Use Brokers to Get More Business

There are a number of ways to find transportation brokers. You can search for directories of transportation service providers, or you can look for online marketplaces that connect businesses with carriers.

Websites like Free Freight Search offer a directory of freight brokers that includes contact information and company profiles. You can also contact freight forwarding companies and ask them to recommend a broker.

Finding a Reliable Broker

When you’re looking for a broker, it’s important to find one that’s a good fit for your business. Make sure to ask the broker questions like:

• What kind of experience do you have in the transportation industry?
• What types of shipments do you specialize in?
• How do you plan to market my business?
• What are your rates?
• How long have you been in business?
• Do you have references I can contact?

By asking these questions, you’ll be able to find a broker that has the experience and resources to help your business grow.

5. Market Your Company at Freight Events

Attending freight events is another way to market your transportation business. Be sure to have a well-designed and professional booth that will stand out from the rest. You should also have a strong presence on social media to help promote your attendance. Make sure you hand out business cards, brochures, and other marketing materials that potential customers can take with them.

Most importantly, be prepared to pitch your company and services to potential buyers. This is an opportunity to explain what makes your business unique and how you can benefit them.

Get Started with Transportation Marketing

With so many different marketing channels at your disposal, it can be tough to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together this list of five transportation marketing ideas that are sure to grow your business. Of course, this is just a starting point – feel free to get creative and tailor these tips to fit your specific needs. 

And if you need help getting started, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of lending experts at Select Funding. We’re here to help you secure the financing you need to take your business to the next level.