My buddy and I started a mobile oil change business about two months ago, and our initial plan was to primarily advertise through Facebook ads and hand out brochures. Unfortunately, neither approach has led to a customer yet. We’ve invested close to $400 in ads over the past 2-3 months and posted a lot on social media to get our name out there, but we’ve only had friends and family to change oil for.
Morale is starting to dip, and we’re considering our options. I know it’s early in the process, but we need to pivot our marketing strategy. Should we be alarmed about the lack of customers? Would it be too soon to consider a complete pivot in our business model?
If your mobile oil change business is struggling, consider these steps: promote your services online, offer special deals, improve customer service, and expand your service area. Also, consider partnering with local businesses for referrals. Evaluating your pricing and costs can help identify areas to improve profitability.
When my friend and I launched our mobile car detailing business, we faced a similar challenge. Despite our initial efforts in online advertising and social media, we didn’t see immediate results, and it was disheartening. We eventually found that connecting with local communities and attending events helped us build relationships and gain trust. Additionally, focusing on customer referrals and partnering with local businesses gave us more exposure. It might be too soon to completely pivot, but tweaking your strategy to include local outreach and possibly offering promotions or referral incentives could help. Persistence is key, and adapting your approach based on what you learn can make a significant difference.