Participants from around the country logged into Zoom for Illinois Limousine and Bus Association’s (ILLBA’s) latest Coffee With ILLBA webinar on Tuesday, July 16. This free online forum for news and education has been going strong since early 2020 and attracts association members and non-members alike. This month’s topic, Engage and Grow Your Customer Base With Low-Cost Marketing Ideas, came courtesy of ILLBA Director James Jordan of Lux Tux Transportation.
With a background in marketing, Jordan revealed several low-cost (and even no-cost) tips to expand your business locally. Revealing that he’s never spent more than $500/month on advertising, Jordan emphasized the importance of consistent, professional branding on marketing materials, whether it’s business cards, posters, or even Facebook posts. Something as simple as putting your location on business cards can be a game-changer when meeting new clients or affiliates, he stressed. Jordan also recommended finding local business by putting a poster in another high-traffic business, such as a car wash. For under $300/year, he’s found this to be an incredibly profitable way to meet and keep local clients.
ILLBA Director James Jordan of Lux Tux Transportation
Another important marketing tactic includes finding a niche for your business; in Jordan’s case, he started his company by marketing to single professional women who may have been uncomfortable with TNCs. Jordan also recommended working with local charities by donating trips. Jordan also mentioned the value of (free) Facebook posts and encouraged the attendees to “religiously” promote events in their area (e.g., sports, concerts, holiday light tours). He shared examples of digital graphics that promoted Chicagoland events like Lollapalooza.
Before concluding, Jordan discussed the value of the Affiliate Central Global Forum, held at CD/NLA Shows, which gives operators the opportunity to meet with representatives from companies around the globe. Again, he recommended that owners be prepared with professional looking marketing materials/cards that contain as much information as possible about their companies. QR codes and photos only increase the potential value of the materials being distributed.
ILLBA makes all their Coffee With ILLBA webinars available for free on their YouTube channel. Click here to access the library of videos.
The next Coffee With ILLBA session is scheduled to be held Tuesday, September 17 at 10:00 a.m. CT.
Visit illba.org for more information.
[07.16.24]