Poof! Just like that it is 2019 and the rules of marketing have changed again. Whether your golf car business is a local business, an online business, or a combination of both, updating your online marketing will be critical to future success. As we move into the new year, here are some ways to market your golf car business online to drive both website traffic and foot traffic.
Website Maintenance
If you do not yet have a professional website (not a free GoDaddy site), hire a professional to design one for you today. Absolutely every business should have a professionally designed, functional website. If you already have a website, it is time to do some maintenance to meet 2019 search engine and design standards.
- Don’t be afraid of white space. Cluttered websites with dark colored backgrounds are difficult to read and follow and typically have high bounce rates.
- Ensure that your website is mobile friendly. It is estimated that 60% of search engine searches are done from mobile devices.
- Include social share and follow buttons. Encouraging website visitors to join your brand on social media is a great way to gain traction.
- Include calls to action. Do you want website visitors to click a button, call now, sign up, or stop by for a gift? Whatever you want them to do, tell them.
- Create logical navigation. Go through your website with fresh, unbiased eyes. Is your website easy and logical to navigate?
If you struggle to drive traffic to your website, consider subscribing to a listing management service, which will maintain your website listing on 50+ platforms and bring in consistent business reviews. K.C. AutoMarine’s service is my favorite because it will pin your business on the major vehicle navigation systems, literally putting your business on the map.
Email Marketing
Are you collecting customer email addresses? Are you actively growing your email list in creative ways? If not, 2019 is the year to start creating opt ins and lead magnets with the goal of growing your customer and prospect email lists. Did you know that for every $1 spent on email marketing, the average return is $43? Here are some ways to collect emails today:
- Place a subscriber box on your website.
- Run a giveaway.
- Develop an informative ebook or checklist that can be downloaded when the user enters their email.
As you grow your email list, it is important to be consistent with email marketing efforts so that your list knows what to expect from you and even begins to look forward to your content.
Social Media
Social media algorithms and trends have changed again for 2019 and having a strategy in place to grow your social media following and engage them is important. Post frequently with branded messages and valuable content on a consistent basis. Business social media goals for 2019 should include:
- Increasing brand awareness
- Drive traffic to your website
- Drive foot traffic to your location
- Improve ROI
- Create a loyal fanbase.
Advertising promotions, helpful content, videos, contests, and events are just a few ideas for social media posts. Facebook and YouTube are prime places for ads, as their user base are typically higher earners. Instagram is a great place to target people under the age of 30. Pinterest is still dominated by woman and has become one of the leading social shopping platforms. And, LinkedIn users are well educated and better suited for B2B advertising and posting.
It may be tempting to keep plugging away at the same marketing tactics your business has used for years, but at some point, they will cease to be effective. Start by implementing a few updates to your marketing and you will begin to realize new sources of business.
Julie Starr, Owner of WHEELZ Custom Carts & Accessories, was one of the industry’s first online retailers of golf cart parts, when she founded her business in 2008. Julie’s eCommerce store, www.WHEELZLLC.com remains a popular online shopping experience for innovative golf car parts and accessories.
