Eight easy ways to generate more bookings for your cars
Longtime Getaround hosts know the key to generating consistent revenue from shared cars is grassroots, neighborhood marketing. If your availability calendar has more openings than you'd like, consider these eight simple ways to capture the attention of potential guests in your area:
Spread the word in-person
Word-of-mouth marketing. Old school. You know, what we did before we typed everything to one another?
Here’s how it's done: You tell your friends, family, and colleagues about your listing on Getaround. Encourage them to tell their car-free connections in the area about your shared car. Those folks spread the word in their social circle, and before you know it, Kevin Bacon is booking your Hyundai Sonata to pick up his groceries.
Build relationships with local business owners
Do you know a dog walker that needs a car to get to more pups? A babysitter with a growing list of clients around town? A full-service mobile cobbler who could use more trunk space for their skiving boards and pricking wheels? Drop them a link to your Getaround listing. If carsharing is right for them, they'll be singing your praises to their customers in no time.
Post on bulletin boards in your neighborhood
If you live in an apartment building or work in an office, chances are, there’s a bulletin board for things just like this. Put together an ad showing off your car, including photos, location, availability, and how people can book a reservation on Getaround (a QR code is especially helpful for something like this). Remember: Your flyer will be competing for attention among concert announcements and soccer team tryouts at the local coffee shop, so don't be afraid to have fun with the design.
Print business cards
Believe it or not, a physical business card remains a reliable, affordable way to generate leads. Think of it like a miniature version of the coffee shop flyer from above: The holder should know all the basic information about your listing—including how to book instantly—just by glancing at one side of that little piece of cardstock.
Post on your social media
By now you've probably built up a solid social following with your brunch photos, fit pics, and cute puppy vids. Now it's time to cash in on your social media acumen let your followers know you’ve got a car available to share. Hashtag to your heart’s content. Geotag! Do everything you already know how to do to get noticed. It's never been easier—or cheaper—to reach thousands of people near you.
Attend networking events
Trade shows, conferences, and other large events always attract out-of-town travelers who may need a ride for a few days—or a few hours. If you’ve got a car available on Getaround, you’re in business! Do what any small business owner would do and chase down those leads wherever they may be.
Incentivize with referral codes
Sales! Coupons! Referral codes! These time-honored advertising traditions aren't just for snail mail anymore. Use your invite referral codes and hook new guests with the seamless Getaround experience. After all, everyone loves a deal.
Advertise online
Facebook, Instagram, Google, and Craigslist all have advertising platforms that make getting your message to prospective drivers simple, targeted, and effective. Test the waters with a small investment in paid ads on these platforms, and if you see more bookings as a result, you may want to include this type of promotion in your long-term marketing strategy.
Are you a host who has found success with other marketing strategies? Visit our host community portal and drop us a line. We may even feature you on the Getaround blog!
