According to predictions, the learner driving industry is about to undergo a transformation like never before. Google published stats in 2017 stating Australians spend approximately 2 hours per day ‘online’ suggesting that our customers have already made their choice. During 2018, we are going to see an exponential shift in driving schools moving their businesses online for various reasons.
A new report from Deloitte Access Economics commissioned in 2017 reveals three digital trends that small business can’t afford to ignore. via Deloitte Access Economics Report: 3 digital trends …
The key point made by the Deloitte Access Economics team is the digital environment is evolving rapidly, faster than expected. If the trend continues as predicted, the number of face-to-face transactions could fall as low as 24% by 2022.
New-age shoppers expect a personalized service and with this shift comes a shift in expectations. Choice, transparency, and ease of ‘doing business’ with are paramount. Take the case of booking cinema tickets or booking a short vacation, the ease of searching, finding and transacting online has changed the customer’s shopping ‘experience’ overnight. Digital transformation has pervaded our lives in recent times and is set to explode in 2018. Customers have developed a low tolerance for average customer service and when it comes to booking driving lessons, “going digital” is transforming businesses overnight, bringing significant benefits to business owners. Those reluctant to “adapt” risk being left out in the cold when it comes to customer service and building a sustainable business.
There is good news for driving schools in that there is niche driving school software to run and automate your entire business. In addition, social media is the still under-utilized by more than 80% of small businesses. The opportunity to build your own online assets such as websites and an engaging social media presence has never been easier to do that today.
Some Digital Trends you can Take Advantage of Right now for Your Driving School to Create an Impact in 2018:
1. Build your Personal Brand Online
If you run your driving school either as a solo or part of a bigger driving school, remember you have your story to tell. As some might associate the golden arches on McDonald’s with a burger or fries (which we all know as a traditional ‘branding’), your personal brand has become equally as important in driving value through your business and relationships. Parents and students want to know more about “you” as a driving instructor. Here’s a 3-minute video to get you inspired for 2018!
2. Facebook Becomes a Major Player in Video
Consider, if you not already active, using video for your driving school. The trend is towards consumers wanting a quick snapshot of information in the limited time they have available. As a driving instructor, how do they know who you are or what you can offer their child as an instructor? Remember, 2018 is about transparency and choice and with the constant inflow of competitors already video savvy, don’t waste time thinking about it.
3. Customer Reviews become More Critical than Ever
In Australia, the traditional word-of-mouth has been replaced by consumer reviews. The key reviews you need are Facebook and Google and specialist niche learner driving review sites such as YLOO. All are free to set up – start building your profile for free, organically.
