Selling tyres online is no longer a privilege reserved only for the large national players, it's a possibility for all local garages without the need for a mammoth budget or technical staff. Implement a tyre e-commerce solution, integrate it with your main operation, provide a beginning-to-end online solution, and you're set to surpass most of your competition.
When customers can order new tyres from you, book their fitting appointment, and have everything confirmed by your system, you make it much easier for them to buy from you over other garages.
Importantly too, this is a service that doesn't need to be challenging for you to implement. In this article we're going to look at how you can best leverage this opportunity to sell more tyres online.
Find a tyre e-commerce solution that gives you autonomy, control, and capability. This could be a bolt-on to your existing website or a whole new standalone tyre shop. Whichever option you choose, make sure your solution is user-friendly, mobile-friendly, and can take care of everything from search through to order completion.
Most people's go-to place when they need to search for a solution to a problem is the internet. That could be Google, or a similar search engine, or a social media site like Facebook. It's therefore vital to make sure you have a presence in the search engine results pages and on social media. Make sure your tyre e-commerce solution has the functionality that allows you to optimise your local visibility.
Leverage social media platforms to showcase your tyre inventory, share educational content about tyre maintenance, and engage with your audience. Invest in targeted digital marketing campaigns to reach potential customers in your local area.
Simply put – have the tyres in stock that customers need when they need them. Understand your bestsellers, always be on the lookout for new, more agile suppliers, and pay attention to the data of what's selling so that you can maximise all potential opportunities.
Don't forget the seasonal aspect too depending on your location. Is it worth investing in a marketing programme around winter tyres and getting the stock in that you're going to need?
Variety always matters. Some customers will always want the cheapest option, whilst others will always require something more premium. It's a fine art to stock enough of what you need without stockpiling inventory that you're going to struggle to shift. Use the reporting tools within your tyre e-commerce platform to understand as best you can what you need available and when.
That brings us on to the importance of a comprehensive search functionality on your website. Give customers the parameters within your search tool to find exactly what they need, and enough detail in the product descriptions to make the most informed decision they can.
Pricing is always important, especially when you're likely to be up against large-scale nationwide competitors offering mobile fitting across the country. Do your research and set competitive rates.
Even if you can't offer the most competitive rates against such competitors due to the volumes that you're buying in, always remember that you have the ability to offer a customer experience second-to-none and unique to your area. Convenience is always a big factor in influencing buying decisions, especially when it comes to purchases that to most people are fairly uncommon, such as buying new tyres. Word of mouth is always the best form of local advertising too. Personal, local recommendations hold more gravitas than any Google search.
Ask your satisfied customers to leave reviews on your website, on Google, or your social media pages. Positive reviews help get you noticed, they build trust and credibility, and lead to more new business.
It all begins with finding the right tyre e-commerce platform.
At SellMoreTyres we can help add an online tyre shop to your existing website or create a completely new all-round solution for your business.
Email getstarted@sellmoretyres.com or call us on 01625 433388 to find out more.