All businesses need customers. But one of the things many new entrepreneurs struggle with is determining where to find those customers. Lead generation—the process of identifying and nurturing potential clients—is crucial to the success of your large-format print Studio.
As a SpeedPro franchisee, your primary responsibility will be sales and lead generation. Think of yourself as the face of the brand in your local community. Building strong relationships with potential clients and showcasing the value of your Studio’s large-format printing services are essential for acquiring new customers. Fortunately, SpeedPro serves clients across a wide range of industries. This means your Studio’s potential client pool is large, no matter the market you’re in! Even better, you won’t be on your own—we provide comprehensive training and valuable marketing resources to support your efforts.
Check out some of the top ways SpeedPro Studio owners cultivate leads for their businesses.
Use SpeedPro’s Ramp-Up Program and marketing support
At SpeedPro, we give all new franchisees a leg up from the very beginning through several marketing and sales support programs. First and foremost, our Ramp-Up Program allows you to get a boost in business and begin generating leads and revenue, even before you open your Studio doors. You’ll source orders from small-format print partners and work with a Buddy Studio nearby to fulfill them. Our field consultants will also help you network in your city and begin building relationships that can turn into leads down the road.
Once your Studio is officially open, SpeedPro continues to support your business through our corporate marketing fund, which you’ll contribute to monthly. These fees support the national branding and advertising efforts we execute, including our corporate and Studio-specific websites.
Network with local businesses
SpeedPro focuses heavily on sourcing leads from the local community you operate in. Networking within your local area is a powerful way to generate a potential client pool and establish a strong brand presence.
Get involved with local business associations, join your regional or state Chamber of Commerce and other community organizations and attend networking events to start building connections. You never know which relationships with other businesses might lead to fruitful partnerships and referrals! Additionally, consider participating in local trade shows and conferences to showcase your services and engage directly with potential clients.
Attend and sponsor community events
Taking community engagement a step further, show your support for the neighborhood by participating in sponsorships and events. Align your brand with community initiatives, charities or local sports teams. This not only boosts your brand visibility but also highlights your commitment to the community’s well-being and positions you as a good partner.
Community events provide ample opportunities to enhance brand awareness and meet potential clients. Event hosts, academic professionals, nonprofits and many more will get eyes on your business. Make sure you attend these events in your SpeedPro wrapped vehicle, which serves as a mobile billboard for your services!
Use digital marketing strategically
In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is vital for lead generation, since many B2B clients will turn to search engines while they do research. Your website serves as your virtual storefront and portfolio, which is why we make sure every SpeedPro Studio has its own dedicated site.
Don’t underestimate the power of social media, either. Maintain active profiles on popular platforms and share visually appealing content (like your latest projects) regularly. Engage with your audience, respond to inquiries promptly and use social media advertising to reach a broader target audience. Not sure where to start? SpeedPro also offers social media support and guidance to its owners.
Additionally, online advertising allows you to target specific customer segments through robust targeting options. If your Studio is trying to home in on one client vertical in particular, digital ads might be a beneficial option for your Studio.
Encourage client referrals
Word-of-mouth marketing is often considered one of the most reliable—and cost-effective—strategies available. Because of our commitment to great customer service, referrals are a huge part of SpeedPro’s business. After all, happy customers are more likely to refer you to their friends!
Consider implementing a referral program to encourage existing clients to spread the word. This might take the form of referral discounts, requested online reviews or other means of gathering client testimonials.
Put your Studio on the path to success
As a print franchisee, generating leads is the lifeblood of your business. By leveraging local networking, a robust online presence and targeted advertising, you can attract a steady stream of potential customers.
Once you have a pool of leads, don’t forget to nurture and track them! Some customers might not have a project right away, but will in the future. By keeping the SpeedPro name at the top of their minds, you’ll increase your chances of landing the sale. And, with the support and resources provided by our corporate SpeedPro team, you’ll be well on your way to building a thriving large-format print business. Ready to get started? Reach out today to learn more about SpeedPro’s growing large-format printing franchise opportunity.