Sprockets spinning, spokes whistling, pedals pumping – there’s nothing quite like the feeling of wind whipping through your hair as you zoom past on two wheels. But when it comes to running a bicycle business, the road to success isn’t always as smooth as a freshly paved velodrome.
However, it is necessary to take certain steps that would lead to the progress and growth of the business itself. Marketing, especially with a limited budget, can feel like climbing a switchback with a flat tire, which is exactly why it’s good to find the perfect set of marketing tools and activities that would be the perfect match for bicycle businesses.
Fear not, fellow cycling enthusiasts! Fear is the biggest enemy, and if you have ideas you can only be proud. If you don’t have ideas, of course, they exist and will come to light. There are plenty of ways to get your bicycle business on the front page of local hearts without breaking the bank.
Forget high-priced PR agencies and fancy TV commercials – this toolbox is bursting with free and low-budget marketing ideas. What to do you ask? Take a look below at what we bring you and see what your next marketing steps are.
1. Content Marketing – The First Almost Free Thing that Can Tell Business Stories
In the age of information overload, attention is the new currency. Therefore, attract the attention of the target audience through content marketing. And the best way to earn it? By creating stories that resonate with your audience.
The audience can’t wait for someone to appear who will help them with what they are looking for and need. Ditch the boring sales pitches and crank up the storytelling engine. Looking for a way how? See what we offer you.
- Start Blogging – What could you fit into one entry? It could be texts with advice, directions, and whatnot. Share cycling tips, local trail reviews, interviews with inspiring riders, or even the hilarious saga of that time you tried to fix a flat tire with ramen noodles. These are just some of the suggestions, and you can come up with many more phenomenal suggestions that would benefit your bike business.
- Record videos for YouTube – If someone is really your friend, we would say the following – YouTube is your friend. There is almost nothing on this platform that is not invented, but of course the content offer needs and should grow. This is how you should propose your video content. Wondering which topics to cover? You can talk about post-repair tutorials, product demonstrations, scenic bike rides, or even quirky challenges.
- Don’t forget Instagram and its power! – We are glad that Instagram kept its original purpose – taking photos that will then capture beauties and moments. Capture the beauty of cycling with stunning photos and captivating captions. You can even hire influencers who would work without compensation, but out of love, and help you grow on Instagram. Run contests include all local influencers who would like to get involved, or share customer stories. Don’t forget those relevant hashtags that would make you more famous and symbolically help you.
2. Build an Audience with Your Social Media Presence!
Facebook, Instagram, X – these platforms are like virtual group rides, waiting for you to join the party. On these platforms, you can find countless cyclists who can’t wait for a new brand to come and cater to them. Wondering what to do?
Engage with your audience in any way that you perceive as interesting, such as the inclusion of QR codes through the free QR code generator, for which you can click here.
By doing so, you can bring mystery to the presence. It’s not all about advertising to them. Respond to comments promptly, answer questions with expertise, and run interactive polls or quizzes. Partner with local cycling groups or charities for joint events and cross-promotion.
3. Be Seen at Happenings, Events, and In General at The Local Level
Fame and notoriety don’t come just like that. You need to be around. Nothing builds brand loyalty like getting your hands dirty. What to do you ask? The answer is easy, and it’s not just one. Start by sponsoring local races, offering discounts to cycling club members, or organizing your own beginner-friendly group rides.
For those wondering about the ideal mileage, consider gradually increasing your daily biking distance as you become more experienced and comfortable on the saddle.
Let these be the first and initial activities, but you can continue with more. Partner with cafes or restaurants along popular cycling routes to offer special deals for your customers. That way you will show that you are there and that you are thinking of the target group, and they will turn to you. Show your support for local bike advocacy groups and get involved in campaigns for better cycling infrastructure.
4. Get Your Audience Talking – Word-Of-Mouth Marketing Is the Most Powerful
What’s better than having your audience share nice things about you that would draw new and new customers to you? You should have one priority, and that is to make your customers satisfied. Happy customers are your best ambassadors, and they, without feeling any obligation, talk about your nice things and experiences around for free.
Encourage them to leave reviews on Google about their experience with you, share a nice status with their friends on Facebook, and you can also include Yelp. Offer referral bonuses or run contests where the prize is bragging rights. Remember, a genuine recommendation from a trusted friend is worth its weight in gold.
Conclusion
Marketing a business like this is not that difficult at the end of the day. All it takes is finding the right tools, and we’ve already suggested the ones we think are powerful, useful, and produce great results while still being free.
Get in the game, start spreading good thoughts and actions with your audience, and they will come closer and closer to you to hear more about you and your brand and also to share a good word from the experience they will have with your brand.