Can EV Chargers Promote Your Business?

Introduction

Many marketing strategies that are used by businesses are tried and true. They produce predictable results and are have dependable outcomes. But how about being a trailblazer in your industry and embracing new unique ideas that could have unlimited potential?

EV chargers can be much more than an added amenity for drivers. They can be used as tools to attract new customers and create loyalty. They are a powerful tool for promoting your business in unique and creative ways. This article will delve into a multitude of strategies that can transform your EV Chargers from a simple amenity into a compelling marketing asset.

Offer Free Charging

A few years ago, it was common for businesses to offer free EV charging due to the low number of electric vehicles on the road. However, free chargers have become rare today. Based on my count, there are about 10 free EV chargers in downtown Vancouver listed on PlugShare, but most of these require payment for parking.

Offer Free Parking

Offering free EV charging is one thing, but what if you also included free parking as well? Yes, it's often said that nothing in this world is free, but imagine if it was. What a great experience for the customer. The cost of electricity might be negligible compared to the value of acquiring a new loyal client. Whether this idea makes sense or not will depend on your type of business and the cost of electricity in your area. However, attracting people to your business and encouraging them to stay longer is always a good thing.

Promotions

Providing EV Charging at your business can create unique opportunities. For instance, you could offer loyalty rewards to returning customers. They could earn discounts on EV Charging based on purchases at your business. For example, spending $1000 at your business could equal 1 Hour of Free EV Charging. This could be a big draw to bring in new clients and inspire loyalty in your existing ones.

Loyalty Points

Collecting points is always fun. Whenever something feels like a game it usually keeps peoples attention. Your business could implement a system where each minute of charging generates one loyalty point. These points can be accumulated by customers and redeemed for rewards when a certain number is reached. This encourages customers to return to your business to use their collected points, ensuring repeat business.

Reviews

Another creative idea is to use EV chargers to boost your online reviews. The first thing most people do before visiting a new business look up their reviews on Google. You could offer customers a free hour of EV charging if they leave a five-star review for your business on Google. This is a great way to enhance customer engagement and promote visibility on your website as well.

Referrals

Depending on your business model, referrals could be very valuable to you. Another promotional idea is to offer a week of free charging time if someone refers a new customer who spends a certain amount of money at your business. Of course, make sure that the value of the free charging matches the value of referring the new client. This gives you an idea of the creative promotional options available.

Vice Versa

Many of the ideas above can be reversed to promote your business differently. For example, consider offering discounts to your business based on the hours spent charging at your location. Hours spent charging = store discount. Customers could accumulate points during their charging time that can be converted into coupons/points at your business. You’ll know better than me if this is something that would fit with your business model.

PlugShare

PlugShare is a user-friendly app that helps EV drivers find the nearest EV chargers. It’s an interactive map that shows EV chargers within a specified area. It also displays useful information like location, price, charging level, and status.

The more ways people find your business online the better. By listing your chargers on PlugShare, you enhance your online visibility. This helps more people discover your business and the services you offer. It effectively broadens your customer reach. It shows the chargers' location being at your business which prompts more people to visit your location.

Free Wi-Fi

Offering free Wi-Fi is another value-add for customers. Level 2 EV chargers need a Wi-Fi or cellular service to operate properly. This may require the installation of an additional modem or extending your existing service to reach the outside parking area. If you've already invested in this setup, why not maximize its benefits?

By providing open network access, you offer several advantages. Firstly, customers always appreciate free Wi-Fi. Secondly, it encourages them to stay longer. If they can relax in their car, watch their favourite Netflix show while charging, they're likely to spend more time and money at your business, enhancing their overall experience.

Waiting Area

Instead of having customers wait in their car, how about having them wait inside your facility in a comfortable area? A nice waiting area could enhance the customer experience significantly. You could provide amenities like coffee, tea, and comfortable seating. This encourages customers to relax and spend more time at your location.

I don’t mind when it’s time to get my car serviced because there is a great area to wait. I actually quite enjoy this waiting period and often bring my laptop to do some work and enjoy a latte in the meantime. Small perks make big impressions when your business is going above and beyond.

Gathering Data

Here's a big one. When people sign up for the app to use your chargers, they will need to input their email. This is valuable contact information for you to collect and utilize for your business' contact list. It can be used for promotional emails, marketing campaigns, loyalty programs, and mailing lists. Data is everything. Data is widely considered to be among the world's most valuable resources, and if people are logging in, you'll receive information that will greatly enhance your outreach.

Conclusion

Installing EV charging stations into your business can yield many benefits. Not only does it align your brand with sustainability and forward-thinking, but it also opens up a plethora of opportunities for customer engagement, loyalty programs, and unique promotions.

By creatively leveraging these tools, businesses can enhance their market presence, attract new customers, and foster reliability around their brand. Embracing the EV charging revolution is not just about staying relevant in a changing world—it's about turning a simple amenity into a powerful marketing tool.

As always, I have your back if you need anything so feel free to reach out.

Catch you on the next one,

Strong Energy