Running a convenience store can be an excellent business, but sometimes, profits aren’t exactly what you expect. Although fuel is a critical resource almost everyone uses, it’s only a fraction of a successful business’s overall profit. So, if your gas station and convenience store aren’t quite meeting your goals, try these tips for improving your business.

INVEST IN GAS STATION MARKETING

You might think, “I’m managing a store. I’m not a marketing whiz.” That’s okay! You have options for DIY marketing. And if you decide that you need help, you can always hire someone to help you with your marketing campaigns. Here are a few great ways to improve your business’s visibility and brand.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

One fundamental tenet of marketing is establishing a recognizable brand presence so that when people need your product or service, they will think of your brand. You could spend a lot of money on out-of-home marketing or invest in your community.

Consider sponsoring a local sports team, organization, or event. Spread the word about your business in your community while establishing relationships and goodwill with potential customers.

EFFECTIVE SIGNAGE

You want your customers to be able to find you, right? Having an easy-to-read and understandable sign can help draw in potential customers. Ensure your business is marked and easy to see from the road.

ONLINE BUSINESS LISTINGS

Billions of people worldwide use navigation apps like Google Maps to search for restaurants, stores, and gas stations daily. Having an up-to-date, high-quality business listing on the relevant sites can help ensure that those searchers can find you.

Simply having a listing isn’t enough, though. Correct information such as hours of operation, phone number, and address are a great place to start. Keep your hours updated for holidays, post photos of the exterior and interior to help customers understand what to expect, and be sure to include accessibility information.

LOYALTY PROGRAMS

Earn customer loyalty by offering a rewards program. Consider a basic offering like a punch card that works towards a free cup of coffee. Or, look into whether your POS supports a phone number-based points system that rewards customers for all purchases.

KEEP UP WITH APPEARANCES

They say it’s what’s inside that counts. While that can be true, appearances also matter when improving your gas station’s profitability. Aside from ensuring your sign is visible, your store’s appearance must be appealing.

EXTERIOR

Keep the area around your store clean and well-manicured. That doesn’t mean you must invest thousands of dollars into professional landscaping (although that can help), but picking up trash and keeping the property tidy is a must. This goes for the areas around your gas pumps, too. Clean up litter, frequently emptying trash cans, and scrub graffiti.

INTERIOR

It’s hard to keep up with cleaning in a high-traffic store, but it’s a great way to score returning customers. Sweeping and mopping floors, tidying shelves, and maintaining restrooms will help keep customers in your store longer.

STAY WELL STOCKED

It’s essential to have a steady stock of the items your customers want and need the most. Keeping up with inventory can help build loyalty and ensure sales, from convenience items to every grade of gasoline and diesel.

FOCUS ON IN-DEMAND PRODUCTS

Your convenience store’s wide range of products can provide options for any taste. But if they don’t sell, you’re sitting on dusty, old inventory that takes up valuable shelf space. Consult your sales representatives to learn about top-selling products and focus on keeping stock of these in-demand products. Additionally, review data from your POS to get a better understanding of what you sell best in your stores.

KEEP TANKS FULL

Running out of gas is always challenging. But for a gas station, it’s not just frustrating; it can damage your customers’ trust and loyalty. Ensure that your fuel supplier is reliable and your tanks stay full so that you can serve your customers whenever they need it.

VENTURE FUELS IS YOUR WHOLESALE PARTNER

Fuel might not be your main profit driver, but never underestimate the importance of keeping plenty of fuel on hand. You don’t want to turn away any customers because you’re out of a specific grade. Partner with Venture Fuels to ensure you always have enough gas. Get in touch today for more information about our wholesale fuel services.