Effective retail marketing strategies are essential for every type of fuel retailer, including propane gas distributors. Retail marketing begins with brand recognition. You create brand recognition through advertising, design and the media. It is important to get your logo, name and slogan out in front of your potential customers' eyes on a frequent basis. Whether you own a chain of gas stations or a single fuel retail shop, a great retail marketing plan will ensure the financial success of your business.

From online marketing via a website to media advertisements, you need a retail gas marketing plan for your business. An effective plan includes direct and indirect marketing strategies. When determining the elements of your gasoline retailer marketing plan, consider the following tips:

1. Stand out from the crowd and offer promotions and technological advances not found at other service stations.

2. Know your audience and the best way to connect with them as a gas retailer, whether it is on the Internet or via print, television or other forms of advertising.

3. Offer an incentive, such as a special credit card for your gas stations or gear that has your business’ name and logo.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use the latest technology available for service stations and propane distributors

Your customers look for convenience and entertainment in a fuel retailer. Keep your retail gas marketing plan up to date by including the latest and greatest in fuel retail technology, it is essential to attract and retain customers for your business.

I recommend: Gas Station TV offers entertainment at the pump. Your customers can enjoy weather reports, news and network television at the pump while they are fueling their vehicles. To add technological conveniences to gasoline retail companies check out Gilbarco, Inc. Its Applause Media System lets your customers place all orders from an easy to use screen and enhances their fueling experience.

Boost your retail gas marketing plan with direct advertising

Direct marketing targets the appropriate customers for your business. These marketing campaigns operate via three main sources: postal mail, email and text messaging. Each method is effective in keeping your company's name and logo in front of your customers.

I recommend: Text Cast LLC offers the latest in text messaging marketing. Whether you are alerting your customers to a special price or maintaining your slot as the lowest price gas around, they can help you get the word out. For a more old fashioned marketing strategy check out USAData, Inc. Its direct mail plan is sure to get your customers' attention.

Include promotional items in your gas retail marketing plan

Promotions grab the attention of children and adults of all ages. Kids are sure to drag their parents to your gas station if you offer fun promotional items, and some adults will frequent your retail business for the right giveaways. The best promotional items attract business and keep your company name in front of current and potential customers.

I recommend: ePromos Promotional Products, Inc. offers a large selection of automotive promotional items. With an inventory that includes toys, novelty items and car related accessories you are sure to find something that suits your gasoline retailer business. 4imprint Inc. also offers a wide variety of promotional and giveaway items to meet your business marketing needs.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Offer promotional items inside your gas stations or convenience stores. Customers are more likely to come in for the freebie and purchase something else to go with it.
• •  Full service gas stations have a built-in retail marketing plan in that they do all the work for their customers; many are set up so customers don't even have to leave their car to pay.