It is no secret that the Coronavirus pandemic has deterred many people (and drivers) away from the ride-sharing business. After all, the last thing anyone wants to do is share the inside of a car with a stranger while a highly contagious and potentially life-threatening virus is bouncing around like a steely-ball in a pinball machine. The question is “What is Lyft doing to keep their business afloat?” There are a few key elements in place here:
Thinking on Their Feet
When the going gets tough, the tough get going, right? This applies to business in a big way. There will always be pressure, and there will always be opportunities to change and remain relevant. In this situation, Lyft has an enormously deep well of employees as well as many prospecting drivers who are looking for a means to make some money in trying times, such as the coronavirus outbreak. The problem is, however, that it is hard to find passengers. In response to this, Lyft temporarily redefined the service. Lyft expanded and has begun to carry meals as their primary passengers. During a time when the country is asked to stay home, what better way to fill a need than to bring food to the homes of those who are being responsible by staying inside?
There is actually a second layer of importance here. Lyft has now taken the steps necessary to expand its business in a permanent way as well. They already have a huge customer base, and a realm of impact to boot. Yes, their company took a hit at the onset of the pandemic, but they have adapted and made room to grow in the process.
Why Did This Work for Lyft?
Something to remember is that Lyft had already established itself. It is a brand that people are familiar with. This is important. When people are unsure about what they should do in any situation, they usually rely on habit or familiarity. Even amidst a nationwide coronavirus pandemic. With a company like Lyft, people already knew who they were, and people already knew that they were ‘drivers for hire’, making the transition a simple one. This still begs a question, however:
How Did Lyft Build Such a Big Customer Base?
Not only can you utilize Lyft for their services, but Lyft has made themselves known as being a fairly accessible employment opportunity. This ensures that people can learn about their company whether they are looking for a ride or a job. This is actually a brilliant marketing strategy that allows more opportunities for people to talk about Lyft.
The second reason that Lyft is so widely known is that accessibility is inherent in its business model. It is not all that hard to get on your cell phone, make a quick search about ridesharing or employment, and find Lyft. In fact, thanks to smart marketing, they will probably be among the first companies that you will find. As if this wasn’t enough, most communication about Lyft happens via social media and smartphone-compatible internet platforms. Chatter on social media, as we all know, travels like wildfire. Lyft meticulously prepared their recipe for success, and it might just save the company in one of the harshest economic climates that our generation has seen.
If you are curious about how smart marketing can lift your business to the next level, check out www.webcontentdevelopment.com. Not only can smart marketing improve your business, but it can also help you to prepare your business with the attention that it needs to survive the tough times ahead.