5 Effective eCommerce FCMO Tips Help Expand Drone Startup Markets

Drones are quickly becoming indispensable. In 2023 alone, the estimated market value of drone businesses was estimated at $22.98 billion dollars. According to Grand View Research, a market research firm, the drone industry will grow to $57.16 billion by 2030. 

To carve your niche in this booming market, an effective marketing strategy is a must. Here are five tips approved by our experienced fractional CMO for eCommerce brands. To attract more leads for your drone startup, read on!

An eCommerce FCMO is standing at the ready! Watch this video for more about what we do”

Tip 1: Know Your Market

It’s time to get started with the first of our eCommerce FCMO tips for drone marketing. When creating any marketing strategy, the first step is to understand your market. For your drone business, it means getting crystal clear on who your ideal clients might be and what their specific needs are. 

To do that, you need to:

1. Know Your Target Audience: Are you planning to help real estate companies or agents create aerial photography or videography for the properties they are selling? Are you looking to serve event planners who want to give their event clients a unique experience? 

Each market segment has different needs that you can fill. Identifying those needs can help you position your services better and solve their exact problems.

1. Review Your Geographic Focus: When you are starting or growing your drone business, one of the best marketing moves is to focus on a specific location. When you localize your marketing, it allows you to build a strong presence. 

Additionally, it makes it easier to manage your relationship with your clients and deliver results with excellence. For example, having your business in a certain city with a booming real estate market can make it easier for you to offer your drone services to real estate agents and developers within that location.

When you know your market, marketing efforts can cut through the clutter and resonate with your ideal clients.

Tip 2: Build a Visual Content Marketing Strategy

The old marketing adage of “show, don’t tell” is applicable to your drone business. By their very nature, drones are visual services. Thus, centering your content marketing strategy on what you can do for your clients can help you attract more leads and sales. 

You can do this by showing your work—first through videos, then photos. This way, you demonstrate to your potential clients what you can do and how different your approach is when it comes to drone services. 

Aside from that, rely on the power of visual social platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube in sharing your content. You can start by creating short and compelling videos—around one to three minutes—highlighting your best projects. 

For instance, if you are in the real estate niche and servicing construction companies, you can create a timelapse video of the construction from start to finish. On the other hand, publishing a well-produced drone shot of a wedding could help you attract wedding planners and event coordinators.

When you focus on creating high-quality visual content for your business, it allows your future clients to understand the value and quality of the work you do. Aside from that, it helps you build a strong online presence.

Tip 3: Ask for Your Portfolio and Testimonials 

The power of testimonials cannot be understated. When potential clients see that other people vouch for and promote your business because of the quality of your work, they trust you more. This is the power of gathering testimonials from your existing clients.

A strong portfolio helps attract the business of your potential clients, but that’s just the beginning. Having raving testimonials from the businesses who loved your work could multiply the effectiveness of your marketing. These testimonials not only assure potential clients that you’re superior to your competitors, but also show that you’re reliable and trustworthy.

One way to maximize the effectiveness of this marketing tip for your drone startup is by combining your work with these testimonials. Instead of just showing a block of text as a testimonial, try producing a high-quality video featuring the breathtaking aerial view of the property you covered. 

When possible, put the voice of your real estate client in the background as they narrate about the project and praise you and your work. If your client isn’t available for this or would prefer not to, no worries! Simply rely on text or an AI voice. In any case, the goal is to show your work.

Here are a few ways to request testimonials:

• Personalized Email: Send a personalized email to the client, thanking them for their business, and politely request a testimonial for your website.
• Feedback Form: Create a simple feedback form clients can fill out easily, including a section asking for a testimonial.
• Direct Conversation: Have a direct conversation with the client, either in person or over the phone, and ask if they would be willing to provide a testimonial for your startup.
• Post-Service Follow-Up: Include a testimonial request in post-purchase follow-up communications, such as thank-you emails or when delivering drone footage.
• Incentive Offer: Consider offering incentives, such as discounts on future services or freebies in exchange for a review.
• Social Media Callout: Make a general callout for testimonials across your social media channels, encouraging clients to share their positive experiences.

Importantly, timing matters. Request testimonials when the client is likely to be most satisfied, such as after a successful project completion or a positive experience with your drone service.

Tip 4: Use the Power of Local Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Local SEO allows you to leverage search engines to attract clients who are near you or within a specific geographic location. For instance, if a potential client types the phrase “drone services in Los Angeles,” and your business appears on the first page of search results, this increases the likelihood that they visit your great website and contact you. Local SEO helps you capture the attention and interest of your target audience, especially those near you.

To get started with local SEO services, you need to create a Google Business Profile. Then, input the necessary details about your business. Make sure that the information you write is accurate and up-to-date. You may also encourage your satisfied customers to leave positive reviews and feedback on your Google business page since this helps improve your search ranking and brand trust.

Aside from that, you need to optimize your online presence, according to our FCMO tips for drone marketing. This includes putting keywords that your ideal clients are searching for in your web pages and publishing content on a regular basis. Don’t forget to manage your online reviews—responding to each review (positive or negative) helps prove your validity to Google’s algorithm and internet users. 

When you do this, your drone business can expand its reach and increase its market share. This is why investing in SEO is critical for your drone startup’s digital marketing strategy—it helps you attract more website traffic and qualified leads for free.

Tip 5: Create a Paid Marketing Strategy

Effective paid marketing strategies can help fast-track the growth of your drone business. Instead of investing time to create a multitude of content that attracts your target audience, you pay platforms to give you access to their audience. This involves using advertising channels like Google Ads, social media, and influencer content to reach a new and broader audience.

Start by thinking of a budget you’re willing to allocate to a paid marketing campaign. Once you have a figure in mind, assess which marketing platform is best for your business. Ideally, this is where your audience hangs out. When you know where your prospects are, you must focus your marketing efforts there.

For example, if your drone business is targeting real estate agents or developers, deploying a paid marketing campaign on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn can help you achieve your business goals. Many real estate professionals network with these platforms to market their properties. You would be remiss not to take advantage of the opportunity to reach them there.

Next, whenever you create ads, you must highlight the unique selling proposition (USP) of your drone services. Use high-quality visuals, strong and compelling copy, and a persuasive call-to-action to encourage potential clients to reach you. Monitor the performance of your ads so you can maximize your return on investment.

A paid marketing strategy is a great way to get immediate visibility for your business. It’s a proven way to drive eyeballs and interests to the services you offer so you can grow your business and expand your market faster.

Call Today for More FCMO-Approved Marketing Tips for Your Drone Startup

These FCMO tips for drone marketing can help guide you to an effective and strategic marketing approach. When you understand your market, create visual content, leverage testimonials, optimize for local search, and implement paid marketing strategies, you can build a strong, trusted brand. A strong brand means a consistent flow of sales-qualified leads and clients.

Want More FCMO Tips for Drone Marketing?

If you need help creating and implementing these strategies, consider hiring a Fractional Chief Marketing Officer (FCMO). These are experienced marketing professionals who can help you achieve your marketing goals and vision without investing in a full-time CMO. Specifically, they can help:

• Align your marketing strategies;
• Determine the appropriate amount of budget for marketing;
• Set measurable key performance indicators (KPIs);
• Offer feedback and growth;
• And so much more

Test these marketing strategies on your drone startup business today and watch your business grow to new heights! And when you need a lift (like FCMO tips for drone marketing, eCommerce, or any other field), contact Digital Authority Partners for a free consultation with a digital marketing expert like a fractional chief marketing officer.