Do you run your own taxi service? Do you want to guarantee success and take your self-made business to the next level? Presumably, your answer is “Yes!”. If so, you’ve arrived at your destination.

The world of ride-hailing has undergone some major changes over the past decade. Back in 2009, Uber launched. This proved pivotal, as the entire industry has never been the same. Now, most modern-day people like to book rides using mobile apps. They also have high expectations and demands, which puts great pressure on the drivers. When you ponder this information, something becomes obvious: you need to work supremely hard to be a successful taxi entrepreneur. The industry is more competitive than ever, and only the best can thrive in it. With that said, you can guarantee yourself success by using the five tips directly below.

1. Upgrade Your Taxi

If you’re currently using an old and dated taxi model, then it’s time to upgrade. Remember, customers, care about the appearance of the vehicles they ride in. A good place to start is by looking at the taxis for sale from cabdirect.com. In these current economic times, you can make some big savings. When customers see that you have invested money into the taxi (or taxis) that you drive, it automatically lets them know that you’re a serious brand and care about the customer experience.

2. Launch a Mobile Bookings App

To be a success in the ride-hailing industry both now and in the long-term future, you need to have a mobile bookings app. This way, customers can:

  • Make faster bookings
  • Do contactless payments

To get people to download your app and regularly use it, you need to incentivize them. Here’s a good example of what you could do:

Get 10% off any bookings that are made directly through our mobile app.

You’ll need to work closely with a web and app developer to get a mobile bookings app. This will cost you a reasonable fee if you work with an experienced developer, but the fee will be more than worth it in the end. After all, apps are long-term investments that will ultimately drive more customers to your business over the coming years.

3. Change Areas

Sometimes, it’s good to change areas and target high-population spots when it comes to taxi driving. A common tactic for decades in this industry has been to target airports. Here, you’re guaranteed to make money. However, the only downside to this is that airports (and other similar places) are usually packed with other taxi drivers, which can make them very competitive.

4. Focus on the Customer Experience

It’s a simple yet effective concept: go the extra mile for the customer! From adding snacks and drinks to the backseats to engaging in friendly conversation with your passengers, always go out of your way to add value to the customer experience. It’s a great way to boost loyalty.

5. Follow Competitor Prices

Over the coming months and years, keep tabs on the prices your competitors are offering. Generally, most taxi services will pay specific attention to Uber due to their low prices. Ideally, you’ll want to position yourself through competitive pricing to tempt customers away from other ride services.