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Strong Landing Pages Make Your Vending Website Shine Strong Landing Pages Make Your Vending Website Shine

Written by Emily on March 18, 2024

Emily / March 18, 2024

Landing pages support and enhance your vending website. How? By diving deeper into the services you offer. The content on landing pages is targeted towards specific audiences and filled with SEO-boosting keywords. These pages are super useful for social media posts and emails too.

Understanding the benefits will help you maximize their power. Then, you can grow your vending website with pages that are designed to showcase your specific strengths and attract and convert leads. Here’s where to start:

Use Landing Pages for Targeted Messaging

Your vending website’s homepage gives a high-level view of your business and what it offers. In contrast, landing pages are more detailed and specific. For example, the benefits of installing a micro-market would make a great landing page. It’s focused on one topic, has a strong keyword for SEO, and is helpful to targeted clients.

The precise content helps convert viewers to clients by addressing specific questions and showing expertise around a particular topic. They also provide your sales team in the field with detailed support materials when they need them. Plus, regularly adding new pages lets your website stay fresh and relevant.

Sales Growth | Marketing | Customer Leads

Landing Pages are Rich in Keywords

Adding landing pages to your website can also improve SEO. Since these pages are more detailed, they are an ideal place to focus on the industry keywords often used in organic searches. This increases the chances of prospects finding your business when they are looking for vending services. Bonus tip: use a combination of keywords and local SEO to attract the right audience.

Share Pages Via Social Media and Email

Landing pages are a must in any marketing plan. They can be shared in the social media posts and email campaigns you create for certain audiences. When readers click, they arrive at a page filled with useful information specific to their needs. This increases the likelihood of converting them into a client.

Make your Website a Better Sales Tool

In closing, landing pages offer many benefits to your business online. They are a way to promote specific services, cater to targeted audiences, boost SEO, and convert leads. In addition, they keep your website up-to-date and appealing to readers. That makes these web pages a valuable part of your website growth plan.

For help with your vending website and comprehensive marketing services, contact VendCentral. We specialize in digital sales and marketing for clients in the refreshment services industry.

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LinkedIn Success: Tips for Vending Operators LinkedIn Success: Tips for Vending Operators

Written by Emily on January 31, 2024

Emily / January 31, 2024

LinkedIn is a social media platform designed for the business community. And there are many reasons to use it to grow your vending business. It can help you establish credibility with a wider audience and earn you new customers. It can boost your brand awareness, generating new leads. LinkedIn can also let you showcase your services and locations. As a result, sales will grow at existing locations and new clients will be enticed to reach out.

6 LinkedIn Must-Dos Every Operator Needs to Know

LinkedIn is a popular online tool because of its many benefits. But like any tool, there are ways to wield it for better success. This blog has a roundup of how breakroom service providers can optimize their LinkedIn presence.

1. Clear Profile Image

Your profile image on LinkedIn is vital. It helps clients put a face with your name and can influence their first impression. Select a recent photo that actually looks like you do today. It doesn’t have to be a photo taken by a professional (although that is a bonus). but you should be the only one in the picture. That means no cropping or zooming in on you in a group. Your face should take up at least 60% of the frame and show you dressed as you would for work. Don’t forget to smile and look friendly! You want clients to feel you are approachable.

2. Crafted Background Image

Once you have your profile photo, you will want to consider the background image. This is the large image at the top of your LinkedIn page, right behind your profile picture. Consider carefully what to use here. In a glance, it should help people understand what you do. Perhaps you can show an image of your micro-market or office coffee services. An award you or your business has earned can show dedication and professionalism. Opt for a quote or your company mission statement to reinforce customer service. Make an effort to reinforce your company’s brand. Choose colors and/or an image similar to the look and feel of your other marketing. Above all, choose a clear, high-quality image. That will show you care about your LinkedIn profile, and ultimately, your work too.

3. Thoughtful About Section

After sorting out your images, it’s time to turn to words. The About section is a perfect place to share what you are passionate about. People want to know what makes you get up in the morning and stay focused during the day. It’s the place to highlight your work, not only what you do, but the impact you’ve made on others. This can be in the vending industry as a whole or more locally. Describe your skills and accomplishments, especially what they mean to you.

Sales Growth | Digital Marketing | LinkedIn Connections

4. Growing LinkedIn Community

Being on LinkedIn isn’t the same as using it. You must also build a community. Connect with customers to keep them up to date on your latest news. Reach out to prospects so they can learn about you and what you offer. Connect with local business leaders to strengthen your community ties. Plus, use LinkedIn to connect with employees of your own company. This boosts communication and makes your staff feel more involved.

5. Regularly Posted Content

One of the most intimidating hurdles for most vending operators is what to post on LinkedIn. Don’t overthink it. Show photos of your work, such as installs and grand openings. If your client gives permission, show breakroom before and after shots. Celebrate your employees on your page. Give a shoutout for anniversaries or announce new hires. Another great option to feature is your new products. If you added a popular beverage or the latest healthy snack item to your inventory, showcase it. Clients love seeing you are up on trends and offer fresh products. To show your expertise in breakroom services, share industry news, or offer insights on employment matters related to your business. Even just personal, yet professional responses to local topics and events can have a positive impact.

6. Engaging With Others

Now it’s time to put all the pieces together. You have great, meaningful images and a well thought About section. You have connections and content. Now it’s time to get social. That means leaving supportive comments on posts. You can also join groups and contribute to the conversations those groups are having on LinkedIn. Don’t forget to use LinkedIn messaging to reach out personally to others and start a conversation.

Benefit From an Enhanced LinkedIn Profile

The exposure and connections you can get from LinkedIn are well worth the effort. This is especially true for service businesses, like vending operators. Your business growth is based on forming new partnerships and strengthening existing ones. That’s why you’ll want to review our tips for LinkedIn Success. It will ensure you have the best chance of growing sales and gaining leads.

Need guidance with LinkedIn or marketing services? VendCentral can help. We specialize in digital sales and marketing in the vending space. Reach out to learn how we can help drive your business forward.

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Compare VendCentral’s Marketing Programs Compare VendCentral’s Marketing Programs

Written by Emily on November 9, 2023

Emily / November 9, 2023

A wide-ranging marketing program is a proven way to expand your reach and drive sales success. But, are you a vending operator who prefers to stay focused on your operations? In that case, managing and executing a marketing strategy may feel like too much work. Lucky for you, VendCentral has you covered. We offer three marketing programs to fit the needs of vending operators. From our foundational program to full-scale support, our solutions make your vending business shine.

Get to Know our Monthly Marketing Programs

At the heart of each marketing program is a collaborative relationship with our client. We get to know you, your brand, and your business goals. We may advise on a new brand positioning or a new logo as a first step. Then, we work to design a new website that properly reflects your business and gives a great user experience. We will make sure it has the features you need to support your goals.

In addition to creating and hosting your new website, we’ll implement a website growth plan. This includes a schedule of new content, including blog article features, to showcase your expertise.

A social media strategy is also put into effect on your behalf.  This includes making engaging content that is posted on multiple platforms. Plus, we manage your Google My Business Profile.

All of these elements are included in each program we offer. They unite under the watchful eye of your dedicated Marketing Account Manager. This person spearheads collaboration with you. He or she will also ensure all content supports our overall marketing strategy and craft it to produce outstanding SEO results.

Compare Our 3 Offerings

1. CORE Marketing Program

The CORE Marketing Program is our foundational program and our most affordable.  It is designed for smaller vending companies who are looking to dip their toe into marketing on a starter program. CORE provides the basics and allows your company to become more active in the digital arena.  Ongoing content is less frequent and customized. However, it is a strong base to build upon or even supplement with your own content.

2. CUSTOM Marketing Program

Our most popular program is the CUSTOM Marketing Program. It layers on personalized content to further differentiate your company from its competitors. Meetings with your Marketing Account Manager are more often and promotional calendars are designed to capitalize on what is going on in your business each month. More social media content is produced to engage with prospects more deeply and produce even stronger SEO.  With CUSTOM, you get an increased website growth plan and even a handy tool on your website to see who is shopping for your services online.

3. COMPLETE Marketing Program

The top-tier COMPLETE marketing program is our most comprehensive. It contains all that is in our CUSTOM Marketing Program and much more. You and your Marketing Account Manager work jointly on a personalized social media sales strategy. Social media content is 100% tailored to your needs and published often. Website growth is accelerated for the strongest SEO performance. Additional features like email campaigns and LinkedIn Ads are layered into this program. They are used to reinforce branding, boost sales, and expand reach. Clients on the COMPLETE program enjoy the same benefits as having an in-house marketing department at a fraction of the cost.

Sales Growth | Marketing Programs | Refreshments Services

Marketing Programs That Grow and Evolve

VendCentral takes pride in being nimble and flexible. That’s why as your business grows and evolves, our marketing programs will, too. VendCentral provides the option to scale up or down between programs if there is ever a need. You can also always supplement your program with individual services, too. To further explore our marketing programs, contact VendCentral. We’ll listen to your needs and find the Marketing Program to promote your business and grow your sales.

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7 Reasons to Consider a Vending Marketing Program in 2024 7 Reasons to Consider a Vending Marketing Program in 2024

Written by Emily on October 10, 2023

Emily / October 10, 2023

Is a Vending Marketing Program in your business plan for next year? If not, you may want to consider it. The right Vending Marketing Program can act as a compass to guide your refreshment services business toward success. How exactly? Well, that’s what this blog is all about. Keep reading to find out the seven reasons why you should invest in a Vending Marketing Program.

1. Capitalize on Marketing Trends

Running a business dedicated to breakroom services takes time and know-how. That makes it hard to also captialize on marketing trends, which change often. Fortunately, that is exactly what a Vending Marketing Program does. The VendCentral team is committed to modern, effective, and on trend marketing practices that work for our industry. We ensure your refreshment services business utilizes the right methods and to keep pace with how customers are shopping.

2. Stand Above the Competition

VendCentral offers a variety of programs tailored to your needs. We look at your company, your goals, and your location. Then we put together an action plan to boost your SEO and give you an edge over your competition.

3. Amplify Sales and Conversion Rates

The best sales tools for your vending business are your website and marketing strategy. It is these that bring HR and facility managers in for a look and then turn them into customers. VendCentral will guide these prospects from interest to contract, boosting your sales.

4. Forge Lasting Customer Connections

VendCentral’s marketing programs not only bring in prospects, they also grow existing client relationships. Tailored web content and social media are effective at fostering loyalty. This leads to more referrals, upgrades, and overall growth for your vending company.

Why Market | Breakroom Services | Grow Sales

5. Grow through Data-Driven Insights

Marketing can be hard to analyze. Is it attracting new clients? How about expanding your reach? To answer these questions, VendCentral uses a data-driven approach. We look at the analytics in order to refine marketing strategies and boost the effectiveness of your program.

6. Adapt to Industry Shifts

The convenience services industry has shifted and evolved over the years to give customers what they want. Your marketing approach needs to stay nimble too. Your online messaging to prospects and clients must always be up to date and on target. Our programs refine your approach as needed with plenty of marketing expertise.

7. Strengthen Brand Identity

Customers, prospects, and even potential new employees must be able to clearly understand and connect with your vending company. That’s why our marketing programs consistently reinforce your brand identity. This fosters recognition and leaves a lasting impression on your audience.

A Vending Marketing Program Leads to Higher Sales

In the end, a VendCentral marketing program provides a clear pathway to growth for your refreshment services business. Our know-how helps you navigate your marketing through a dynamic landscape and come out ahead.

Learn more about the different marketing programs available. Or, contact VendCentral to discuss which Vending Marketing Program works best for you. You can reach us at (866) 699-8363 or info@vendcentral.com.

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Why Vending Operators Need to be Social Selling Why Vending Operators Need to be Social Selling

Written by Emily on September 18, 2023

Emily / September 18, 2023

Social selling and other types of sales are key to all businesses, especially breakroom services. Why? Because a well-stocked vending machine or hard-working office coffee brewer goes mostly unnoticed by decision makers.

How then do you ensure the facility manager remembers your great breakroom service? How do you have the type of relationship with a client’s HR that will last years? And what about new customers? How will you show them that you can give the personalized service that they want? This is where social selling comes in.

What is Social Selling?

First, let’s define this type of selling. In a nutshell, social selling is a method of building relationships using social media. Typically, it’s done through LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The idea is to engage customers, old and new, and show your talent and service level. As a result, sales increase.

Why Social Selling Works

Social selling is highly successful for B2B customers. That is because it can be a significant investment for the company, either in subsidized services or a long contract. Because of that many B2B buyers, like office managers, do research online before reaching out to a salesperson. This is the main reason social selling works so well. It is about building trust and showing the level of knowledge and service your company is about.

Vending Sales Growth | Customer Engagement | Breakroom Marketing

Other Benefits of Social Selling

There are many other reasons you should be using this selling approach. Here are some key perks to build the case for this type of sales.

Cost-Efficient

Compared to advertising and cold calls, social selling can get you a better return for the money. That is due to the fact that social media platforms offer free and paid ways to connect with that ideal customer.

Data Driven

Social media platforms offer reports and tools to see engagement. These analytics give you measurable metrics about how you are doing. The insights can also help you refine your strategies to produce better results.

Competitive Edge

Social selling helps your business stand out. In the way reviews help your company, being on social media platforms will too. Customers will see your presence online and how you connect with others. This boosts your brand in their minds. It shows you are customer-focused, responsive, and helpful. That will set you apart from the other vendors in the area.

Social Selling is an Important Tool

In the end, this type of selling helps get the trust of facility managers and other breakroom service buyers. It shows that you are a reliable expert and care about your clients. It also lets you reach a wider group of people in a cost-efficient way. Don’t forget that the results are measurable, so you can pivot, and gain the upper hand over the vending competition. Thus, drive up sales.

Need some help? VendCentral is a digital marketing company just for the vending industry. We can help you with building relationships online that result in higher sales. Discuss your options today by calling (866) 699-8363 or emailing info@vendcentral.com.

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Everything Vending Operators Should Know About Content Marketing Everything Vending Operators Should Know About Content Marketing

Written by Emily on July 26, 2023

Emily / July 26, 2023

Content marketing is a key part of a successful marketing plan. It has the power to bring you new customers and build trust with those you already have. But first, you need to understand what content marketing is and how it works. Then you can use it to your best advantage in growing your breakroom services business.

What is Content Marketing?

This type of marketing aims to attract, engage, and retain breakroom service customers. How? By answering their questions and giving them the information they need. It’s helpful, solving pain points and offering a solution. That makes it valuable to your clients.

What Does It Look Like?

There’s no one way to offer content marketing. It can be done via blog posts, articles, videos, infographics, podcasts, ebooks, social media posts, and more. Most vending operators start with blogs about their services and products. These can answer a specific question a client might have, which makes it a valuable resource for them. The mention of keywords in the blog also helps with search engine optimization (SEO). It makes your site more discoverable and thus, a value to potential new clients as well. That’s a powerful benefit.

Sales Growth | Engagement | VendCentralThe 3 Things Content Marketing Should Do

Every piece of marketing should have a purpose. Content marketing is no different. Here are the three must-dos to make this type of marketing effective.

  1. Establish Authority – Use content to show you know your business. It can be based on your experience of which products sell best in a vending machine. Or it might be how you can help human resources with a corporate wellness program by installing a micro-market. Ultimately, it’s about sharing what you know so you are the expert.
  2. Generate Interest – When facility or office managers come to the internet searching for breakroom ideas, you want to be there. Sharing the products you put in the breakroom, the benefits of micro-markets, or even how to bring a cafe vibe to the office can engage and educate. The idea is that you want content that will get your client or potential client interested in your company’s services.
  3. Build Trust – Through content, share answers to common problems your clients have. When a facility manager comes upon your marketing, they will find a solution and feel informed about the decision they need to make about the breakroom. That’s how content marketing can build trust. And generate qualified leads.

What You Get Out of Content Marketing

When done well, content marketing offers vending company owners a great return. The content uses service and product keywords that will boost SEO. Thus, your website and company will be easier to find and appear higher on search pages.

Another benefit is lead generation and sales. As your content is discovered via an internet search, you’ll get more prospects and more sales. Seeing all the valuable content you have online will make them trust your company and want to reach out even more, which is the point.

Finally, with customers looking to your content for answers and ideas, it will grow awareness of your company. Clients will remember your brand and your company name. You will be the provider they think of when they need a solution or move to a new company looking for refreshment services. That’s a big win!

How to Start Now

Most vending operators are full of knowledge and experience. Start sharing that in blogs, short videos, social media posts, etc. The key to making it great content marketing is to ensure it resonates with the target audience. Remember, it should address their pain points and provide a solution or valuable insight.

Want help with content marketing? VendCentral has been successfully assisting refreshment services companies to grow their marketing efforts. Content marketing is one of the many services offered. Contact VendCentral today, or call (866) 699-8363.

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NAMA Show 2023: The Future of Refreshment Services NAMA Show 2023: The Future of Refreshment Services

Written by Taylor Hicks on May 24, 2023

Taylor Hicks / May 24, 2023

The NAMA show, hosted by the National Automatic Merchandising Association in Atlanta, brought together leaders, innovators, and enthusiasts in the refreshment services industry. The VendCentral team had the privilege of exploring the trade show floor, attending panels, and networking with key players in the industry. From exciting innovations found at “Imagination Way” to the launch of new products, the show left a lasting impression.

Interested in learning more about the world of possibilities for the industry’s future? Keep reading to discover a few of the show’s highlights, latest product trends, and more!

Office coffee service | Specialty Coffee | Bean-to-cup coffeeLocal Coffee Roasters | Coffee Marketing | Coffee Marketing SolutionsStarbucks Coffee | Craft Coffee | Breakroom ServicesCoffee Equipment | Cold Brew Coffee | Office Coffee SuppliersCoffee and tea service | Coffee Marketing | Refreshment Services Industry

Coffee, Coffee, & More Coffee!

Office coffee took center stage at the NAMA Show, capturing the attention of attendees at every turn. The Emblem bean-to-cup coffee brewer was ever-present with its exceptional on-demand brewing capabilities. Definitely, a staple to include on your office coffee equipment roster. National brands and local coffee roasters, including Segafredo, Seattle’s Best, Starbucks, Ellis Coffee Company, Bodecker Brewed, and more kept everyone fueled throughout the 3-day show.

Additionally, the popularity of on-the-go coffee options, including nitro brew, cold brew, and canned coffee is undeniable. Brands such as RISE, La Colombe, Wandering Bear, and Costa Coffee made a significant impact, offering unique coffee drinking experiences for attendees.

Breakroom beverages | Energy Drinks | Product PromotionsHealthy Beverages | Beverage Trends | Popular ProductsCold Brew Coffee | Canned Coffee | Coffee BrandsRed Bull Energy Drinks | Energy Drinks | Brand MarketingZevia | Product Marketing | Branding

Bubbling with Excitement: NAMA Beverage Takeaways

The NAMA Show showcased the latest trends in the beverage industry. It came as no surprise that energy drinks continued to dominate. Well-established brands like Red Bull, Celsius, Monster, and C4 Energy drew substantial attention. However, the show also provided a platform for up-and-coming brands such as Alani Nu, PHOCUS, UpTime, and Sparkling Ice Energy Drinks to make their mark.

Better-for-you beverages were another highlight of the event. Healthy soda alternatives like Poppi, Zevia, and Good Mood made their debut, captivating attendees with their healthier and more flavorful options for the refreshment services market.

Hot Food Vending Machine | Just Baked Kiosk | Modern Vending MachinesVending Equipment | State-of-the-art Technology | Grab-and-go ProductsSEED Technology | Marketing Customer | Marketing SolutionsCustomer Service | Vending Machines | ZippyAssistMicro-Market Technology | Payment Versatility | Micro-Market Solutions

New-Age Vending Equipment & Technology

In the realm of vending equipment, the NAMA show revealed groundbreaking innovations. For example, Just Baked’s hot food kiosk was a must-see. Offering a wide range of delicious meal and dessert options, you can select, pay, and be eating in minutes. The convenience and quality of these hot and fresh treats left a delightful and memorable impression on everyone’s taste buds.

Supply Wizards Supply Wizards wowed the crowd with their revolutionized online ordering process. Their user-friendly software seamlessly integrates with operators’ Vending Management Systems (VMS), making invoicing and tracking inventory a simple task! On average, operators have seen an increase in order sizes by 24% when using Supply Wizards for their online ordering. Therefore, this product is ideal for operators looking to grow their office coffee and pantry services!

ZippyAssist ZippyAssist emerged as a game-changer, enabling vending operators to provide immediate support to customers. With simple-to-use features like instant refunds and maintenance requests, they’ve streamlined customer service. This text-based platform accessed from a customer’s mobile phone is helping operators across the globe enhance their unattended retail experience.

Team Work | Workplace Culture | Team BuildingLearning | Connection | Network | Sales

Embracing the NAMA Show Momentum

Overall, the NAMA show was a resounding success leaving operators inspired by new ideas and technology for the refreshment service industry. From the aroma of freshly brewed coffee to the introduction of cutting-edge vending equipment, this event set the stage for a future of innovation and growth. The VendCentral team looks forward to implementing the lessons learned and supporting the members of our industry through comprehensive marketing services.

VendCentral is solely focused on the refreshment services industry. Contact us to learn how our marketing programs can help your business GROW!

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Blog! Why Your Breakroom Services Company Needs to be Blogging. Blog! Why Your Breakroom Services Company Needs to be Blogging.

Written by Emily on April 25, 2023

Emily / April 25, 2023

Blogging can help you get more vending and breakroom service leads. In fact, small business resource Fit Small Business reports that businesses that blog get 67% MORE leads per month. That significant boost in leads makes blogging a huge return on investment.

6 Benefits You Get From Blogging

What makes blogging so successful? What brings all those breakroom service leads? It’s a combination of factors, from better search engine optimization (SEO) to being considered a breakroom expert. Keep reading for more details on the 6 benefits of writing a vending website blog. Trust us; you won’t want to miss them!

1. Increase Website Traffic

Blogging helps people find your website. Keywords used in a blog, like vending and breakroom, are “seen” by search engines. That makes your blog and website more likely to show in search results; therefore, more people will find your company while shopping online for breakroom services.

Breakroom Service Leads | Blog Benefits | Vending Marketing

2. Blogging Drive Conversions

Your vending-related blog is a great place to show customers and prospects your knowledge of breakroom services. And that knowledge can lead to conversions, where users fill out an online form or sign up for an email list. After all, when you want a product or service, you go to a company that knows its stuff. So, show off your expertise by publishing blogs!

3. Contribute to Social Media Efforts

Every company needs a social media presence. If you don’t have one, you should. But let’s assume you do have one. Blogging gives you more items to post about. Yes, it’s true. You can promote your latest article with a nice photo to engage your audience and drive traffic to your website. It’s a win-win! But don’t forget to include a link to the blog. Why? Because a direct link encourages clicks and reads without any leg work from the audience. Doing this also helps boost your SEO score and can help your website climb to the top of the search results.

4. Build Trusting Client Relationships

Just as knowledge of quality refreshment solutions drives conversion, it also builds trust. Blogging about services like micro-markets or office coffee shows your customers you are devoted to your businesses. In turn, they are more likely to trust you with their service needs.

Plus, it lets you show off what you can bring to your customers. And who doesn’t love that? Writing blogs about specific break rooms you’ve installed will help your audience understand what you do and what their break room could look like.

5. Reinforce Your Brand

Don’t forget what your blog can do for your brand. Most people, including human resource professionals and facility managers, prefer doing business with companies they recognize and trust. So, make sure they know your company with a blog tone and look that follows your branding plan.

6. Differentiate a Business From Its Competition

Not all vending companies blog. And that’s to your advantage. Blogging sets you apart from the competition. But even if your local competitors do have a blog, you can still use yours to stand out. Ensure your blog has a personal touch, introducing readers to your brand. Cover local issues, seasonally relevant topics, and the service and products that make you the best choice for breakroom services.

Refreshment Services | Marketing | Customers

The Time to Start Blogging is Now!

Blogging is an important marketing tool. It brings in readers who can convert to breakroom service leads and sales. The key is consistency and industry knowledge, ensuring appropriate keywords appear throughout the blog for maximum results.

Not sure where to start? Don’t worry; our team of marketing experts can help! VendCentral offers different levels of support for vending marketing. Contact us at (866) 699-8363 or visit us online.

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The Power of Building Your Vending Business Network The Power of Building Your Vending Business Network

Written by Emily on March 23, 2023

Emily / March 23, 2023

Research shows there is power in building a network. Those who actively network get more jobs, opportunities, industry knowledge, and respect. That makes it a valuable skill and crucial to growing your vending company. With that being said, networking looks different today than in the past. In fact, it can happen in many ways, including social media, trade shows, cold calling, or in-person meetings.

But what is networking, exactly? And how can you do it well? Read on to find out.

What is Networking?

To put it simply, it means talking to people. For instance, you might talk to them about trends or breakroom ideas. At other times you might talk about your services and how they fit their needs. This is the best kind of networking because it adds value to both people.

VendCentral Staff | Building Network | Vending

What Does Building a Network Look Like?

It’s no surprise that networking can take place anywhere. However, building it with other vending operators and industry members will likely take place at a tradeshow, a community event, or a seminar. Think mingling during happy hour at conferences or talking to your dinner neighbor at a sponsored event. It can also happen at educational seminars. Showing genuine interest in what the presenters have to offer is sure to leave a lasting impression. Plus, it opens the door to chatting with them and getting their contact information.

Don’t forget about posting and commenting on social media platforms. Yes, it’s a new(er) yet vital place to connect with people. For some, it’s preferred. According to Novorésumé, 40% of people would rather network online. So, get out there and post!

What are the Benefits?

Networking is good for your reputation. How, might you ask? First, it adds to your business profile, leading others to see you as well-informed. On the flip side, it can help you gain industry knowledge. For example, you might learn new solutions that enhance your vending services.

Additionally, every connection you make will “humanize” your company. People like to do business with other people, not companies. Therefore, your connections to people can lead directly to new customers and more prospects. It’s also a way to showcase your brand and boost loyalty. That ultimately helps you can gain referrals and drive-up sales!

NAMA Tradeshow | Networking | Office Coffee

Network Often, Everywhere, to Win

In summary, networking is a must to grow your vending business naturally. Don’t wait. Start building your vending network now and reap the rewards.

Want some help with online networking? VendCentral has digital sales and marketing experts ready to assist. Our team specializes in the vending, micro-market, pantry, and office coffee service industry to help you grow sales. Contact us today at info@vendcentral.com or (866) 699-8363.

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Why Vending Promotions and Contests Work Why Vending Promotions and Contests Work

Written by Emily on March 9, 2023

Emily / March 9, 2023

Running a vending contest or promotion for your vending customers offers many benefits. Both can boost excitement about your services as well as build loyalty to your brand. In addition, using social media for your promotional efforts can enhance engagement and gain you followers.

Read on for a look at how vending contests and promotions can increase your vending sales.

Win Vending Contest | Excitement | Engage Followers

Add Excitement

One reason to run a vending business promotion or contest is to create excitement. Why does it work? Because people love a chance to win. That means they will want to enter a drawing or buy a certain product to get a discount. It gets people excited to use your services and enjoy the products you’re offering. That drives up sales at your machines and markets.

Build Loyalty

People are looking for connections and brands to follow. In fact, a survey by Merkle in 2021, showed that over 80% of consumers want to form a relationship with a brand. And, these customers are willing to go out of their way to buy from brands they are loyal to. Promotions and contests give your customers something to be excited about. They can connect to you through a contest or promotion and ultimately become loyal customers.

Increase Engagement

Online contests and promotions that use social media are great ways to engage your customers. Social media makes it easy to post about promotions and contests. It’s also easy for your audience to react. They can follow a link to a contest page or post their thoughts on it instantly. Doing so shows that they want to engage with your vending company. And an engaged customer spends more and is more loyal.

Grow Your Following

Having followers on your social media strengthens your vending marketing efforts. It means more people will see your brand and messaging. This includes facility managers and human resource professionals.

Hosting online contests and promotions is a tried and true way to get more followers. People want more opportunities to play and win. Therefore, they will like and follow your company to get them. Plus, they are likely to share the contest or promotions with their social media connections. Who might then also become your followers. It’s a great way to get leads and grow awareness of your vending operation.

Give promotions and contests a try. There’s little risk and lots of rewards. You gain exposure, followers, loyalty, increased sales, and leads.

Struggling with time and resources to make vending contests a reality? VendCentral can help. We help vending operators increase sales with successful branding, marketing, and sales strategies. Contact us at info@vendcentral.com or (866) 699-8363.

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