Working only with Uber or other app rider is not recommended because the payment structure is not that attractive anymore. Building your own customer base as an Uber driver in Stockholm is challenging but achievable with creativity, professionalism, and strategic networking. Here’s a step-by-step guide tailored to Stockholm’s unique market from my own experience of three years.
How to build own Customer Base as an Uber Driver
Start making your brand visual:
Make a nice logo for your company name, which will be seen in your cars, roof light on the cars and in your business cards.
You can hire someone to make a logo design for only USD 5 from Fiverr.
– Built a website where customers can order and make payment through the site. Invest in SEO and local SEO so that your local customers can find you easily while they search for taxis on the web. I have invested in this, and it is worth it. Most of the time I get calls from the customers when it is very busy. For example, I have gotten 8-10 calls only on New Year’s Eve.
Create a professional profile:
Use Instagram or Facebook to showcase your services. Highlight your car, reliability, and local expertise.
Post stories about Stockholm traffic tips, event rides (e.g., concerts at Avicii Arena), or seasonal promotions.
– Join expat/community groups:
Expats and tourists often need trusted drivers. Engage in groups like *Expats in Stockholm* on Facebook.
– Find partnerships with local businesses:
Building own Customer Base as an Uber Driver
Offer Exceptional Service
– Be memorable: Offer small, thoughtful perks like free water, phone chargers, or local snacks (e.g., Swedish candy or fruit) and music.
– Local knowledge: Share insider tips about Stockholm’s hidden gems (parks, cafes, events) to position yourself as a friendly, helpful guide.
– Professionalism: Maintain a clean, well-maintained vehicle (preferably electric/hybrid to align with Swedish sustainability values).
Encourage Direct Bookings
Uber’s policies prohibit soliciting riders for off-platform bookings, but you can passively build loyalty:
– Subtle self-promotion:
Leave a discreet business card or QR code in your car linking to your professional social media (e.g., LinkedIn) or your website.
Mention, “If you ever need a reliable ride in the future, feel free to save my contact!”
– Use WhatsApp/SMS:
Politely ask satisfied riders if they’d like to connect for future rides.
Leverage Social Media & Local Networks
Offer discounted rides to employees at coworking spaces or hotels
Collaborate with event planners (weddings, conferences) needing reliable transport.
Building own Customer Base as an Uber Driver
Target Niche Markets
– Airport transfers: Advertise fixed-price rides to Arlanda or Bromma airports (e.g., “Stockholm ↔ Arlanda: 600 SEK flat rate”).
– Corporate clients: Reach out to startups or international firms needing regular rides for employees/guests.
– Nightlife/special events: Focus on weekends or holidays (e.g., Midsummer, Nobel Prize week) when demand surges.
– Keep track of the special events in Stockholm like concerts, sports, etc
Build a Loyalty Program
– Referral discounts: Offer riders 10% off their next direct booking if they refer a friend.
– Punch cards: Provide a card where every 10th ride is free.
Building own Customer Base as an Uber Driver
Optimize for Sustainability
Stockholm prioritizes green initiatives:
– Advertise eco-friendliness: If you drive an EV or hybrid, highlight this in promotions.
– Partner with eco-conscious businesses: Connect with organic cafes, zero-waste stores, or sustainability events.
Use Uber as a Stepping Stone
– Convert Uber riders: Provide such great service that riders ask *you* for direct bookings.
– Track repeat customers: Note names/contact details (with permission) to nurture relationships.
– Offer the best service possible to get app riders to get into your own customers. Sometimes it takes time. Not everybody will be transformed into your customer, but keep trying and have patience. I have several regular customers like this.
Final Tips
– Patience is key. As I mentioned, building trust in Stockholm’s regulated, competitive market takes time.
– Focus on quality over quantity: A small, loyal clientele is more sustainable than chasing one-time rides.
By combining Uber’s platform with entrepreneurial hustle, I have seen it work. If you have a large fleet, it will work nice, while a small individual fleet is a bit strategic.
