Aerial Northwest -10 Ways for Drone Pilots to Find New Customers

Every commercial drone pilot wants to profitably attract new customers. Here are 10 time-tested ways to help you bring in “new business.” Learning how to attract new clients is a crucial skill for any commercial drone pilot looking to grow their business, and the following top 10 strategies have been time-tested and proven effective in helping pilots to successfully attract and retain new clients in the competitive drone services market.

Drone Market Stats, Trends, and Forecast

The growth of the drone industry in recent years is undeniable, with the drone services market projected to reach $63.6 billion by 2025, and US consumer drone sales have already surpassed $1.25 billion in 2020, as forecasted by Statista, and Goldman Sachs expects the entire drone market to be valued at $100 billion, propelled by the increasing demand from commercial and government sectors.

According to Insider Intelligence, the most significant growth potential in the drone market lies in the use of drones for enterprise operations, with a projected 66.8% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in global shipments of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) sold directly to businesses for use in operations, across industries such as agriculture, construction and mining, insurance, media and telecommunications, and law enforcement, with a total global shipment prediction of 2.4 million in 2023.

Drone Pilot Market Opportunities and Competition

To begin our discussion of high-paying jobs for drone pilots, let’s first consider some of the key factors that can impact their salaries. One significant factor is the manner in which they choose to work and their location. Drone pilots have a range of options available to them when it comes to their work arrangements, including the following:

Self-Employed Drone Operator: This path involves experienced drone pilots who operate their own businesses and have a deep understanding of the industry. Self-employed drone operators are highly entrepreneurial and adaptable, but they also take on significant risk. They must find their own work, negotiate their own rates, and obtain the necessary licenses and insurance for their businesses.
Freelance Drone Operator: Many drone pilots prefer to work on a freelance basis, as this allows them to work for a variety of companies on a project-by-project basis. Freelancers have the flexibility to set their own schedules and rates, but they must also obtain their own licenses and insurance and find their own work.
Professional Drone Operator: Professional drone operators are typically freelancers who register on portals like Dronebase, IO, and various others in order to build their portfolios and expand their networks. This approach benefits both businesses and freelancers, as it allows businesses to hire local drone pilots and helps freelancers find work that aligns with their preferences.
Full-time Drone Operator: Those drone pilots seeking consistent income may opt to work as full-time drone operators. These UAV pilots typically work as part of a team.

Glassdoor’s latest data reveals that the median total pay for a drone pilot in the United States is $85,159, with an average salary of $54,128. This figure includes additional estimated pay of $31,031, such as cash bonuses, commissions, tips, and profit sharing. However, it’s worth noting that salaries can vary depending on the industry and location. For instance, drone pilots working in mapping and surveying earn the highest salaries, while those in film and video earn the least. Similarly, drone pilots in the West tend to earn more than those in the South.

To help fortify your drone service business expansion strategy, consider the following 10 ways to get new drone service clients:

Ask for Referrals: To attract new customers for your drone business, don’t just rely on your current customers to spread the word. Instead, take proactive steps to generate referrals. Consider setting up a system that actively solicits referrals from satisfied customers as part of your sales process. For instance, after a customer has received their order from your e-commerce site, you can send a follow-up email requesting a referral. When your B2B salespeople follow up with customers after a sale, they can also ask for referrals. By integrating referral-generating activities into your sales process, you increase your chances of finding new drone customers.
Networking Initiatives: To generate word-of-mouth for your business, consider participating in industry-relevant networking organizations and events. However, it’s important to approach networking with a mindset of service rather than self-interest. Instead of focusing solely on what you can gain, ask yourself, “How can I help others?” By building genuine relationships and providing value to others, you increase the likelihood of gaining new customers through referrals and positive word-of-mouth.
Incentives and Discounts: To attract new customers, consider offering exclusive discounts and incentives for first-time buyers. Creating introductory offers, such as an introductory flight for $100, can entice curious customers to try your products or services with minimal risk. Once customers redeem these special offers, track their engagement and target them with marketing messages that encourage and entice them to continue purchasing from your business. This strategy can help you build customer loyalty and establish long-term relationships with your target audience.
Past Customers: Don’t forget about your past customers, as they can provide a valuable source of potential business. If it’s been a while since they last interacted or made a purchase, consider reaching out to dormant customers with a special offer via email, direct mail, or phone. By regularly reviewing your customer contacts and targeting those who haven’t interacted or purchased in six months or a year, you can rekindle the relationship and win them back. This approach shows your customers that you value their business and are committed to building long-term relationships.
Website Enhancement: In today’s digital age, having an attractive and user-friendly website is essential for attracting new customers, whether you’re targeting consumers or B2B buyers. To ensure your website is up to par, take the time to review the design, content, graphics, and SEO. If you’re not confident in your ability to do so, consider enlisting the help of a website design company and/or SEO expert. With their expertise, you can improve your website’s functionality and search engine ranking, which can increase your visibility and attract new customers to your business.
Strategic Alliances: Collaborating with complementary businesses can be an effective way to expand your customer base. Consider partnering with businesses that have a similar audience, but offer different products or services. By strategizing together, you can create a plan to target each other’s customers and drive new business to both companies. For instance, a maternity clothing website and a baby products website could team up to offer discounts and deals to each other’s customers, increasing the likelihood of attracting new customers and building brand loyalty.
Share Expertise: Showcasing your expertise can be a powerful way to attract new customers. Consider publicizing your knowledge and experience in your industry by participating in panel discussions or webinars, speaking at industry events or to groups that your target customers belong to, or hosting educational sessions or workshops. These opportunities can impress potential customers with your subject matter expertise, which can lead to increased interest and ultimately attract new business. By establishing yourself as an authority in your field, you can build credibility and gain the trust of potential customers, which is crucial in today’s competitive business landscape.
Customer Reviews: Leveraging online reviews can be an effective way to attract new customers. If your business receives reviews from customers on sites such as Yelp, Google, or Facebook, make the most of them by sharing them on your website and in your physical location. By displaying signs or banners urging customers to check out your reviews, you can leverage the power of social proof to attract new business. When potential customers see positive reviews from others, they are more likely to trust your business and give it a try. By highlighting your best reviews and cultivating a positive online reputation, you can increase your visibility and attract new customers to your business.
Community Participation: Getting involved in community events is a great way to increase your business’s visibility and attract new customers. Participating in charity events and organizations, such as sponsoring a local fun run, donating toys to kids during the holidays, or supplying equipment to a Little League team in your city, can help raise your profile in the community. By getting your name out there, you can establish your business as a valued member of the community, which can attract new customers who want to support local businesses. By demonstrating your commitment to giving back, you can build goodwill, enhance your reputation, and ultimately attract new business to your company.
Social Media Marketing: The best way to find new drone service customers using social media marketing is to consistently create engaging content that showcases the unique value of your services and actively engage with your target audience through relevant hashtags, paid social media ads, and strategic partnerships with influencers and industry partners.

The Power is in the Follow-Up

Savvy commercial drone pilots are aware that seldom will they facilitate a “one-call-close” during their initial prospecting phase. Like all good and lasting relationships, “love takes time!” The success of your sales calls and new customer prospecting efforts relies heavily on your follow-up strategy, as this is where your proposals can truly take flight.

The Takeaway

In conclusion, as a commercial drone pilot, it’s essential to know how to attract and retain new clients to grow your business. By implementing these 10 proven strategies, you can boost your chances of attracting new business and establishing a successful career in the competitive drone services market. Remember to continuously refine and adapt your approach to ensure that you stay ahead of the curve and continue to stand out from the crowd in the fast-paced world of commercial drone services.

Be smart, safe, and forever fly!

If you have any questions, let us know! If you’d like to hire us, you can get more information here.

Written by: Tony Marino, MBA – FAA Certified Part 107 Commercial Drone Pilot and Chief Business Strategist at Aerial Northwest