The parking lot and property maintenance services industry is constantly innovating, and to keep up with the growth potential, facility management service providers must do the same. It is a competitive field, but there are ways to stay ahead, namely being aware of industry trends. Knowing how to leverage these trends – incorporating tactics the organization may not have thought of as an asset – can ensure businesses remain enterprising, as well as relevant to all audiences, which leads to significant growth and success.

Specific industry trends to watch

Maintaining a comprehensive understanding of all facets of operation is crucial, yet business leaders should concentrate on and invest effort in the trends most relevant to their specific goals. By identifying and prioritizing these trends, businesses can align their strategies to foster growth and success, avoiding the pitfalls of overlooking beneficial opportunities. Within the parking lot and property maintenance sector, emerging or already popular trends include the customization of parking lot branding, the integration of self-driving vehicles and the recognition of maintenance as a valuable asset.

Custom branding

Custom branding in parking lots, especially aligning with a business' specific brand colors, can significantly impact customer perceptions. The parking lot, often the first point of contact with customers, plays a vital role in shaping initial impressions. Using custom stencils and ground markings enables businesses to distinguish themselves and enhance their appeal from the parking lot entrance to the front door.

Building on this foundation, investing additional effort into customizing a business' parking lot elevates the brand and enhances customer experience and safety. Companies can effectively convey their brand message and reinforce safety measures around their premises through custom stenciling and marking. The possibilities for customization are limitless, ranging from branding symbols such as logos and slogans to the strategic use of company colors. This approach makes a business stand out and communicates its identity to customers the moment they arrive. Ensuring a welcoming, well-organized parking area with clear signage and designated spots can significantly improve customer satisfaction. By prioritizing these details, businesses can foster a positive image, encouraging repeat visits and ultimately driving greater customer loyalty and business success. This strategic focus on the parking lot as a key branding and customer experience tool underscores the importance of taking the extra step to ensure excellence across the board.

Self-driving & electric vehicles

There is growing excitement as automated and self-driving vehicles, alongside electric vehicles (EVs), revolutionize not just the parking lot and property maintenance industry but also the broader world of transportation. This incredible surge in cutting-edge vehicle technology presents a golden opportunity for businesses to lead the way. Gone are the days when self-driving vehicles seemed like a distant dream. Today, they are swiftly becoming a part of our daily lives, and businesses are poised to adapt by implementing clear, navigational markings in parking lots to direct these futuristic vehicles seamlessly. This proactive approach showcases a business' forward-thinking attitude, enhances safety and provides clear guidance for self-driving car owners.

EVs are charging ahead, marking a significant shift toward environmental sustainability in transportation. The demand for EVs and electric car charging stations is skyrocketing. Businesses can cater to this eco-friendly wave by offering well-organized, clearly marked EV parking spaces at charging stations. EV stations not only cater to the growing community of EV drivers seeking easily accessible charging options but also position businesses as champions of environmental stewardship. By ensuring EV charging spots are highly visible and distinctively marked, companies can attract and retain eco-conscious customers and tenants, making it clear that they prioritize sustainability and convenience. There is a call to action for businesses to embrace the future of transportation, making their premises welcoming for the next generation of vehicles and their environmentally aware drivers.

The desire to incorporate maintenance as an asset

One, if not the most important trend that needs to be incorporated more into the parking lot and property maintenance industry is seeing maintenance as an asset. The desire to break the stigma that parking lot/pavement maintenance is a chore is something businesses should be working toward. Some companies have already integrated maintenance as an essential business tool, which will benefit them in the long run. 

The condition of a parking lot impacts a customer’s judgment of the business itself, and it is common for people to form an opinion of a business before they even step into the building, especially if the exterior is unappealing. A negative first impression can be changed by prioritizing parking lot maintenance, keeping the lot clean, well-maintained and accessible. The benefits of prioritized maintenance are endless – some of the most noteworthy include customer trust, higher foot traffic, higher preferences and, for retail, an increase in in-store sales. 

Returning customers are critical to business success. Keeping the parking lot well-maintained, clean and accessible will impact how often customers visit. A well-maintained property builds trust with customers and contributes to brand reputation and success.

If the business relies on foot traffic, parking lot maintenance should be one of its highest priorities. When walking from the parking lot to a shopping center, for instance, customers take notice, from either a safety or aesthetic viewpoint. If it looks like the business does not care about the shape of the parking lot, customers could be deterred, especially if the parking lot seems dangerous.

A challenging and confusing parking lot can also discourage customers before entering a business. The frustration of navigating a poorly designed parking area can lead to potential customers going elsewhere, finding a more straightforward and less stressful parking experience. If a parking lot proves too cumbersome, customers might decide it is not worth the hassle, opting for businesses that offer a more welcoming and hassle-free parking environment.

Why invest in parking lot & pavement maintenance?

Parking lots and pavement can be found everywhere. Therefore, businesses must keep up with their maintenance. Companies must see maintenance as an asset, not a chore. Most companies do not use regular parking lot and pavement maintenance to their advantage, which can hold businesses back from standing out among the competition.

Investing in regular parking lot maintenance takes time, but it can be the missing piece that takes the business to the next level. It can go a long way in retaining customers and elevating a company’s profile. 

Custom branding in parking lots, self-driving vehicles and the desire to incorporate maintenance as an asset are trends with staying power. Businesses strategically embracing services and products aligned with these emerging trends are poised for significant success and growth, ensuring they remain at the forefront of industry innovation.