Background

Wellington-based driving school ‘AA Driving School with Peter’ sought to modernise and streamline its operations to deliver a more efficient and client-focused service.

In 2015, the business engaged Mint and Honey to provide expert guidance in modernising its systems and enhancing its digital presence. This partnership became the cornerstone of a long-term collaboration that spanned five years. Operating from 2015 to 2021, the business transformed its approach, shifting from manual processes to a fully digital, customer-centric model. This journey included adapting to unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuring resilience and continuity in a rapidly changing environment.

Services provided…

Systems and infrastructure

Social media

eDM

Paid ads

what we delivered

bringing the vision to life

Systems and infrastructure

Transitioning AA Driving School with Peter from largely manual workflow to digital systems was critical for improving operational efficiency. This transformation laid the foundation to begin building a seamless experience for the client in addition to enhancing operational capacity, addressing both immediate needs and long-term scalability needs for the business.

Online bookings

Before engaging Mint and Honey, bookings were managed manually via phone calls and recorded in a physical booking diary. This process was time-intensive and placed a significant strain on operational efficiency. Mint and Honey streamlined this system by migrating to an online booking platform, enabling clients to self-book lessons seamlessly. This shift reduced administrative overhead and provided clients with additional functionality to easily cancel, reschedule, or rebook appointments.

The introduction of automation significantly reduced administrative time and increased booking conversions. To further enhance the system, Mint and Honey developed custom workflows that integrated the booking platform with automated client communication, ensuring a smooth and cohesive user experience from start to finish.

Cloud migration and Google Workspace

Google Workspace was implemented as the centralised operational system for the business enhancing accessibility and collaboration across all operational areas. Google Sheets was utilised for lead management, Google Docs for reports, Google Drive for secure storage, and Gmail with a professional custom domain for client communications. These tools were seamlessly integrated to ensure streamlined operations and enhanced collaboration. Mint and Honey also customised the cloud environment to align with the unique operational demands of a mobile driving school, including the development of templates and workflows for tracking leads and individual client progress.

Digital lesson plans and reporting

Mobile-friendly lesson plans and grading systems were developed, enabling real-time updates and feedback while in the vehicle. This innovative approach not only improved efficiency but also elevated the quality of the driving instruction process by incorporating live performance tracking and instant report generation.

SOcial media management

Building a digital presence was essential to expanding AA Driving School With Peter’s client base and maintaining engagement and improving the client experience for existing clientele. Social media platforms became pivotal in reaching and connecting with a broader audience, showcasing the brand’s value and expertise.

The process began with the creation and management of Facebook and Instagram accounts, which served as primary channels for client engagement. These platforms provided an avenue to share services, success stories, and updates with the community.

Consistent, engaging posts were delivered, highlighting key services, client testimonials, and driving tips. Additionally, targeted paid advertising campaigns were strategically executed to attract new clients, achieving significant reach and conversion rates.

eDM and crisis management

Maintaining relationships with current and previous clients required a focused email strategy and ensured that clients remained engaged and informed throughout their journey with the business. To achieve this, automation flows were established and sent with booking confirmations, lesson reminders, and post-lesson reports, while ongoing re-engagement campaigns were distributed to past clientele to encourage rebooking which resulted in a significant reduction in attrition rates.

With COVID-19 presenting unprecedented challenges, the business required an immediate and strategic response to ensure business continuity and maintain client relationships. Managing the pandemic required a multi-faceted approach ensuring that the immediate service cessation was handled effectively, with clear and effective messaging to keep clients informed about evolving circumstances. This transparent approach reassured clients during uncertain times and facilitated easy re-engagement once business resumed.

A strong crisis communications framework was developed using the 5 Cs of crisis communications: Concern, Commitment, Competency, Clarity, and Confidence. These principles guided our approach, ensuring that all communications demonstrated empathy and concern for affected clients, a commitment to transparency, competency in handling challenges, clarity in messaging, and confidence in the steps being taken. This structured method allowed us to craft messaging that reassured clients and maintained trust in the brand.

Post-lockdown, re-engagement campaigns were developed and executed to resume operations. These efforts included addressing safety protocols such as vaccines and mask mandates, ensuring that clients felt safe returning to lessons under the new guidelines.

the results

evaluating the impact of our mahi

Bringing it all together

Mint and Honey spearheaded a comprehensive digital transformation for AA Driving School with Peter, ensuring the business’s resilience and adaptability in a rapidly changing environment. By implementing modern systems and developing a strong online presence, we helped the business overcome significant challenges while maintaining exceptional client satisfaction.

This transformation reduced administrative workload, enhancing both operational efficiency and client convenience. Mint and Honey’s efforts in social media management elevated the brand’s visibility and drove higher engagement, while targeted communication strategies minimised cancellations and built lasting trust. Re-engagement campaigns further contributed to sustained business growth, demonstrating the value of a holistic, client-centred approach.

54% reduction in admin time

Zero revenue loss post-pandemic

30% increase in repeat bookings

90% client retention post-pandemic

client feedback

Hear what our clients say about working with us

“Victoria was able to pivot my communication strategy quickly and effectively during multiple COVID lockdowns. Through pro-active and efficient client communication, I was able to retain 90% of bookings with minimal disruption to services”

Peter, AA Driving School with Peter

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