If you’re like most propane company owners, your day probably starts with a stack of delivery tickets, a flood of customer calls, and the constant challenge of keeping up with customer demands. Now imagine a different morning: your customers managing their own accounts through a modern website, seamlessly paying bills online, and your office team focusing on growing the business instead of drowning in paperwork, and you can enjoy a cup of coffee while it’s still warm.
Facing the Same Daily Challenges
Your daily challenges are familiar to us. Propane marketers across the country share the same frustrations. Your office staff is spending countless hours answering basic account questions and processing payments. This isn’t just frustrating for your office staff, it’s frustrating your customers too. They’re managing every other aspect of their lives online – paying bills, ordering groceries, even controlling their thermostats from their phones. But when it comes to their propane service, they’re stuck playing phone tag or running to the post office during business hours just to handle routine transactions.
Beyond Basic Websites
When propane companies first consider upgrading their digital presence, they often ask, “Can’t we just add online bill pay to our current website?” While that might seem like a quick fix, it’s a bit like putting a high-tech engine in an old car – it might run, but you’re missing out on the full benefits of modern technology. A successful digital presence does more than just look good. When your website works seamlessly with Rural Computer Consultant’s (RCC) integrated back-end systems, it creates a better experience for everyone. We should know! We help connect propane websites to RCC systems every day.
A modern website integrated with RCC’s powerful software solutions can change how you serve your customers. Customers can log into a secure portal through your website to check their account history, make payments, and manage their service – all without picking up the phone.
This integration between your website and operational software isn’t just convenient; it’s becoming essential for staying competitive in today’s market.
Real Results for Real Businesses
Propane marketers that integrate modern websites with RCC customer portals and online bill pay see consistent results: office staff spend less time processing routine payments and more time having meaningful conversations with customers who stop by. The results speak for themselves. Take a look at the online reviews for RCC-integrated systems, and you’ll see a common theme of propane companies sharing how embracing technology and online integrations is making business management easier, less stressful, and customers happier. Happy customers are loyal and don’t shop your competitors!
So what’s it like to work with Vivid Image on building a website and integrating your systems? Read what Piedmont Propane has to say below or see what people are saying about us on Google.
Don’t just take our word for it
“Ya’ll have been such a pleasure to continue working with. So glad RCC introduced us to you all.” Michael Pharr, Piedmont Propane
The Propane Industry is Changing
The propane industry is changing, but the core of what makes your business successful remains the same, your reliable service and strong customer relationships. A well-designed website with integrated customer tools doesn’t replace these values – it enhances them by removing the friction from everyday transactions and giving your team more time to focus on what matters. Loved this “Just Do It” article by Christopher Caywood of Caywood Propane in LPGas Magazine and his humorous comparison of embracing technological change to taking a little caster oil.
The most successful propane marketers we work with aren’t just adapting to change – they’re using it to pull ahead of their competition. By maintaining the top-notch customer service they’ve been known for across generations, these companies are seamlessly integrating modern tools that benefit both their staff and their customers.
A great example of this is Porter Gas Services in Winnsboro, South Carolina. Not only have they embraced a modern, user-friendly website, but they’re also leveraging social media to strengthen their online presence and connect with their community. Brice Williams shares, “Heidi, Vivid Image Account Director, and her team are awesome to work with! They are helping us reach all of our goals!“ Through our coaching services, Porter Gas has been able to maximize the potential of their new website, ensuring it serves as a hub for both customer engagement and operational efficiency. By integrating tools like customer payment portals, online forms, and customer-centric email communications, they’re building stronger, more personal relationships with their customers in ways that reflect their long-standing commitment to quality service.
Making the Digital Transition
Change can feel overwhelming, especially while managing a busy propane business. The first step is understanding your specific challenges and goals. Whether it’s time for a complete website overhaul or starting with online bill pay on an existing site, there’s a path forward that makes sense for your business and budget. Many propane companies choose to start with a Playbook—a free, customized plan we offer that gives you certainty about your next best step. We respect your time, budget, and company goals—we’ll bring it all together.
Ready to give your customers what they want and your team the tools they need?
Contact us to discuss your specific challenges, request a Playbook, and find solutions that work for your business. Your customers are ready for this change – and the right tools are ready for you.
