When opening or running a store, we believe that if we build it they will come. As store owners, you cannot only rely on word of mouth; you need to work at it and having good marketing is the difference between a store being successful and a store that is not.
To make a business thrive, here are 5 marketing ideas that can help you be successful:
- Clearly Write Out and Develop a Plan
At the beginning of every year, I write out a strategy that revolves around the calendar and I determine how many emails and the topics of the emails that I want to cover each month. A great starting point is to revolve marketing ideas around holidays; even if it is only four times a year, it is better than not having anything at all.
- Promotions and Press Releases
Each month write a Press Release to your local newspaper, and have in-store promotions as well as Facebookpromotions. Consider weekly contests where they have to comment or share with a friend. The great part about this idea is that it is no cost to you and you can only benefit from more people learning about your store.
- Thank-You Cards
After each order, either send customers a thank-you card, thanking them for their purchase, or insert a card into the bag. This goes a long way and customers will feel appreciated. You may want to add an offer to entice the customer to come back and shop. This little token will go along way – remember, it is cheaper to keep and existing customer than it is to get new customers.
- Encourage Interaction through Facebook
Add new pictures of products or events to Facebook and encourage customers to “Like” your store while they are shopping and maybe give out a free gift. The more Likes your store gets, the more exposure your store will get.
- Email Blasts and Texts
Emails and texts must be done on a regular basis and in a timely manner to correlate with the seasons. Blasts can include pictures of new products, new service, a special item that is on sale for the week. If customers like you they will be happy to hear from you no matter what.
Marketing should be a top priority; if you don’t have the want or know how, then it is time to hire a person who is skilled at marketing. As a Store Owner, you want only the best, so step it up and increase your bottom line.