Retail is the business of selling products; and whether you’re online or offline, the rules are the same. You must get your name out to your customers while at the same time positioning yourself as the leader amongst your competitors. It sounds easy enough, at least on paper, but when you actually attempt to apply these retail business rules to real life, you might find that it’s not so easy after all. The following will give you some real-life examples of how you can boost your business using techniques and tools that are hot and useful right now. To start, and if you haven’t already, create a profile of your ideal customer and think about the various ways that you can target that person with your marketing efforts. Then use the techniques below to convince that person that your retail business is the best value for his or her money.
New Retail Business Marketing Basics
If possible, you should begin the marketing of your new retail business at least six to eight weeks ahead of your Official Grand Opening. This allows you to build suspense. An eCommerce store can place a countdown clock on a particular landing page, alerting visitors when to show up to make their first purchase.
Offline retail stores can purchase a vinyl banner that can be hung over the front door alerting passersby of the Grand-Opening-to-be.
If you didn’t think to start the marketing of your new retail business early and you’re already past the official opening, all hope is not lost. Your job now is to spread the word about your retail business far and wide. This can be accomplished through both online and offline means, regardless if you’re an online or offline new retail business.
Spreading the News Online
The best way to spread the news about your new retail business on the Internet is to make the best use of social media. Start with Google+. Every retail business should strive to get in Google’s good graces and using the search giant’s proprietary social media platform is a great place to start. Google loves to reward those who use its products, so create a profile on Google+ and then get your business listed on Google+Local. Don’t leave any space on your profile blank. Upload photos, videos, list your hours of operation, ways to pay and anything else potential patients may want to know before they make a purchase. And, of course, you’ll want to leave a link to your e-commerce website.
Don’t just stop there. Spread the news on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram. To build excitement for your new retail business, spread coupons and specials. Create videos and upload them to YouTube explaining that all new customers get a discount of some sort. Then spread that video – and any others you have time to make – on all of your social profiles.
Then keep the posts coming. Communicate with your audience. Answer questions and become the go-to person above your competitors. While you’re at it, spy on your competitors so that you always know what they’re up to. That way you can always remain one step ahead.
Offline Marketing
Just because it’s considered offline marketing doesn’t mean it can’t include elements of your online marketing campaigns. For example, banners hung over the front door or flyers spread around the city can include the retail business’s website URL, Facebook and Twitter links, and any other social markers you wish to leave. A better idea is to send out direct mailers with social media links and coupons. Then use calls-to-action, such as, “Like us on Facebook and receive $25 off your first purchase.” These little touches can push people to take action and that’s exactly what you want when your goal is to boost your new retail business.
Do the same with flyers, business cards and don’t neglect to notify your personal contacts. Tell your friends, family and everyone you know, past present and everyone you’re bound to meet in the future, about your new retail business. If you want to succeed, you’ll tell everyone you know about what you do, why you’re different and how you can add value to every one of your customers’ lives. Then, if you’re smart, you’ll put it all together.
Use every tool at your disposal and link them, somehow. It’s up to you to come up with that unique chain of events that will keep your prospects and customers on the hook. An idea is to create flyers that mention your new retail business’s Google+ page and urges them to find the secret phrase that will get them 50% off. This turns the marketing of your retail business into a sort of game, making the experience fun and exciting for your prospects. That’s a great way to turn prospects into well-paying customers.
You will never boost your new retail business unless you take action right now. If you haven’t already, start spreading the news both online and off and let every potential customer know that you’re open for business and ready to please.
Image Source: S Demmer on Flickr
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