Starting a small retail business on a limited budget doesn’t mean you can’t use clever marketing strategies to maximise your profits. Small budgets call for efficient, clever marketing and advertising tactics that will get the word out without spending a fortune. Fortunately, there are plenty of easy ways to get this done. If you’ve just opened a retail store and want to increase footfall and boost your sales, make sure you use these tips.
Create an attractive storefront.
Marketing doesn’t have to be as complicated as some strategists would have you believe. In the retail industry, simply having an eye-catching, attractive storefront is a sure-fire way to get customers into your shop. As long as you have products that will translate those entries into sales, you’re onto a winner. You can start low budget with a well-designed banner and promo flags or invest in a high-tech media wall to grab the attention of everyone walking past your store. Whatever you do – make sure your storefront makes an appealing first impression and gets those crucial earlyvisitors through the door.
Create incentives.
Incentives are a tried and tested marketing tool that almost every retailer uses to maximise their sales figures. If you’re just starting out, you may want to use a special promo like offering a freebie giveaway alongside purchases to display your generosity to your new customers and encourage customer loyalty. Loyalty cards that offer free products after a certain number of purchases, special discounts for loyal customers, and regular discounts on popular items will also go a long way toward giving your customers a reason to keep coming back for more.
Get on social media.
This is a crucial and surprisingly inexpensive marketing tactic if your target market is in a younger age bracket, but it shouldn’t be neglected even if you’re trying to reach an older population. Make sure your brand, however new, has a growing presence on a range of popular social media channels. Use the platform to engage with customers, research ways to create content that’s shareable and engaging, and use the marketing tool to solidify the tone and image you want your brand to project.
Plan fun events.
Organising an interesting event at your store could be a simple way to bring new customers in and introduce them to your products while offering a fun experience. The type of event you choose will depend on the products you’re offering. For example, if you sell homeware or kitchen products, consider bringing in a well-known local chef for a cooking demonstration. For clothing retailers, fashion shows and styling tutorials can offer a valuable experience to new customers while introducing your brand to a larger audience.
Offer great customer service.
When it comes to setting up a successful retail business, great quality customer service can be just as powerful as any expensive PR consultancy service or marketing campaign. Choose your employees wisely to make sure they know the market you’re working with well and employ individuals with a natural knack for great customer service. If morale seems to be a little low, hold training sessions to ensure that every member of staff is on board with creating a seamless customer service experience for every customer that walks into your store.
