The biggest challenge most businesses face these days is getting customers through the door. The ease of modern online shopping has been a huge detriment to businesses that heavily rely on foot traffic. With services like Amazon Prime being partially responsible for the slow decline of shopping malls and highstreets. And the Covid-19 pandemic was also a killer for many independent businesses.
But people are slowly returning to the classic methods of shopping. Customers are now making the choice to shop locally and support their local malls and highstreets. But even with this increase it is necessary for businesses to try and entice potential customers through the door. This guide will help you do just that!
Tip # 1 – A Beautiful Storefront
Many businesses can’t rely on repeat customers. Instead they have to hope they can bring in a steady stream of new customers every day. And one of the best ways to do this is to ensure you have a beautiful storefront. First impressions are everything. People are naturally drawn to shops with a more appealing exterior aesthetic. Beautiful signage. A compelling window display. Modern windows and doors with a matching and appealing color scheme.
Tip # 2 – Utilize Social Media
Perhaps the most important aspect of modern marketing. Social media has become an essential part of modern business success. A vast majority of younger shoppers use apps like TikTok as their primary source of shopping inspiration.
To that end you need to ensure your business has an active social media presence. Especially on TikTok. You need to be posting at least three to four times a week. Your content needs to be engaging, light hearted, and show off what your business is all about. We highly recommend buying views for your TikToks to help get your profile off the ground. And, by boosting your TikTok views, you’ll start to see a steady increase in the foot traffic your business generates on a daily basis.
Tip # 3 – Free Samples
If your business is located in a mall or on a busy highstreet then this is one of the best ways to get customers through the door. Setting up a free sample booth somewhere nearby. People are far more likely to stop for free samples than they are to head into a new shop.
The idea here is to highlight the strength of your product. This works best for usable goods such as food, makeup, healthcare products, luxury soaps, and perfumes. Once the general public has experienced your product there is a high chance they will head into your store. Even if they don’t end up making a purchase they are more likely to mention your shop to friends and family.
Tip # 4 – Blast Email Offers
If possible you should try to sign up as many customers as you can to a mailing list for your business. Then, once you have built up a considerable number of contacts you should start sending out email offers.
These deals don’t need to be anything massive. Something as simple as a small discount on their next purchase is often enough to get people through the door. This will also encourage your customers to recommend your mailing list to their friends and family.
Tip # 5 – Event Days
If your store has enough space you should consider running an event day. These are a great way to generate awareness for your business and bring in new customers. The ideal choice is to partner with a local charity. This shows that your business is willing to support local causes and puts you in good standing with the general public.
The event doesn’t need to be anything too fancy either. It could be a raffle day, a charity gig, a comedy show, a new product reveal, or even something as simple as a social mixer.
Tip # 6 – Good Customer Service
This is one of the cornerstones of any customer facing business. You could sell the best product on the planet but if you are providing poor customer service then your business is unlikely to get repeat custom. And, in the long run, it will tank your business due to bad reviews.
You need to ensure you are hiring the right people for this. Not everyone is cut out for dealing with customers on a daily basis. Your staff should be smiley, friendly, caring, and willing to engage with customers on a deeper level than just superficial chat.
Tip # 7 – Encourage Reviews
Many people will check the reviews of a business before shopping there. So you need to encourage your customers to leave reviews where possible. Tripadvisor and Google reviews are the two primary places people check reviews on.
Having business cards asking people to leave a review is a good start. You could also offer incentives such as a small discount to anyone who leaves a review for your business.
