Local store marketing can and should play a major roll in any stores marketing and sales strategy. Too often when the word “marketing” is used, people tend to automatically think of big initiatives, big expense and lots of time investment but this is not always the case.
Some of the most effective local store marketing initiatives are small and easy to implement.
Here are a few creative local store marketing ideas to get you going:
- Network Locally: Engage with trade associations or local chambers of commerce. This networking can lead to service trades, sponsorships, and valuable business connections.
- Sweepstakes and Email Collection: Organize a sweepstake for free products or gift certificates and use this opportunity to gather customer email addresses for future marketing.
- Branded Merchandise: Distribute free t-shirts featuring your store logo to customers and staff, enhancing brand visibility.
- Custom Promotional Items: Offer specialty items like pens, mousepads, or mugs with your store’s branding as a form of subtle advertising.
- Press Releases: Regularly send out newsworthy press releases to keep your store in the public eye.
- Annual Awards: Establish an annual award related to your product or service, and ensure it gets public attention.
- Happy Hour Specials: Introduce happy hours with discounts, free samples, or buy-one-get-one-free offers to attract more customers.
- Memorable Phone Number: Secure a local or toll-free phone number that’s easy to remember.
- Target Non-English Speakers: If relevant, cater to the non-English speaking demographic in your area.
- Creative Advertising: Utilize unconventional advertising spaces like park benches, buses, or local websites.
- Clear Store Signage: Ensure your store signage is visible and of high quality to attract passing traffic.
- Charity Involvement: Donate products or services to local charity events, enhancing community goodwill and visibility.
- Yellow Pages Advertising: Place ads in the Yellow Pages under relevant categories for your service.
- Loyalty Programs: Develop a loyalty program to reward repeat customers and encourage more frequent visits.
- Local Event Participation: Take part in local events or sports games with food sampling or product demonstrations.
- Cross-Promotions: Collaborate with non-competing local businesses for joint promotions or package deals.
- Customer Engagement Training: Train your staff in engaging customers with friendly conversations, building rapport and loyalty.
- Upselling Training: Educate your staff to suggestively sell or recommend additional products that complement the customer’s purchase.
- Combo Deals: Combine slow-moving items with popular ones in special offers to boost sales.
- Referral Incentives: Implement a referral program where existing customers get discounts for bringing in new customers.
Not everything in this list will be perfect for your personal local store marketing needs but all are simple to execute and involve very little cost investment.