To generate revenue, a brick-and-mortar store must have a steady flow of customers. To do this right, depending on where your business is located, you must establish a connection with the local community.
When implemented consistently, strategies to increase foot traffic can prove a profitable business decision. This article highlights five proven methods to increase foot traffic in your store.
Improve Your Window Displays
Foot traffic directly correlates to the attractiveness of your business from the outside. Foot traffic will decrease if your store doesn’t look inviting or eye-catching to passersby. This is especially true if you have a retail store in an urban area. You should ensure your store has eye-catching displays people can see just by walking past. Signs that promote sales and display your most popular products in the window can attract customers.
Participate or Host a Local Event
Businesses involved in the community they serve will be admired by their customers. A booth can host an event locally or participate in one, which is an excellent way to build relationships and interact with customers. The liquor industry has adopted a new trend called “hosting,” as they try to attract foot traffic by hosting wine and cheese events.
Participating in your community will increase the visibility of your store, which in turn will lead to more foot traffic. Bring samples and giveaways to the event to encourage customers to interact. Do not forget to post your event participation on your social media accounts. More on this later in the article.
Leverage Email marketing
Email marketing is more effective today than ever before. It’s also one of the most cost-effective methods of marketing your store to a large target audience. Email marketing works because people give you their permission to market to them when they opt-in to receive communications from your business.
Emails are a great way to inform your customers and give them a reason to visit your store. Include sales, promotions, and new product launches in your next email campaign. Some platforms, such as the popular email marketing software MailChimp are free for up to 2,500 contacts, so your business should implement an email strategy immediately.
Maintaining an online presence
Investing time creating an online presence may seem counterintuitive, but this can often increase foot traffic. Your customers can access a wealth of information about your shop by being online. Searching online allows customers to research product details, confirm store opening hours, and see quickly what products are available. You can increase in-store traffic by providing your customers with the required information.
The BBC recently explained this concept: “Consumers use a combined approach to shop online before visiting a physical store, known as showrooming or webrooming.” Keep your social media profiles and website updated with new photos, products, and promotions. Many retailers have adopted the concept of online shopping and pick-up in-store to increase foot traffic. It’s time for you to rethink your retail goals if your business does not have an omnichannel approach.
Working with micro-influencers
Influencer marketing can help you drive more customers to your shop. Brands and businesses often use influencers to promote their products, and finding influencers in your niche is a great way to increase your customer base. With the increased exposure from the various social media channels, leverage word-of-mouth marketing with these influencers who will promote your store in a positive manner.
Find a micro-influencer with experience promoting products similar to those you sell. Use a micro-influencer for in-store promotions and coupons that can only be used on location or to promote current events. These could be key community members or something as simple as an organized youth sports league, depending on the size and scope of your business.
Wrapping up
Foot traffic today is only a tiny part of an overall marketing strategy. You can’t substitute an in-store shopping experience, which is many retailers’ most significant advantage.
It takes action and time to increase foot traffic. The strategies outlined in this article, if applied consistently, will help you attract more customers to your store. You will see a marked increase in foot traffic if you continue to work hard at leveraging these tips.