How To Encourage More Customers To Come Through The Door
One of the biggest challenges you’ll face when running a brick-and-mortar business is getting people through the door. However, increasing foot traffic is essential, whether you’re trying to boost sales or prepare your small business for rapid growth.
After all, while situating yourself on a busy high street may seem like a great idea, it means that you’re met with harsh competition from the more established brands from the outset!
With that in mind, here are some simple ways in which you can encourage more customers to come through your door!
Put your business on the map (literally). Adding your business to Google Maps is one of the easiest ways to increase foot traffic, as it means you’ll begin to appear in local searches. For example, if you run a coffee shop, and someone searches for “coffee near me,” your business will be recommended to them right away. They’ll even be given directions that bring them directly to your door!
Nail your window display. Nailing your window display can also help you to entice more customers, as it means they’ll have a greater understanding of what you have to offer before they’ve even stepped through the door. For example, if you run a bakery, setting up a window-facing display fridge is the perfect way to capture the attention of those passing by, encouraging them to come in and try some of your delicious baked goods themselves.
Think about signage and posters. Signage and posters can also help you to capture the attention of passersby. For example, even if they do not then walk through the door, they’ll begin to feel a little more familiar with your brand, as they’ll have a better understanding of what you offer. This could encourage them to stop by in the future or to research your brand online.
In some cases, posters, such as those advertising flash sales or discounts, could be the very reason that customers step through the door. After all, if they are buying a product from your brand for the first time and spending less money, they feel more confident in giving you the chance.
Ensure you know everything there is to know about your target audience. If you’re struggling to get people through the door, it’s likely because you aren’t marketing your brand to the right people. As such, it’s time to work on redefining your understanding of your target audience through focus groups and market research. This way, you can ensure you are making your business as appealing as possible to members of that demographic. This, in turn, will increase the amount of foot traffic (and sales) you receive.
Play some music. Various studies have found that playing music can also help to increase the amount of foot traffic your store receives, as it helps you to establish a certain tone and atmosphere. However, it’s equally important that you choose the right music for your brand and that you do not have the volume too loud – as both of these mistakes could mean that customers leave as quickly as they came in.
