A staggering 52% of all small to medium-sized business post on social media every day in order to boost in-store sales. However, for some of these businesses, having an online store is not an option. In today’s world where online sales are increasing at a lighting-speed rate, location-based stores need to step up their game to stay the cream of the crop.
Although this may seem like something nearly impossible to achieve, with the help of social media particularly Facebook, more feet will find your store! With that said, let’s look at some of the most important and immediately actionable marketing tips you can make use of to drive foot traffic to your store.
Facebook adverts
Many small business owners feel that advertising their store and its contents cost too much, especially when it comes to Facebook advertising. But what they don’t realize is that they can tap into a very specific market—one that is currently looking for the services offered by the business. Set a spending limit for your Facebook advert and select a specific target market and location (since you have a location-based store). This will help you reach the maximum amount of potential customers.
Create a visual of your shop front on your business Facebook page
Since customers will be searching for your store at a certain location, you need to be able to provide them with a visual of your store. Remember, images form a huge part of what people like or dislike in today’s world; so the more appealing your storefront is, the more likely customers will shop there. Apart from adding your store address to your business Facebook page, add an image (cover image) to your page so potential customers can know what to look for.
Make use of location-based apps
One of the most overlooked Facebook tools is the “checking in” option. When someone checks in at a certain location or store, it reflects on that business’ Facebook page. By making use of location-based apps, you can successfully drive more feet to your store and gain more exposure over social media. More exposure leads to more interest in what you have to offer. The more interest you get, the more feet walk through your door!
Offer one-of-a-kind discounts
With any business, you need to always be a step or two ahead of your competition. You need to think out of the box and offer something customers won’t find anywhere else. Yes, that’s easier said than done. But in order to do it right, you need to put yourself in your customer’s shoes. Ask yourself these questions: What do I want from this particular store? What will make me come back next time to purchase more products instead of going elsewhere? One way to answer these questions is by offering one-of-a-kind discounts! Remember, though, that you need to offer discounts on products or services in your store that customers will actually want to purchase.
Community events
It’s a proven fact that store owners and managers get a lot of respect from customers when they reach out to the community. This leads to loyalty and a sure-fire way of securing customers in the future. But don’t worry— you don’t have to sponsor huge events or donate large amounts of money. Through Facebook, you can reach out in a whole new way. For example, try advertising a competition on social media. However, do it with a twist. Instead of any ordinary competition where a person answers a question and receives a prize, make it a community effort! Ask households in your area to form a group, put together a basket of treats and offload it at the store. These baskets can then be delivered to those in need; thus giving a helping hand to those who need it most. The group with the most baskets can be acknowledged on the business Facebook page and be rewarded. This creates unity in your area and gives your business authority in community outreach.
Giveaways or freebies
Customers appreciate giveaways or freebies when entering your store! Advertising on Facebook, adding a post on your profile, and giving customers something to brighten up their day it attracts more people to your store in a short amount of time.
Adding value to what your customers want
Value is what many shop owners misinterpret when looking at their business. Adding value to a product or service does not mean the product needs to keep the customer occupied for a long period of time. Value is giving your customers something that makes their life easier; in essence, something they won’t be able to live without after they have purchased your product or service. Once again, you need to think out of the box. Simply doing what your competition is doing just won’t cut it. You need to ensure your store and your Facebook page reflects what you as a business owner believes in. Be an approachable person so customers will feel comfortable talking to you and telling you what their want and needs are. With that information at hand, you have a huge advantage as you now have untapped knowledge about what is going to add value to your business!
Videos, images and polls
Don’t think Facebook is simply there to share your products and build an audience. You can add videos about your business that will peak potential interest. You can add images of daily operations. You can create interactive polls. Or you can even ask clients to share their shopping experience on your Facebook page.
With so many different tools offered by social media platforms such as Facebook, even a location-based store can benefit from marketing; thus putting traffic driving in a whole new, positive light!
