Is your store losing customers to big chain shops? Few small store owners do all they can to promote their business. When you run any small business, it is vital that you market it so that you can gain more customers than you have right now. Sometimes, it takes a creative person to know how to promote a business. If you can’t think of any ideas, you need some help along the way. Here are six super ideas you could consider.
Hold a Monthly ‘end of line’ Sale
Your stock should be changing all the time. If you feel as though the items in your shop never change, something is going terribly wrong. People trust small boutiques because they know that they will get something original from them. If you are not offering your customers something new, they will no longer want to be your customers. You should make sure that you revamp your stock every month. At the end of each month, hold an end of line sale so that people can get some bargains.
Have Experts Give Talks in the Store
In the modern world, everybody is looking to learn new things and further their interests. If you are having trouble getting people through the door, you need to give them a little incentive. You could have experts give special talks in your store. For example, if you own a  bagel shop, you could host a bagel-making function for people. The event will attract media attention and new customers as well.
Offer Your Customers Easy Payment Services
You need to make every part of the process simple for your clients. That means that everything from choosing an item to paying for it must be straightforward for your customers. You can get a high risk merchant account that will make all your processes accessible. That means that your clients will have no trouble in buying things from you. If you make any aspect of shopping difficult, people will find another store from which to buy stuff.
Host a Lock-in for Particular Customers
If you want to gain a reputation as an exclusive shop, you need to make your clients feel special. You could host a lock-in for your loyal customers. You can offer special discounts and deals when you have the lock-in so that your customers get something. You should make sure that there is entertainment and games so that your clients have a great time. Ensure that you invite people who shop with you all the time to your event. They will spread the word to their friends and family, and so you get some free marketing from them.
Give Away Something for Free
Everybody wants something for nothing. If you give people prizes or free gifts, they will keep coming back for more from you. That is just what you want. It does not cost you a whole lot to buy some small presents for your customers, and it could boost your profits in no time at all. For example, if you run a clothing store, you could give people a free necklace when they spend over a particular amount. The promise of a gift will encourage people to spend loads in your store.
Ask People to Refer a Friend to You
If you want to grow your client base fast, you should try using a referral scheme to do so. All you need to do is ask people to refer their friends and family members to your store. You should offer a small incentive, such as a discount, for this favor. When your customers start spreading the word about you, you will have more clients in no time.
