When the internet was not a thing, it was in-store promotion strategies that attracted more customers and generated profits. Now that digital marketing has become mainstream, many brands believe that in-store promotion has lost its charm when, in fact, it has only gained more importance. Digital marketing combined with in-store promotion strategies is a rock-solid way of attracting more customers and increasing sales.
Think of it this way: businesses might capture an audience online, but if their physical stores are not good or engaging enough, the customer’s overall experience with the brand will not be memorable and satisfying. That is why in-store promoters are crucial for businesses. They provide a personalised experience to customers and make them loyal.
Here are the top 7 in-store promotion tactics to attract more business customers.
Customer loyalty program
Incentive plays a huge role in customer loyalty. Existing and even new customers are more likely to stay with a business that rewards their loyalty. Create a loyalty program, and offer stamp cards or special discounts to loyal customers. The key is to figure out what will make the customer feel appreciated. Once businesses grasp that, they will retain customers and attract new ones.
Host events and workshops
Hosting events and workshops in stores can dramatically increase the crowd. For example, a clothing store can invite popular social media influencers to host workshops on styling clothes. Similarly, businesses can invite celebrities to a new product launch to celebrate their store’s anniversary. The idea is to engage potential customers by offering them a valuable experience.
Offer samples
Offering samples is one of the sure-shot ways of attracting more customers. Studies have found that 81 per cent of customers are more likely to buy a new product if they get a free sample first. Offering tasting samples will do the trick if a store sells food items. Similarly, cosmetics stores can provide a sample of some of their makeup items. Stores can also invite influencers to manage their sampling booth for some hours to attract more people.
End Caps
End caps are another successful way of in-store promotion. They can grab customers’ attention and make them curious. Make a colourful and catchy end cap. The customer’s focus should be on the business’s product. Add complementary products to make it convenient for customers to buy the products.
Window displays
Window displays are now an ancient form of marketing and form the first impression of a business. Even if someone is not going to buy a product, the display should capture their attention. The best way to do this is to make the display narrate a story. Incorporate seasons and festivals. Window displays should feel and look humane.
Social media contests
A blend of in-store and digital marketing, holding social media contests is the perfect way of increasing the reach of a business and making its customers their best marketers. Stores can ask customers to post pictures of the product they bought or share their shopping experience on social media. They can offer giveaways, discounts, or loyalty points as an incentive.
Pop-up shops
A shopping centre or mall store can create a pop-up shop in a common area. It serves multiple purposes. Stores can make people aware that their shop is in the area and make it more convenient for customers to make small purchases. They can also host a pop-up show of another brand in their shop to increase foot traffic. It will be initially beneficial for both the store and the other brand.
Benefits of in-store promotion
In-store promotions have several benefits. Some of them include the following:
- E-commerce and digital marketing lack one aspect that can only be fulfilled by physical stores, and that aspect is a real connection. Customers can see the product they like in real time and purchase it.
- In-store promotions have a better conversion rate of potential customers into actual customers. It can be because of the atmosphere, the influence of other buyers, and actually seeing the product.
- In-store promotions offer a better customer experience.
- This marketing also leverages impulse buying. Research shows that 40 percent of customers spend more money than they intended while shopping in stores.
In-store promotion tactics can increase a store’s foot traffic and revenue. Remember, the most important thing is to make the promotion as appealing and fun as possible.
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