The retail world is changing. With the rise of online shopping and a general preference for convenience, footfall into stores has declined. This is why it has never been more important to put some thought and strategy into driving traffic to your store. However, not all footfall strategies are created equally. Below are some tried-and-true ways to get your customers in the door and keep them coming back for more.
Partner with local businesses
Partnering with local businesses is one of the most effective ways to get customer footfall. By partnering with a location nearby, you will have an easier time attracting customers from that area. In addition, you can offer deals on your products or services to potential customers who come in from these partnered locations. For instance, if you’re a coffee shop and partner with a salon in the same plaza, you could offer a discount on drinks to customers who come in for a haircut. This will encourage them to purchase more while they’re there!
If you have a coffee shop, for example, look at how coffee shops can maximise profits by creating partnerships and making small changes that can, in turn, help you to boost your footfall.
Boost customer loyalty incentives
Incentives are one of the easiest and most effective ways to increase customer loyalty. Customers will be more likely to visit your store when you offer a promotion, a new product line, or giveaways because they know they’ll be getting something in return. Think about it: people love a good deal.
For example, if you have a bakery, you might offer a free cupcake giveaway with purchase every Tuesday night from 5 pm-close. This gives customers an incentive to come into your store on specific days of the week.Â
Another way that incentivizing your clients can help is by being creative with your rewards program. Offer different rewards each month, so people feel like they’re constantly being rewarded for their patronage at your store.Â
Reconsider your signage and window displays
It may seem like a small detail, but signage and window displays can be powerful footfall drivers. All too often, stores will focus on the interior of their store and neglect the outside. Have you ever walked past a store only to realize it’s actually for something you were looking for? You could have avoided that frustration with some thought into your signage and window displays.
The things you put on the outside of your store are just as important as the inside. If you’ve got a huge window display with lots of products, people walking by will notice and look in to see what they missed. This is especially true if they notice an attractive sale or promotion inside. And if they don’t want to go in, they might still walk past your store again later with the hope that there will be something else worth coming back for.
Get social
One of the easiest ways to increase footfall in your store is by getting social. The internet has made it possible for business owners to interact with their customers directly. Social media platforms are a great way to connect with your target audience, especially when you post content that they will find valuable or entertaining. You can also use social media to promote your products. For instance, if you wanted to announce a new product launch, you could only offer an exclusive discount code on social media channels. This would entice people who are already following you on social media to purchase immediately and increase footfall in your store!
Involve yourself in the local community
A great way to increase your footfall is to be a part of the local community. Join the Chamber of Commerce, participate in local events, and advertise locally.
As well as being a part of the community, it can also help if you’re active on social media. Social media is a great place to reach out to your customers and let them know what you have going on at your business. You could post about an event, discount, or show off what you have available at your store.
