Increase Footfall: 6 Tips to Drive More Visits to Your Store
As a brick-and-mortar retailer, driving foot traffic to your store is essential for business success.
Capturing the attention of passersby and enticing them into your store requires a blend of creativity, strategic marketing, and excellent customer experiences. In this article, we will explore six effective tips to increase footfall and breathe new life into your retail venture.
1. Capture the attention of passersby
Capture the attention of passersby with visually appealing window displays that showcase your products. Use creativity and seasonal themes to pique curiosity and entice potential customers to step inside.
Consider also using different types of in-store marketing materials like sandwich boards, banners, mannequins,… Use them to indicate your presence, to showcase your special offers or simply to write a witty statement.
This will help to draw the eyes of passersby and effectively drive traffic into your store.
👉 Remember to keep your storefront and your surroundings friendly and well-maintained. A well-cared-for storefront will not only attract more foot traffic but also leave a positive and lasting impression on your customers.
2. Implement In-Store Events
Host special events, like signing sessions, product launches, special promotions, workshops in relation with your activity, etc. to create excitement and draw potential customers.
A bookstore can invite popular authors to do book signings and engage with their fans. This not only attracts book enthusiasts but also creates a buzz around the store. Customers are more likely to visit the store to meet their favourite authors, browse through other books, and potentially make purchases.
There are so many other examples out there, like DIY (Do It Yourself) stores as Leroy Merlin for instance who organise DIY workshops and home improvement classes at their venues.
👉 Partner with Local Businesses
Establish collaborations with neighboring businesses for mutual benefit. Cross-promote each other’s products or services to attract a broader customer base and host joint events to increase footfall collectively in your area.
You can also try to collaborate with local influencers to increase visibility and spread the word about your events.
3. Create Unique and Compelling In-Store Experiences
Focus on delivering excellent customer service and personalised interactions. Design a welcoming ambiance with proper lighting, music, and even in-store amenities like Wi-Fi or refreshments to encourage longer visits.
👉 Transform your store into an Instagram-friendly space to attract more visitors who will be enticed to take and share photos. To do so, you can install a captivating decor, create a unique backdrop, and pay attention to the lighting to encourage customers to snap and post pictures, leading to valuable user-generated content and boosting brand visibility and engagement.
4. Embrace Omnichannel Marketing
Combine your online and offline marketing efforts to create a seamless customer experience. Encourage online customers to visit the physical store with personalised incentives and use geotargeting for targeted advertising.
Starbucks excels in that. Thanks to location-based marketing, they use their mobile app to send push push notifications with time-sensitive offers and rewards to users near their coffee shops. This strategy not only increases footfall to nearby Starbucks locations but also enhances customer engagement with the brand.
👉 Have you thought to provide local inventory availability information ? Enhance your website with real-time inventory availability information for nearby stores. Customers seeking immediate gratification can easily find out if products are in stock at their nearest location, driving them to visit your store.
5. Implement Click-and-Collect Services
Integrate online and offline shopping with click-and-collect options to allow your customers to place orders online and conveniently pick up their purchases at a physical store.
Moreover, click and collect presents an excellent opportunity for up-selling and cross-selling other products, enhancing the overall shopping experience.
👉In addition to Click and Collect, consider also offering in-store exchanges and returns to increase footfall . Allow customers to return or exchange online purchases at your physical store to make the return process easy and hassle-free. This not only drives foot traffic but also builds customer loyalty.
6. Localise Your Digital Ads
Optimise your digital advertising by targeting local audiences. Use location extensions and Local Inventory Ads to display your store’s address, map, and stock availability in search ads, making it easier for local customers to find you.
👉 Optimise for Near-Me Searches
With the rise of mobile search, optimise your website and Google My Business listing for “near-me” searches. This ensures that your store appears in relevant local search results, attracting nearby shoppers actively seeking nearby stores.
In conclusion - How to increase footfall
By combining these strategies and staying attuned to the evolving needs and preferences of your target audience, you can successfully increase footfall to your store, boost sales, and create a thriving retail experience that stands out in today’s competitive market. So, let your creativity shine and implement these tips to welcome more customers through your doors!
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