In-store promotions can increase sales.
In the retail business, marketing is crucial to keep up with your competitors. Because customer needs shift quickly, your marketing and promotions must target the things that are important and timely. As you plan a campaign, leave room for flexibility to react to market shifts.
Social Media
Social media isn't only for connecting with friends --- as a retailer, you can use it to spread the word about your business. Put together store profiles on Facebook and Twitter, and request that your employees, friends and family become friends and followers. Use social media to put out the word about specials, sales or new product lines at your stores. To offer an incentive for people to follow your profiles, offer a special discount for new people who sign up, or offer periodic "friends only" sales.
Focus on Location
Retail businesses often depend on foot traffic; in your marketing and promotional efforts, focus on the location of your business. Put signs out front to attract passing people, or add a map to your advertisements and website to help people remember where you are. In text-only and audio advertisements, use familiar local landmarks to give customers a hook that's easy to remember when they're trying to find your store.
In-Store Promotions
Getting customers into your store is only part of the marketing equation: Once they're there, you must turn them from browsers into buyers. If you have a new product line or one for which you want to increase sales, offer samples or use displays that customers see as they walk into the store. You can also offer two-for one sales or discounts that encourage people to buy. Use signs, flyers or prominent product placement at eye level on the shelves.
Loyalty Programs
Customers love to save money: Loyalty programs can be a way to bring them into your store on a regular basis. You might offer a loyalty card that gives a free product or a certain discount after a set number of purchases, or set up a program that offers discounts to people who sign up. By giving your customers an incentive to come into your business, you can tip the scales in your favor when they're choosing between you and a competitor.
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