For generations, brick-and-mortar stores have been the go-to destinations for most people out on a shopping trip.
However, the rise of e-commerce platforms has made it more challenging for traditional retailers to drive foot traffic to their stores since more and more people opt to buy what they need at the tap of a screen.
As a result, more retailers are attempting to adjust to a world where fewer people are coming in and purchasing their products. While a sound marketing strategy can come in handy, it can be incredibly costly, especially for businesses with fewer sales.
So, how do you drive footfall to your store without breaking the bank?
- Use attention-grabbing signage
Suppose your shop is located in a busier part of town; it can be easy for shoppers to overlook your store. Striking signage can divert passersby attention to your store.
After all, signages can be an effective, practical and budget-friendly way to grab the attention of passers-by. However, you need to ensure that they’re striking and exciting enough to pique their curiosity so that they will wander in.
- Create the best possible in-store experience
Another budget-friendly tip for driving up footfall to your store is to ensure that you’re offering the best possible experience for the customers who do come in. For this, you can gain valuable insights from your customers’ and employees’ feedback.
By doing so, you can address their pain points and highlight the more positive aspects of your shop. For example, you can ensure that your staff are courteous and helpful, making shopping more pleasant for your customers.
Providing an excellent, real-world customer experience is the one USP that can set you apart from online retailers and drive more foot traffic to your shop. It’s also a practical solution that won’t cost you a fortune to employ.
Moreover, according to Andrew Busby, “Selling should only be second to your customer’s experience. If you’re only focused on selling, you won’t get far.”
- Maximise your online presence to drive in-store sales
If you have budget constraints, one of the most cost-effective solutions you can use to drive up your in-store sales is to make use of your business’s online presence.
With almost everyone being online nowadays, it’s an effective way to increase your brand’s visibility and grow your in-store foot traffic. For example, you can leverage your shop’s online presence to offer lucrative promotions like discounts or events that will entice your customers to visit your store in person.
You can spread the word by sharing it on social media platforms, email newsletters, or your company website. This can help you reach more people and encourage them to visit your store without spending too much on marketing campaigns.
Final Thoughts
The rise of e-commerce platforms has made it easy for aspiring entrepreneurs to reach their audiences, but this has significantly affected retailers with brick-and-mortar stores. So, if you want to drive up the foot traffic to your store, you need to employ the right strategies and adapt.
After all, the easy accessibility and availability of the internet will only widen the gap. So, if business owners don’t innovate their strategies and adapt, their businesses might fall behind.
So, what about you? Are you having trouble driving foot traffic to your store? What steps are you taking to address this issue?