6 Creative Ideas for Promoting Your Brick-and-Mortar Business

• (Photo : Dominika Roseclay from Pexels)

Despite all the changes brought by the internet, brick-and-mortar stores still have a place in our business ecosystem. Renting in a street with lots of foot traffic can generate fantastic sales for your brand, especially if you're in the food, fashion, or entertainment industry.

Unfortunately, not everyone manages to reap the benefits of a good location. Some brands struggle to attract customers to their shops, primarily because of poor marketing strategies. On the other hand, there are those who can survive and thrive in this environment just because they can sell the right way.

If you can't find a suitable method for promoting your business, you should definitely read our ultimate guide. In this post, we'll share six creative marketing ideas that will propel your brick-and-mortar store to new heights.  

1. Use monument signs

For the longest time, companies have used different types of signs and lights to attract passersby to their business. This kind of promotion is vital for any brand, but especially those located in backstreet alleys.

Perhaps the best method of advertising your store is by using monument signs. While they might not be as flashy as neon lights, they show class and elegance. Besides attracting passersby to your brand, these signs can become a part of your exterior architecture, leaving a great first impression.

2. Improve customer experience

According to a survey made by Salesforce, 89% of customers are willing to make a second purchase from a store after having a positive first experience. Our recommendation is to invest some money in training, ensuring that your staff is on top of their game. Furthermore, use a review system to track and reward employee performance. 

Aside from employee interactions, there are other tricks you can implement that would improve how visitors feel about your brand. Placement of products within a store is crucial for helping people find desired objects quickly. Cleanliness, music, and fragrances also shouldn't be underestimated, as they can tickle visitors' senses.

Finally, we suggest making a few improvements on the checkouts so there aren't delays when finalizing purchases. 

3. Adjust vision and mission 

Your first marketing task is to create a mission and vision that is suitable for your target audience. Even if you don't share the same values, it's vital that you adjust to people who would potentially buy from your brand.

According to Oberlo, 77% of clients are more likely to purchase from businesses with similar stances in the world. The strategy doesn't only help the conversions, but it might help with overselling as such policies also help build trust between the two sides.

As most people aren't usually aware of your business policies, it's vital that you disclose them around the store. For example, mentioning your environmental policies on shop panels is the best way to cater to the environmentally-conscious audience. 

4. Introduce high-tech QR codes

In less than a decade, cell phones evolved from basic communication devices to miniature personalized computers. In the last year or so, more and more companies are introducing QR code apps that would allow us to shop without a credit card. 

Many brick-and-mortar stores have caught up to this trend, providing visitors with a mobile shopping experience. Some brands have even automated their shops, "forcing" users to purchase by placing their orders via static touch screens. Adding such technology not only reduces your operational expenses but also streamlines the buying process. 

5. Giveaway events

When done correctly, store giveaways can be powerful promotional tools trumping major investments in digital marketing. Giving coasters and pens is a strategy that has been around since the dawn of time, but it's also not uncommon to give away last season's apparel or old-gen gadgets. 

Of course, this doesn't necessarily mean you should offer your inventory for free. We suggest you find the right type of freebies that visitors would appreciate and that wouldn't burn holes in your pockets. Furthermore, make sure to promote the event via local media to generate the maximum amount of goodwill and brand recognition. 

6 . Use digital signage

As we've previously mentioned, signs can be a fantastic tool for promoting a brand. Digital signage, in particular, allows you to provide different types of information about your shop. For example, you can use them to tell passersby about promotions and sales and to share the phone number and working hours. 

Digital signage is especially valuable ahead of promotional events. It can lure people, both target audience and otherwise, to give the brand a chance.