**10 Proven Strategies to Drive Foot Traffic to Your Business**
If you’re launching a product, hosting a workshop, or throwing a grand opening, attracting attendees is key to a successful event. Here are 10 proven strategies to drive foot traffic to your business events.

​How do I draw foot traffic to my business event?

Generate Social Media Buzz  
Create buzz ahead of your event by leveraging social media. Remember: the more popular an event appears, the more likely passerby are to stop in. Don’t rely solely on people who happen upon your event that day to fill the room. Utilize Facebook events, Facebook and Instagram posts and stories, and even LinkedIn posts to reach your audience.

Use Strategic Timing  
If your goal is to draw the public to your business event, you’ll need to schedule it for the time you see the most foot traffic, which means collecting some data. Pay attention to the days of the week and times of day your location sees the most passerby.
 
For many downtown districts, this means weekend afternoons – but you’ll also want to ensure that you aren’t competing for attendees. Larger events can bring even more foot traffic to your area, but beware of similar, simultaneous events that could draw visitors away from your event.

​Create Eye-Catching Visuals  
Generate curiosity and capture the attention of passerby with eye-catching signage and decorations. Make it clear that an event is happening and that all are invited. Phrases like “open house,” “open to the public,” or “come on in” communicate that your event is open to the public. Vibrant banners, posters, or digital displays should convey key details about the event quickly and effectively.
 
Colorful decorations will attract attention and create a welcoming atmosphere – not to mention make for attractive photos you can share on your business’s social media pages and website.

Put Engaging Staff Front and Center  
Your staff is the face of your brand and can play a pivotal role in the success of your business event. Position your most outgoing, friendly employees toward your event entrance to create a welcoming atmosphere. Engaging staff can effectively communicate your brand’s message, answer questions, and provide personalized assistance, making potential customers feel valued.
 
This level of interaction not only enhances the overall attendee experience but also leaves a lasting impression that can lead to increased brand loyalty and positive word-of-mouth promotion.

Partner with Neighboring Businesses  
One way to use the draw of another business or event to increase your own foot traffic, rather than pull guests away from your event, is to partner with other businesses or events. Other businesses can distribute flyers, display posters, or share information about your event.
 
In return, you can spread the word about their business to your event attendees, or even offer guests discounts for both businesses. This mutual support is a great way to expand your reach in the community long-term.

Offer Discounts  
Everyone loves a good deal. Offering discounts can lure otherwise hesitant passerby into your event. This strategy not only boosts initial attendance but also helps create a sense of urgency.
 
You can also promote these discounts ahead of time to your existing customers through your website, social media, and email lists. The more people are at your event, the more additional foot traffic you’ll see, as people are naturally drawn to events that appear popular. 

​Host Giveaways  
Hosting a giveaway, contest, or game is another fun way to generate excitement about your event. You can offer products or services from your business, a gift basket with products from local business partners, or deep discounts as prizes. Promote the giveaway on your social media platforms and website. Encourage participants to share the event with their friends and family to increase reach and engagement.

Offer Demonstrations or Presentations  
Live demonstrations or presentations provide a dynamic and interactive experience that engages your attendees on a deeper level. These live elements allow participants to see products or services in action, which can effectively showcase their features, benefits, and real-world applications.
 
Moreover, live demonstrations and presentations add substance to your event, creating a memorable and impactful experience, which makes attendees more likely to generate positive word-of-mouth for your business.

Host Activities  
Entertainment is a big draw for events of all kinds. Regardless of your end goal, there’s a creative, entertaining way to achieve it (Psst – this is BIG DEAL Company’s specialty!) Trivia about your company or products, a prize wheel, or games that require attendees to compete against each other for prizes are great interactive ways to spread the word about your products or services.

​Create a Photo Op  
Influencer marketing – using a person with the ability to influence potential buyers of a product or service to promote or recommend the items on social media – is still going strong. One simple way to encourage event attendees to post about your business on social media is to create photo opportunities.
 
We suggest using your brand logo and colors to create an eye-catching backdrop with standout decor (think: balloon arches, floral or greenery walls, or a red carpet). Use signage to encourage guests to pose with their friends and post the photos while tagging your business and/or using special event hashtags. Props are another fun twist, especially if your event has a specific theme.
 
Ultimately, people attend events because they expect to gain something valuable. Remember, the key is to communicate the value of your event and create a buzz that attendees can't resist: on social media leading up to your event, using eye-catching signage the day of, and with unforgettable experiences for attendees. With these strategies, you'll be well on your way to hosting a successful event that leaves a lasting impression in your community.
​
At BIG DEAL Company, we're dedicated to helping local businesses succeed. Contact us today to explore how we can collaborate to make your next event a resounding success.