In today’s fast-paced world, getting customers to walk through your doors is no small feat.  You know that once a person is in your location you’ve got a captive audience, but how do you get them in in the first place?  Whether you’ve got a café, a boutique, or a wellness studio, standing out in the crowd takes creativity and strategy. Before you say you simply don’t have time to build a plan, check out these easy and effective marketing tips to help boost foot traffic—and keep customers coming back for more.
 
Create an Irresistible Offer
People love a good deal, so why not give them one? Limited-time promotions, BOGO (buy one, get one) offers, or discounts for first-time customers can entice people to visit your business. Make the offer clear, and easy to understand, and put it on social media, your website, and even on a sandwich board outside your store.  Don’t forget to add a call to action like one of these:

• Claim Your Discount Today!
• Be Part of the Fun—Register Now!
• See What Everyone’s Talking About—Shop Now!

Lean Into Local Events 
Get out there and partner with community events or host your own. That’s right, get to know your neighbors.  Activities like a pop-up shop, a workshop, or a fun seasonal event like a holiday market can attract loyal customers and new faces. Bonus: collaborating with other local businesses can expand your reach.
 
Step Up Your Curb Appeal 
Your storefront is like a first impression—it needs to wow! Clean windows, colorful signage, and eye-catching displays make all the difference. A chalkboard with a quirky message or your daily specials can grab the attention of passersby (or even go viral on social media).  The ‘vibe’ of your location should be easily understood just by standing out front.
 
Engage on Social Media
Consistency is key when it comes to social media. Your followers want to know that you’re staying current and love to hear about new arrivals, upcoming sales, or behind-the-scenes content. Be real and interactive and respond to comments and messages promptly. Pro Tip: Don’t forget to include your location and hours in your bio to make it easy for people to find you.  You wouldn’t believe how often this is looked over.
 
Use Email Marketing
Email marketing might not sound flashy, but it works. Create a simple, engaging newsletter to keep your customers in the know about promotions, events, and new products. Make it worth their while by including exclusive deals, hot tips, or sneak peeks.
 
Encourage Word-of-Mouth 
Happy customers are your best advertisement!  Again, happy customers are your best advertisement.  Yes, it’s worth repeating because they are valuable and often underused.  Encourage them to share their experiences by offering referral discounts or running a review contest. The more buzz, the better!
 
Get Listed Online 
Make sure your business is easy to find by updating your Google Business profile and being listed on Yelp, TripAdvisor, or other platforms relevant to your industry. Include accurate information, great photos, and a few glowing reviews.  More and more people are turning to various niche apps to find what they are looking for from restaurants to spas.  Get listed!
 
Make It Personal
Finally, remember that marketing isn’t just about tactics—it’s about relationships. All of these tips may help to bring people in, but then it’s in your court to get them to come back. Personalized touches can turn a one-time visitor into a lifelong fan.  Here are just a few ways to make their experience special:

• Greet Them by Name
• Remember Their Preferences
• Celebrate Special Occasions
• Offer Tailored Recommendations
• Provide Flexible Options
• Be Attentive and Engaged
• Offer Exclusive Perks
• Make It Easy

Marketing doesn’t have to be overwhelming.  Just start small by selecting a few of the tips to focus on and stay consistent. The key is to experiment, track what works, and refine your strategy over time. With a little creativity and effort, you’ll have customers streaming through your doors in no time!
 
Whether you’re just starting or growing your business, BIG DEAL is here to bring your marketing out of black and white and into full color, helping you thrive. We understand small businesses because we are one too!

Marketing Trend 2024: Why Video is a MUST-HAVE for Impactful Marketing
Video is no longer just a “nice-to-have” in marketing - it’s an essential tool for making a lasting impression.
Download our FREE printable with the details below!

2024 Event Trend: Shorter Lead Times
​There are several factors for this new trend including changing client expectations, the fast-paced nature of business, and ongoing uncertainties in areas like health regulations and market conditions.
Here’s a look at this trend and how event professionals can navigate it successfully:

***Download our free 4-page printable below

Lean in…let’s be real here. Networking events can sometimes feel like diving into a sea of unfamiliar faces, but fear not! With the right icebreakers, you'll be making connections in no time.

The BIG DEAL team has been networking in the community for 18 years. If you are one of the many looking for the right words, download our free printable below with some great tips and questions you can borrow for your next networking event!

Here are seven tried-and-true conversation starters to help break the ice:

Free printable

​When you travel there are all of the little things not to forget.  You’ll need shampoo, toothpaste, and clean underwear (as Mother always says).  But what about money to tip?  Planning for tips is often overlooked and it can be complicated to navigate who to tip and how much.  Fear not!  BIG DEAL Company is here to save the day.  

Click below to download our free hotel tipping cheat sheet.

​Research shows that 75% of companies have rebranded since 2020 (this could be anything from logo updates to branding colors and fonts to messaging - or the works!) Most businesses rebrand every 7-10 years (depending on the industry). Even a logo update should take place about every 10 years.

With this, BIG DEAL has put together the 6 Considerations You Need For A Company Rebrand.

Need help with a logo refresh? Tagline, catch phrase, or image modification? Perhaps an event refresh?

We are here to help!
Below is a free downloadable tip sheet.