When building your communications strategy – in trying to reach your customers and potential customers – it is critical to consider “where” these people are, and the best [...]
Overview When people aren’t coming to you, you may need to go to them! An attractive mailer – could be a postcard, letter, or package – with an appealing offer […]
Overview Outdoor advertising is a more traditional form of advertising / marketing. Think about all the advertisements you see walking through your neighborhood (on bus shelters) or driving your [...]
Overview Here, we’re talking about traditional print advertising opportunities. These can range from full-color, full-page ads to simple black and white classified ads. Details With so many [...]
Overview Radio advertising and promotion is a great way to let your current and potential customers know about your new store opening, product, service or about any special event or […]
Overview If your business is the new kid on the block, distributing fliers is an effective (and inexpensive) way to let people know you’re open for business! Within residential [...]
Overview As a small business owner, you might read blogs on various topics related to marketing and managing your business. But do you write a blog of your own for […]
Overview Offering catering services to your guests is a great way to drive large ticket sales and expose new potential customers to your location and products. Catering can take many […]
Overview Providing catering service is a great way to drive large ticket sales and expose new potential customers to your location and products. Offering “Food To Go” is the easiest [...]
Overview On-site catering is akin to setting up and breaking down your restaurant for each job. As opposed to pick-up / drop-off catering options where you prepare everything in the […]
Overview Instead of cash or volunteers, some charities might need food and beverage service at a charity location or event. If you’re a restaurant, this is a good chance to […]
Overview Are there annual local events that your company should celebrate and participate in? Annual Christmas Fair? New Year’s Celebration? City or National Holidays? Many of these events [...]
Overview To encourage visits and traffic to a slower part of the day, create special offers or events for that specific time of day. Details A daypart is a term […]
Overview Destination events are events that help to establish your location as not only a place to get the great product or service you offer, but also as a destination […]
Overview Your store products and services represent an expertise. Share that expertise with existing and potential clients through customer seminars. Details When customers better understand the [...]
Overview People love to try before they buy! That’s why sampling and tasting events are usually so successful. No matter your industry, hosting a tasting event at your location is […]
Overview The practice of offering your products or services at a reduced price either by offering a percentage off (save 20%) or flat amount (save $20). As a rule, we […]
Overview This event is a party for store employees, their friends, and family members. They are invited to enjoy a private event to celebrate a grand opening, promotion launch, sale […]
Overview A great invitation is a key ingredient for your Friends & Family Event. Details We recommend printed invitations, although if you have access to email addresses for friends and […]
Overview Gift cards can generate significant revenue and profits. Plus, they are an easy way for your existing customers to refer new business your way! Details These days, many shoppers […]
Overview The ability for a customer to buy gift certificates and pre-loaded cards can be a substantial sales driver for retailers and restaurants. However, for many small businesses, gift cards [...]
Overview Create a personalized letter from the store manager to area merchants located within walking distance of your location. This provides you with a simple way to introduce or reintroduce [...]
Overview Sending a personalized letter to your local business neighbors about your Grand Opening event is an easy way to build awareness about your new location! See the New Store [...]
Overview There’s no better way to build awareness and excitement for your location’s Grand Opening or Grand Re-Opening than to host an in-store event for your friends, family and new [...]
Overview Grand Opening Invitations inform potential customers of your new store opening, activities on opening day, and often include a complimentary offer as an incentive to (a) attend the grand [...]
Overview A ribbon-cutting event is used at a Grand Opening or Grand Re-Opening to celebrate the official opening of a location. It signifies the official opening or start of business. […]
Overview Providing a venue for local artists to showcase their works is a great way to not only enhance the environment of your location, but also to become a part […]
Overview In-Store Events are a great way to drive current and potential customers to your location for a festive occasion, sample your products and drive sales. Details Often, these events can [...]
Overview Host an anniversary party for the community to thank your customers AND build awareness with potential customers. Details A store anniversary party is a great excuse to host a […]
Overview When hosting an In-Store Artist Exhibit, it’s a great idea to ‘unveil’ the exhibit with with an Art Opening Event. This is a great way to turn your store […]
Overview The holidays are the perfect time to say “thank you” to your customers and clients and celebrate! What better way to build community and drive traffic than to have […]
Overview Celebrate with customers on a regular basis with an in-store party. This is a great way to create excitement, drive traffic and change up the daily routine for your […]
Overview Hosting an in-store poetry reading is an easy way to create a connection with your local community. By working with a local school or university (do a little research […]
Overview Your store products (and services) represent an expertise. Share that expertise with existing and potential clients through in-store product seminars. Details When customers better [...]
Overview One of our favorite ways to generate ideas for blogging, promotions or special events is to reference our Marketing Holiday Calendar. The holidays to “celebrate” range from [...]
Overview Restaurants that offer catering, delivery or take-out services often have menus by the register for patrons to take on their way home (or, at least they should!). Retail shops, […]
Overview If you’ve ever been the “low guy on the totem pole” at a new job, chances are you’ve been designated the one to run out and pick up coffees, […]
Overview Offer complimentary products, services, or specials for employees, at targeted companies within your Trade Area, who show their work identification (badge, business card) to your store [...]
Overview Most likely, when customers want information about your business, they’ll go online. Whether they visit your website (and please, at least have a landing page for your business, [...]
Overview Outdoor concerts can be a great way to get your products and services in front of potential customers. You could provide catering service, sampling, or product demonstrations for the [...]
Overview Parks are the centers of carefree fun for many communities. They provide a gathering point for neighbors, friends and family members, and can offer a small corner of nature […]
Overview A great way to drive trial of your services or products is to provide your customers with suggestions of items that match well. Often by demonstrating (showing, sampling) how […]
Overview A radio station broadcast on-site at your location is a great away to build awareness and drive traffic and trial of your products. This is a great activity for new […]
Overview How can you find ways to allow your customers to try before they buy? How can you entice them to buy your new product? Sampling and demonstrations! See the Sampling […]
Overview Take sampling and demonstration efforts out of your store to let potential customers “try before they buy.” This reduces risk for your customers and drives awareness of your [...]
Overview Do you change your menu from season to season? While a complete menu overhaul may be too daunting for your small business, making small changes to your appetizers, desserts […]
Overview Adding a seasonal menu item to your offerings is an easy way to create excitement about the changing of the seasons, and could drive traffic and trial to your […]
Overview Your “Daily Special” board is used to feature both products and services. It could be a sign permanently mounted in-store or an a-frame you bring to the curb – […]
Overview This is signage on major roadways made by the Department of Transportation to show what’s coming up at the next exit. If your location is near a major highway, […]
Overview Social Media is a marketing activity that supports the strategy of creating word of mouth. It uses online tools (like blogs, Twitter, Facebook, etc.) to help spread the word […]
Overview Did you know? A social media post that includes a picture receives 120-180% more engagement from fans than a text-based post. To ensure you take photos that are worthy […]
Overview We spend a lot of time convincing our clients *not* to follow their social media marketing urges. Why? Because most often, they’re reacting to the social media bullies making them [...]