The increasing reliance upon has led to an increase in making online purchases, which has hurt many small and large retail stores.
In November of 2017, RetailNext announced that there had been a decrease in U.S. store sales of 11 percent, on an 11.4 percent decline in store traffic* for the calendar month ending November 29th.
However, that doesn’t mean your business can’t stay ahead of the game.
It isn’t just for the “big dogs” or the online stores! With social media on the rise and anything you want at the click of a button, use these outlets to gain traffic and attention to your brand. This involves sharing on every relevant social media platform. By doing this and using hashtags (as appropriate) to drive traffic to your business page you will start to see an increase in followers. By targeting a specific audience, you will be able to take control of the waves of people ready to do business with you.
One way to do this is for your local business to become a host with Knock Knock City. This will increase millennial foot traffic to your brick and mortar business, gain revenue and form relationships with potential clients. Knock Knock City is known as a trustworthy and safe place for tourists and locals alike to drop their luggage when wanting to roam the city. By building this trust and safety, consumers will already have a positive relationship with you and will be more likely to also do their business with you. Another significant way to gain more local exposure is word of mouth. As we all know, word travels fast about favorite shops and businesses, and you will be at the top of the list. For more information on how to become a host with Knock Knock City, please visit Knock Knock City
A relationship is more than just meeting someone and talking to them on the phone. When it comes to a real relationship with a customer, you have to get to know them on a personal level as well. More often than not customers and clients just want to be heard. They want to know that their needs and wants are being not only listened to but received. In today’s business world, if you’re providing sincerity and value to your customers, you are adding to the potential of your success by nearly 100%. The foundation of a stable business is having the customer’s best interest at heart.
Follow up with the customer to check in with them. Obtain their email address, website or any other method of contact. Remember, people just want to be heard and know you are listening to them. A way to do this is to learn about them; send a birthday or anniversary card etc. By performing these small gestures, you will leave a significant impact. And this is something that many larger companies can’t, or won’t, do.
Is it cold outside? Offer hot coffee or hot chocolate to customers as they come inside your establishment.Or is it a hot day? Offer water for them to have while browsing your retail store. Changing up the norm is something most people welcome, and it will leave a lasting impression on them as well. The sky is the limit on unique and complimentary services you can offer your customers. The key is to keep people wanting to come back all the while telling others about your store. You will be glad you implemented these services.
As you can see, there are many ways your small business can gain more local exposure. By making these suggestions in addition to your daily routine, you can increase your revenue, traffic, and respect in a short amount of time. You know the business, now take it to the next level.