The holiday season is the biggest earning time of the year for many businesses, especially in the retail sector. But, after the ball drops on New Year’s Eve can be a slow time for small businesses.
As the temperature drops, here are some tips for stirring up business as the holiday cycle slows down.
1. Offer Freebies
Sephora is a great example of this tactic. They offer their customers free samples with pretty much every purchase, and it helps keep them from having a slow season. If someone is already a customer, it shows that they like your product. Giving them something free not only exposes them to a new product of yours, it creates an emotional bond between you and your customer. They will associate the pleasure of getting something for free with you, and feel valued and appreciated.
You are much more likely to get new customers if you market your freebies, as well. For instance, “For a limited time only, get a free sample of the product of your choice when you buy two more…” takes your products a long way due to the limited time reference and psychology behind it.
2.Have a Pop-Up Sale
A pop-up (or flash sale) is one you don’t advertise beforehand. A monthly pop-up sale will create a buzz with your customers. If they walk into your store to see the unexpected excitement of a sale, they will start coming back more frequently, to check to see if there is another one.
Getting them in the door is half the battle, and this tried and tested tactic is proven to increase return shoppers and spread buzz through word-of-mouth.
Social media can help spread the word. Try posting on your platforms about a one-day flash sale on certain items. Make it a big announcement, and make it feel like an event.
Discounts on inventory that you are having a hard time moving is another great way to motivate consumers to buy.
3. Incorporate Rewards Programs
A rewards program like “buy 7 get the 8th one free” is another way to make people feel like they are getting rewarded for being loyal, repeat customers. The Juice Bar utilizes this by offering a free smoothie or juice after a person checks in at their store eight times. Not only does it motivate people to come more often than they otherwise would, to earn the reward, it allows you to engage with them through their phone number or e-mail. If a person is a part of the rewards program, they sign up by giving your business access to their contact info. Giving them the option of signing up to hear about even more sales, deals and rewards moves them closer to your products. Here are some easy apps to use to set up such programs.
4. Create a Referral Program
This both rewards loyal customers and motivates them to spread the word about your business for you.
There are many options when creating a referral program, and here are some apps that can help you do so. You can reward your customers directly with cash or you could offer them discounts or free products as reward for their referrals. Banks are probably the best-known business that uses this strategy. How many times have you had someone try to get you to open an account at their bank, so they can redeem a cash reward?
5. Throw an Open House or Event
Hosting an event creates buzz and is another way to bring in new customers. If there is an event, such as one of the many fairs organized by the municipalities in Williamson County, take advantage of the increased traffic in your area by holding a parallel one. This also works for holidays or anything that is locally of note. Search social media for something that is trending in your area, and associate your event with that. Celebrating Cinco De Mayo, or celebrating a local high school play or sports event, are some ideas. But, given the slow times of winter, it might be easier to create your own event.
You can advertise on social media or even local media sites, and create your own buzz. Try offering free food and live music.
Make use of Facebook, which allows you to create Events and invite all the people who follow your business.
