Tell the world what your business has to offer. Read on to see if you're doing all these things other successful businesses are doing to direct and educate consumers.
Direct and Educate Customers
is your business discoverable?
The more places your business is mentioned, the better the chances a potential new customer will see it and visit. Here are some suggestions for diversifying and extending your advertising reach:
~ Make sure your business has a Google knowledge panel that's accurate. Verify that your store hours, contact info, and map are accurate.
~ Be listed in as many business directories as possible, both online and offline.
~ Do an online search for your type of business. Find ways to improve your ranking.
~ Have a presence on social media where you can generate interest in your brand and direct customers about how to contact you.
~ Entice visitors to your store with postcard mailers sent to your community and surrounding areas.
~ If your community has a local newspaper or "lifestyle" magazine, try to have a regular ad in it.
~ Try a local radio or TV spot, or billboard.
~ Get a graphic "wrap" for your vehicle and take your ad with you everywhere you go.
Cdesigns is expert in brand gatekeeping. We'll ensure that all of your visual materials are co-hesive and designed to maximize a return on your advertising investment.
Google Search
Social Media
Direct Mail
Publications
Events
Use low cost print materials to direct traffic to your website. The more people that visit your website, the better your organic search ranking on Google will be.
The more fans you have on social media, the more likely new customers will discover your business.
Let customers discover and learn about your business from a direct mail piece they receive at home.
Reinforce your brand and let new customers discover you in the local or niche publications they read.
Let new customers find you at local area events.
Are your wayfinding signs adequate?
Once customers arrive at your address, is it easy for them to find their way into your place of business? Make sure your exterior signage is visible from a distance. Clearly distinguish the entry door from any other doors you may have. Make your entry inviting and easy to access for those with special needs.
When customers are in your store, can they easily find what they came for? Use interior signage to let customers know where to check out, pick up, place and order, ask a question, find a restroom, etc. When a customer asks a question, evaluate whether better signage could have answered it for you. Use signs to inform customers about particular products and/or services that are new.
After closing time, what do customers see from the sidewalk or the vantage point of a passing car? Does it look inviting and interesting? Using signage can let them know what's towards the back of the store. Sale signs in the window or posters with new merchandise could also inspire them to come back during your open hours. Branded decals on your window and/or doors should show your business hours and contact info. If you have seasonal hours, make sure you have another decal to rotate in for those periods.
Poll your customers to make sure they are easily finding what they need, and add or modify your signage accordingly.
PVC Signs
Floor Decals
Window Clings
Standing Banners
Posters
Make it easy for customers to see where to order, check-in, checkout, get information, pick up, etc.
Use floor decals to point people to a specific place, to get them moving from point to point, or to "wait here."
Educate customers about policies and products with can't-miss window clings.
Greet customers with banners that direct them to the right place.
Draw and direct people to the specific location of your sale or event.
do your customers have all the information they need to make purchasing decisions?
Depending on your type of business, you may have products or services that can't be easily explained in a few sentences. Some customers will be moved to make a purchase after talking to a salesperson. Other customers absorb information better by reading and give more weight to the printed word. Try to cover both bases. Having print materials handy serves a second purpose. They often leave the store with the customer and may be seen or passed along to other people, like the customer's neighbor. Evaluate where you think customers would like more information and decide what type of print material would be best suited. It could be something the size of a small postcard or something larger like a small catalog. Try different approaches in your print materials to answer the questions and concerns of different types of customers.
In all of your print materials, be clear and simple. Avoid using industry jargon and technical terms that will be meaningless to your customers. Poll customers to make sure they find your materials easy to understand. Pay attention to the questions they ask that your print materials have not answered.
Sell the BENEFITS of what you have to offer, and be specific about the action you want them to take - call now, buy now, pick a package, sign up, etc.
Below are some materials you can use on-site or distribute to educate customers and prospects.
Signs
Flyers
Rack Cards
Brochures
Tear-Off Cards
Hang signs to inform customers about sales, rewards programs, and limited time offers.
Break down the different components and benefits of your business for your customers.
Use rack cards to provide product features and warranty information that can help close a sale.
Use brochures to highlight your credentials, testimonials, and awards - cementing your reputation as an expert in your field.
Tell your customers about your event, product, or service, and provide a bonus tear-off "call to action" coupon or raffle entry card.