Small Business Store Grand Opening “DOA”?
Tips to turn things around fast By: Millicent@mycoppe.com
You finally opened your own business. You did a business plan, got a loan, leased a space, ordered supplies and hired staff. You had a grand opening and thought you were finished. But now you are disappointed with revenue. Your grand opening was “dead on arrival”.
Symptom 1: Foot traffic is not picking up
Cure: Better Market Analysis
It is vital to know your customers. Who are your customers and look for common demographics, like age, gender, income level or locality. Then consider the goods being offered according to product, place, price and promotion. What could you do better from your customer’s perspective?
Symptom 2: Your website is costly overhead
Cure: Improved Web Presence
Everyone has a website. However, dynamic websites lure customers into brick and mortar locations. Along with a website, also consider the use of a blog, a profile on many of the networking sites, emailing newsletters or placing orders online then coming into your store to pick-up.
Symptom 3: Sales are on a slow decline
Cure: Connect the Dots
Once you have a firm grip on “who” your customers are and “what” type of web presence you will utilize, connect the two together. For instance, a hair salon could advertise a 2 for 1 service special on its website, email customers appointment remainders, allow users to post comments with a picture on the web or request customers to do an e-survey for a future discount.
If your business is suffering from any of these symptoms it maybe affected by grand opening “DOA”. Roadside signs or balloons are not a marketing strategy. Using the internet is one of the most effective and low cost tool all businesses should leverage to achieve a successful marketing strategy.
Millicent is a long time communications and technology professional. After earning a BA in Public Relations she amazingly converted to dark side, also known as IT, once she completed her MBA. Learn more about improving your small business at MyCoppe.com. Strategy Consulting & Coaching services are available by contacting Millicent@mycoppe.com.
