Foot traffic refers to how many customers you have in your retail location at any given time. The more customers you have doesn’t just generate more business but shows that you are the place to be. The tips below help you boost your retail foot traffic with a combination of live and digital strategies. This includes improving curb appeal, static signage, LED display panels, optimizing your online presence, and more.
#1 Use LED display panels to Improve Your Curb Appeal
Ensure your window displays pop! For best results, hire a digital signs designer. MEGA offers hundreds of predesigned, These are creative professionals who understand how to create branded and visually engaging designs that entice customers to walk through your doors. Have your window displays changed every 4 to 8 weeks. Yes, you can reuse some display décor, such as holiday and seasonal décor, but be sure to invest in new display pieces for each display.
Also, ensure your windows and entrance are clean and that all posters, store hours signs, and window decals are pristine.
#2 Upgrade or Expand Your Exterior Signage
Exterior signage is vital for letting people in the area know your business exists. Also, for helping them find your business. So, it’s time to assess your current LED display panel. Where you place your signs depends on where the most traffic is. You of course need a sign above your door, but that may not be in a location with peak visibility. For example, if you are in a strip mall, people driving by may not be able to easily view your sign. Or if you have a lot of people who walk past your storefront, you should also add side-facing signs to attract their attention.
A few other options to consider include:
- Add a scrolling sign to your window.
- Add an A-frame sidewalk sign.
- Mount a sideways sign to your exterior.
- Add LED display panels to share photos and videos of your inventory.
- Layer a series of LEDs for targeted ads, promotions, and communication.
#3 Invest In Beacons
Many consumers are constantly connected and have their location turned “on” on their smartphones. This means that you can invest in beacon or geo targeting technology to target consumers in the near vicinity. However, this strategy works best for those on foot or taking public transportation—and not as well for those driving by.
Beacons will send targeted messages or ads to those within a few blocks. It’s an ideal way to improve brand recognition and promote sales and events.
#4 Host Special Events
Speaking of events, consider hosting events at your store. Even if your retail location is small, there are a variety of events you can host. For example, if you sell women’s clothing, invite a personal shopper to give a speech on how to mix and match your wardrobe—using your clothing as an example.
Here are a few ideas:
- Host a pop-up shop for an artist or designer.
- Host an in-store gallery for a local artist.
- Host afternoon tea or a cocktail hour.
- Invite a targeted motivational speaker.
- Invite an influencer to speak or host an event.
- Teach a class or invite someone to teach a class.
- Host niche-group events.
- Host holiday events.
- Host special sales for your VIP customers
#5 Offer Delivery and In-Store Pickup
Shoppers want convenience. While some days they may have the time to browse your store at leisure, they may want to pop in and out or they want you to come to them. So, add your current inventory to your website and offer both delivery and in-store pickup.
Why not just delivery? Statistics show that up to 45% of customers who purchase online for in-store pickup make an additional purchase.
Ensure your pickup process is swift. Use LED display panels to guide shoppers to your pickup location. To encourage upsells, gather a few common add-ons for their purchase. For example, a matching pocket square for a tie, a candle in the same scent as the lotion they are purchasing, and gift wrapping.
In addition to your team suggesting upsells, add a website plugin that suggests upsells too.
#6 Create Loyalty and Rewards Programs
Customers like to feel special, so create a loyalty and reward program for those who sign up to or subscribe to your VIP program. Communicate their rewards via email marketing, automated text/SMS, and even standard mailers.
A few rewards to consider include:
- Host VIP-only sales and special events.
- Allow VIPs early access to your new inventory or collection.
- Create user accounts and reward shoppers for their purchases. For example, 20% off for their 10th online or in-store purchase.
- Offer perks to VIPs, such as free or discounted gift wrapping, alterations, personal shopping services, and more.
#7 Optimize Your Online Listings
Every brick-and-mortar business should have a Google My Business listing and be on the most popular review sites—including Yelp, Facebook, TripAdvisor, and industry-specific review sites. However, being on these sites is not enough, as your listing must be SEO optimized.
For best results, hire a digital marketer who specializes in both determining which listing sites are essential for your industry and search engine optimizing your listing. Most can also help you to ethically generate more consumer reviews, which can boost your foot traffic and your page rank.
Never be shy to ask customers for reviews. Ask in-person, via email, post in-store signage, and include review requests to your communication rotation on your in-store LED display panels.
#8 Optimize Your Overall Online Presence
We mentioned a few digital strategies above, but you must also optimize your online presence. Online presence isn’t a one-and-done strategy, as marketing strategies constantly evolve. So, work with a digital marketer to ensure your website, store app, content marketing, digital ads, social media, online listings, reviews, email marketing, and influencer marketing are optimized and effective.
In The Market For New LED Display Panels?
LED display panels can be placed outside, in your window, or in your store—and framed to match your retail aesthetic. They can help increase foot traffic by alerting consumers to your business and highlighting your inventory with HD clarity.
We invite you to reach out to Mega LED Technology today to discuss your signature LED solutions!