Congratulations! You’ve started your franchise and now you’re ready to attract a flood of new customers. What happens when the “build it and they will come” DIY marketing strategy doesn’t work?
Marketing your franchise is vital. It’s what lets people know you’re in town. It’s what drives people to your store time and time again. Here are five DIY marketing tips to boost your franchise’s sales.
#1. Encourage Reviews
One of the fastest stories to spread throughout your community is a customer service story. 95% of customers share their bad stories with others. 87% share the good ones.
The more you can encourage customers to leave reviews about your business on Yelp, Google or Facebook, the more positive reviews you’ll receive. If you’ve helped out a customer, chances are she’ll love returning the favor in the form of a quick review. It doesn’t take your customer long but it does require you to nudge her to make it happen.
Encourage reviews by asking for them at the checkout or in a follow up email. Remind her how much it means to you and you’re more likely to see a healthy response.
#2. Have a Voice on Social Media
Social media marketing isn’t exclusive to large corporations or small local businesses. Your franchise can use it to reach customers too.
Your customers are already on social media. They’re already using this platform to reach their friends and community. Tap into the attention your target market is already giving these networks to gain more attention about your franchise.
Make it a habit to post something once a day. Show the specials you’re offering, show how your franchise is getting involved in the community, or tease about what’s going on in your store. Make it personal and fun and your target market will respond by paying your store a visit.
#3. Use Facebook Ads
Facebook advertising is one of the most effective ways of getting people to learn about your franchise and into your store. It’s highly targeted, which means you can reach people in your area.
There are several ways to get in front of your customers with Facebook ads. You can boost a post about a sale, encourage people to like your Facebook page, or send customers to your website to redeem coupons. Consider your goals to determine which strategy is right for you.
#4. Be Strategic About Coupons
Too much of a good thing can dilute your sales and your brand. Don’t hand out coupons to every person who walks in your store. Instead, use them to generate hype during your slow seasons. Distribute coupons intermittently and they’ll create more of a sense of urgency than if you always have them available.
#5. Get Involved in Your Community
Getting involved in your community works in three ways.
- It gives you exposure among your target audience;
- It lets the media know you’re doing good work in the community, generating more public awareness;
- It establishes goodwill in your specific franchise.
There are several ways to get out into the community. Watch your local calendar for upcoming fundraising events and make a donation. Or, you can set up a booth at a vendor fair while passing out coupons to your potential customers.
The goal is to make a name for yourself by getting your face and your brand in front of the people who are most likely to buy from you. Showing up means showing your customers you care.
Now it’s your turn. What marketing tips have you found especially effective in your franchise?
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