Every business owner with a customer-facing location should make encouraging visitors to come inside for a deeper look a key objective.
But it isn’t always simple.
How many times have you seen folks go up to your store and then walk away?
You’re probably utilizing one or more strategies to entice visitors in, whether it’s a beautiful window display, a funny remark on a blackboard sign, or the tantalizing fragrance of fresh coffee.
But how can you keep potential clients from having a short glance around and then leaving empty-handed once they’ve passed through the door?
The suggestions below will assist you in converting those browsers into purchasers.
- Provide customers with the opportunity to sample before they buy.
When was the last time you went to an ice cream parlour?
Perhaps, you went in with the idea of only obtaining one scoop, as many of us do. That is until you sampled the newly launched double chocolate chip cookie and raisin flavour. One scoop turned into two before you could say, “mmm, wonderful.” Without going into too much detail about the excess, there is a significant lesson to be learnt.
An irresistible taster can be used to:
- Up-sell
- Collect customer input on a new product
This is something that a lot of juice bars and tea shops do. You may evaluate consumer feedback and persuade clients to buy the product they just tested for very little money and effort.
- Recognize consumer movement
If you’re just starting out, it’s really important that you track the path consumers take through your store. Although the arrangement and distribution of items may seem intuitive to you, you’ll only be able to know if they’re well-organized by watching consumers walk about your store and engage with the merchandise.
They won’t be able to buy what they’re looking for if they can’t find it.
Also, don’t be hesitant to get input from customers on the layout of your store and how things are displayed. When gathered early, this type of feedback may assist you in improving the customer experience.
- Encourage others to make suggestions
Offering existing customers referral incentives to bring people through the door is a frequent strategy employed by coffee shops to expand their audience. These are becoming increasingly popular, and they work especially effectively when both the consumer and the recommendation have something to gain from them. This is also applicable to retail and beauty therapies.
How many times have you put something on and determined it wasn’t for you but would look fantastic on a friend or family member?
You may accomplish this through social media, simple loyalty cards that can be handed on to friends and family, or a mix of the two.
- Experiment with the “Feel, Felt, Found” method.
When clients are put off by more expensive things, this is a tried-and-true method for gradually guiding them to a new way of thinking. Rather than concentrating on a product’s price, the goal is to stress the product’s advantages and value to the user.
Mention someone else who had the same reaction at first. This assures your consumer that they are not alone and that things can and will change. Then tell them how that individual discovered that when they purchased the product, they received exactly what they wanted. This might include factors such as comfort, durability, and convenience of use.
Keep in mind that you are accountable for the well-being of every customer and visitor to your store. If a member of the public is accidentally harmed or their property is destroyed while dealing with your business, public liability insurance protects you. More information about public liability insurance can be found here.
- Offer what is in high demand.
Even if you don’t have four sizes of a garment on the shelf, it’s critical that the best-selling things be well-stocked, and that the client understands that if they inquire, other sizes are accessible. A simple sign at the store stating that extra sizes are available in the warehouse should suffice.
When you’re out of stock, you can also take advantage of every opportunity to capture a customer’s email address in order to notify them when the item becomes available.
- Provide skilled assistance.
Consider using your area as a showcase if you offer things that aren’t distinctive to your company, such as apparel and presents. We’ve become accustomed to visiting actual stores to investigate products before comparing costs online as customers. Though some may see this as an unfair advantage for online businesses, it does provide you with an opportunity to establish yourself as a knowledgeable expert.
If you sell a specialist product, the customers who come to your store are likely to be well-informed before they arrive. Nothing speaks professionalism like an encyclopaedic understanding of your product line and the benefits of related things. As customers, we enjoy hearing from those who are more knowledgeable than we are. It also aids in the dispelling or confirmation of any reservations we may have regarding a product. However, this is something you can only receive if you buy locally and in person.
If you can provide value to individuals browsing in your store by giving professional advice, you’ll be far more likely to convert them into purchasers – and less likely to lose them to online competitors.
- Offer a Facebook in-store promotion
In-store specials on Facebook are a terrific method to get people into your store. People may simply access their offer by bookmarking it and pulling it up on their phone at the cash register. You can allow a barcode or QR code to be scanned at checkout to help the process go faster. Facebook will also notify individuals who have shown interest in your campaign that it will expire soon.
- Make the most of your counter space
What would be a good impulsive purchase in your store? Some examples are decorated sweets to go at a café, waterproof suede protection sprays in a shoe store, and gorgeous scarves in a boutique. Even if just 20% of your consumers buy an extra item in the end, it all helps your bottom line.
Consider goods that complement and solve an issue in addition to your best-selling items. Optical lens cleaning tools sold at the counter of a sunglasses store appeal to individuals who want to keep their new purchase looking new for as long as possible.
- Make e-receipts available
You could send your customers an electronic receipt through email after they check out. Not only will buyers avoid having a pocket full of paper that will undoubtedly end up in the garbage, but it will also be easier and more practical to save a receipt online. As a company owner, this allows you to collect your clients’ email addresses in order to notify them about seasonal deals and offers. It’s a chance to build a relationship with that consumer outside of your shop, bar, café, or restaurant. It’s a good idea to have the consumer type their own email address into a tablet to limit the chances of misspelling.
