Business: What Draws Customers to a Store or Restaurant

Have you ever wondered how to attract customers to your store, bring them into your business and keep them coming back? In today’s society it’s important to get inventive and resourceful to draw patrons into your establishment. Be it through marketing, referrals or special deals, your goal ultimately is to make a lasting impression so clients not only come back but also spread the word to a large audience.

It may be a long, difficult and sometimes a costly process but a good turnout and the eventual profits are worth the effort. The following are some great tips to increase the foot traffic to your store and help you survive in today’s competitive market place.

Customer Referrals

A lot of store/restaurant business develops from customer referrals so it is vital to do what you can to give your business a gleaming reputation. Patrons need to have a great experience. The service should be spectacular and the environment needs to be enjoyable. Don’t scrimp on the décor. Professional design companies like TU Projects have the experience and research behind them to make sure your shop design is a hit. They know what works. Your products and services also need to tick a few boxes. They should excel in at least two out of these three: quality, service, price. It is said 80% of our profits come from 20% of your clients, so get to know your regulars, their habits and preferences. Give them the service they deserve and keep them coming back.

When you hear friends, colleagues or family talking about a great restaurant or business, it’s generally a more trusted form of advertisement than any other marketing strategy. Most establishments develop a lot of their clientele on customer referrals, so it’s a good idea to set up an award system that entitles the referee to a store credit or discount on a product for example. Also giving new customers a 10-20 % discount is a great way to encourage people into your store. It’s a win-win situation, with the referring customer’s loyalty fortified.

Get Networking

Rather than waiting for referrals or customers to find you and your store, try to go and look for new consumers. You can drop off menus or product lists to local stores or offices, which could include coupons or special deals that could help lure people to try your business. Offer your products and services to local business owners and their families and friends by proposing discounts.

Merchandising

Try to create a logo for your business and incorporate this symbol into your advertisements and onto pens, cups, stubby coolers, key rings, stickers, t-shirts, caps, etc. This gets your name and establishment out into the general public, which considerably expands your brand’s exposure to new clients. Include your location and contact details on your merchandise as often as possible – you want your new customers to be able to find you easily!

Get to Know Your Customers

Although it sounds an obvious theory, getting to know your customers is a monumental part of running a successful business. Your customers love to know that they are special or important. Take the time to notice who comes in to your store – demographic information can reveal a lot about your market and their needs. Get to know your regulars – insights into their behaviour can help improve your business in many ways.

There are many ways of drawing customers to your business but mostly try and get creative and use time and places to your advantage. Running a business is no easy feat, however hard work, dedication and preparation really will pay off.