Quick and easy promotional ideas that work for small businesses

In this post, I am going to discuss a couple of simple ideas that really work well for small and medium-sized businesses. The key to these is their specificity and how they engage the local community so build on the concepts shown here to promote your business locally.

Business collaboration

This concept is simple – do a promotion such as a discount or another promotional idea but have every business on the street or local area participate. These work best when the same offer is made by all businesses for a specified period. For example, all businesses offering 10% off this week only!

By involving a variety of businesses to participate, every business can then tap into the customers of the others. Bringing customers collectively to an area will ensure that many if not most will also check the other stores and businesses when finished with the store they came for.

Note: Some may have concerns about running a promotion alongside similar businesses but in fact, these can often work even more effectively.

Have a “Grey Day”

Having a specific day where older people get special discounts or exclusive access can work wonders for business. Not only does it have the potential to make a typically quiet day busier, but you can also be sure that these customers will tell everyone about their purchases and experience.  This can lead to a great referral business later. In addition, this method is particularly suitable in the current time where older people may be nervous about going into busy stores.

Connect with the local community, resident, sport and social groups

There are many groups where people get together as a community and reaching out to these local groups can be extremely effective. Depending on the group, you can look at offering specific discounts on products or even adopting certain elements to make your store more attractive to these people. Examples would be groups for the elderly (bowls, bridge clubs, bingo), young adults (sport), middle-aged adults (community groups and resident associations).

In addition, stores that tailor to the needs of people with disabilities and/or are autism aware. In these cases, reach out to the group organizers and ask for advice on how to best facilitate the needs. This will always be well-received and will boost your profile too.

Let it be known

When you implement any of the above, make sure you shout about it. Banners and flags with the message can quickly spread the word and ensure people know when and where to go.

At Colorado Canopies…

… we know promotions work. We know that focusing on connecting with the community works. We know that as a business, you want to support the community. Let us support you as you do – we offer a personal service and know what works when you are running promotions and reaching out to the community. Talk to us about getting the word out.