Marketing a small retail business

Marketing is essential to the success of any business that offers goods and services.Marketing is even more important for a retail business because their goods will not be sold unless customers know what they sell.When a retail business is a small business, marketing can be difficult because the business likely does not have the same marketing budget as the larger retail chains.Here are a few tips for marketing a small retail business.

Start Local

A small retail business should not try and compete with national chains by launching expensive and expansive marketing campaigns that reach a large geographical area.Instead, the small retail store should establish their individuality from the chains, and then focus their attention to the people in their area.This will not only save money, but it will allow the store to build a customer base in their area.Not only will they not have to rely on tourist sales, but they will establish a sense of connection with local buyers that large chains cannot do.

Radio

One way to market a small retail store locally is through the radio.Finding stations that cater to the demographic the retail store is trying to reach is a great way to target marketing directly at the most likely customers of the store.If a store wants to host a large event, many radio personalities will come to the store for a set number of hours and broadcast live from the store.This is a great way to get the store's name out there and bring radio fans to the store to see the radio personality.

Bill Boards

Another way to reach local customers is to rent bill boards in the area.Many bill boards will allow the retail store to place their custom designed advertisement on their bill board for a monthly fee.A strategically placed bill board will reach a more broad audience, but will still mostly hit local customers.A bill board placed near a high school or university for example will catch a younger generation than one placed in view of those commuting to work.

Pamphleting

One method for targeting a specific customer group is to pamphlet.It is not uncommon for a retail business to hand out pamphlets at a local university or place pamphlets on the windshields of everyone who parks at the local park n' ride.These methods put a coupon or ad directly into the hands of potential customers.Another benefit to this technique is that is does not cost much.

Social Networking/Blogging

People of all generations are exploring social networks and reading blogs.A small business can create a group or page that advertises the retail business.Then, people can become fans of that business.Every time someone becomes a fan of a specific business, a thumbnail of that business with an announcement that someone has become a fan will be placed on the home page of all of that fan's friends.This is a great way to get information out about the business, build a reputation, and connect with potential customers.

Blogs are also a great way to advertise a retail business.For example, a retail store that sells clothing may start a blog that reviews new clothes or talks about current trends.As this blog gains popularity, so will the retail store.Also, if a private blog is read by many local residents, a business may purchase ad space on that blog in order to gain recognition.