Whether you are a new merchant or an experienced shopkeeper, driving traffic to your store should always be your priority. Opening a store is not a simple task, but ensuring its growth is also complex.
When starting a business, there are several aspects to consider. Firstly, your business location. A strategic location plays an important role in the traffic in your physical store. Being well-located lets you increase your visibility on the street and be recognized quickly. For example, opening a convenience store in a neighbourhood that is already saturated isn’t a great solution. Instead, opt for a retail location that will make your service attractive to a larger customer base.
With over 35,000 businesses in Quebec, it’s important to stand out from the competition.
Along these same lines, there are many solutions for increasing the traffic in your store. Discover 5 helpful tips from our specialists to boost the growth of your business.
Increase your retail store foot traffic with your online presence
Apart from online shopping, how many times have you used Google this year to find activities, restaurants, or specialty stores? In the era of technology, most purchasing decisions are made online. In addition, with all the new voice queries, it’s increasingly easy to access information quickly. You just have to say “OK, Google” or “Hey, Siri,” then submit your query.
The advantage of having an online presence for business owners is that when one of these queries is made, your business appears on the list. To have a good online presence, therefore, the first step is to sign up for Google My Business and register your business.
What is Google My Business?
Google My Business is a free service that lets you add your business to Google’s list. The registration process is fast and easy. All you have to do is complete your business profile correctly with all the necessary information. You can enter your business hours, a link to your website, and a description of your products and services. Ideally, you should also add professional photos that highlight your establishment and your products.
Social media channels: useful for increasing foot traffic to your retail business
Having a website is good, but having a presence on a social media channel is an invaluable asset. Minimal Marketing efforts is to have a Facebook or TikTok page where you can interact with your customers. You can also hold contests and surveys there to increase the customer loyalty and interest in your business.
Social media is a good way to keep in touch with your loyal customers. If possible, your business should post at least 2 to 3 times a week to maintain interest and increase the traffic on your page. And this traffic into sales.
An attractive website
Did you know that over 60% of SMEs in Quebec don’t have a website? Although a Facebook page is a minimum, having a website is necessary for any modern company. As mentioned previously, many buying decisions are made online. Having a website is therefore a good way to stand out from these 60% of SMEs and increase the traffic in your store.
Remember that your website is an employee that pays for itself. After all, it’s open even when you’re closed.
Your outdoor layout
When it’s time to think about your outdoor layout, ask yourself the following question: does your outdoor layout make potential customers want to enter your business?
If you’re hesitating, that’s probably because there is some work to be done. But rest assured: there are many ways to improve your outdoor layout. Remember that the first impression is crucial, and for passers-by, it’s your outdoor layout that they will see first.
Here is our specialists’ suggestion to drive foot traffic in your store thanks to strategic outdoor layout.
Get a commercial awning to increase retail foot traffic to your store
We strongly recommend turning to specialists for a commercial awning. Try not to make the mistake of picking up a poor-quality awning at a big box store. Not only is your awning not designed to be durable, but it doesn’t represent your brand image at all.
The 4 elements of a good commercial awning
With the help of specialists, you can choose all the elements that make up your awning, from the shape of your canvas to the lettering, as well as the colours. Here is why it’s beneficial to have a choice.
- Colour: By choosing colours that match your business, you allow your futur loyal customers to recognize you more quickly. To help you build a palette, we invite you to use the coolors.co site. You can also ask a custom awning specialist to help you.
- Lettering: You likely can’t add lettering to your awning from Costco. And yet, the lettering on a commercial awning is so important when it comes to visibility! However, make sure you take the necessary information about the regulations in your municipality into account before adding lettering. A commercial awning professional will undoubtedly be able to answer your questions.
- Shape: Each business is unique. One of the advantages of doing business with specialists is that you can even determine the shape of your awning. Standard models offer you a limited selection that doesn’t necessarily match your decor or style.
- Regulations: Regulations vary from one municipality to another. If you have any questions about them, the clerks at BMR won’t be able to answer your questions.
What if municipalities prohibit commercial awnings ?
Certain municipalities prohibit the use of commercial awnings. If you own a restaurant, you could increase the traffic in your Brick-and-Mortar store by installing terrace umbrellas. That way, you improve the customer experience at your establishment while protecting them from UV rays. A good shopping experience is the best advertisement for a merchant. It thus attracts customers and increases retail sales.
How to shop for a commercial awning
Don’t hesitate to contact the commercial awning specialists at Auvents Polo. Our company has been a real benchmark in commercial shelters since 1974. We’re proud to support businesses in their growth thanks to our outdoor layout know-how.
To get a fast, free quote, nothing could be simpler. You just have to contact our experts. They will be delighted to guide and advise you with your commercial awning project.
As soon as the quote is signed, our artisans get to work and prepare the awning so that it is ready in 4 weeks.
If you have any questions about our products and services, contact us. An experienced member of our team will be pleased to take your call.
