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Marketing Tip of the Week – Surviving the Economy

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Your store is truly important, it what makes you profit in your life and brings your joy. You will do everything possible to keep it up, especially in a down turned economy. It’s important to be business savvy during a recession and keep profits at an incline or steady pace. However, what can you do differently to achieve this? There are a few tips that you can do differently to make sure you survive the economy. So, this week’s marketing tip will focus on tips on surviving the economy.

Take A Look At Your Business Strategy – One thing you may want to do is take a step back and look at your business strategy. Is it working, up-to-date and reaching your target market? If not, then it may be time to reinvent your business strategy. Look at your strengths and weaknesses in recent years, this could have changed since you first opened up your shop. If this has changed, it’s time to reevaluate your business strategy. You want to showcase your strengths and improve on your weaknesses. Also, do you need new products or different type of services for your target market? Has your target market changed? Evaluating your store as an entirety will help you develop a great strategy that improves your store and better serves your customers.

Customer Input – Ask for your customer’s comments. Contact former customers and even ask new ones on their opinion of your store and what you can do to improve it. They’ll enjoy the fact that you actually asked them their opinion and will feel as if they have a part in your store. You may find things you need to improve on that you hadn’t noticed.

Social Media – Of course, we’ve mention social media many times before. However, it’s truly an effective marketing tool now to reach potential consumers and current customers. Most everyone is on-line, therefore, it’s important to reach them the best way that you can. Social media is a great tool in promoting your business and keeping them in the know of what’s going on in your store.

Form Partnerships – Another way to promote your business is to form partnerships with other local businesses. You can recommend and use a referral system between Continue reading “Marketing Tip of the Week – Surviving the Economy” »

Using Displays to Market Your Products

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You have great products in your store. Along with those great products, you want to promote them, right? It’s important to promote unique products in your store so people know what you have to offer them. However, are you doing this properly? Can they even find these items in your store? You may have just the right product they’re looking for, but they can’t find it. That’s why you need to display your products properly in your store. So, FGmarket’s marketing tip this week is all about properly displaying your products to market them the best that you can.

Can You See It? – Is there a specific product that you’re wanting to showcase? Well, first thing’s first, take a step back and find out where you think it’s appropriate in your store. Once you have done so, come in as a customer yourself and see if you can notice the product. Your products have to be seen, that’s so important in your store. You may have different product lines that you want to showcase, however, getting creative with displaying them where everything can be seen is not a hard task to conquer.

Get Creative – You have display fixtures in your store, now get creative with them. No one wants to walk into a store and find the same boring displays that everyone else does. Consumers want to be wowed and see something different when they walk into your store. Mix and match products that make great cross-promotion sellers, hang items from the ceiling or fixtures to create an eye-catching approach or make a themed display center in the middle of your store; all these ideas will definitely grab your customer’s attention. Sit down and think about what you like to see in a store’s setup. Even ask your customers what they prefer. It’s important to stand out with your displays.

So, when thinking about your products, think of ways to display them in your store. It’s so important to get creative with all of your products, whether you are displaying Continue reading “Using Displays to Market Your Products” »

Marketing Tip of the Week – Types of Customers

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You have come to find that there are different selling strategies that you have to carry out in your store. Every store needs to switch it up and experimenter to find out which strategy works best for them. Along with different selling tactics, you also have to know the different type of customers that walk into your store. Yes, each one has different buying habits and are sold to in different ways. So, FGmarket’s marketing tip of the week will focus on the types of customers that may walk into your store and how you can sell to them.

Analytical – You should immediately know what type of customer you’re dealing with when you meet an analytical customer. The name means just what you think it does. This customer likes to analyze everything. Knowing all the facts, details and absolutely everything about a product before they make a purchase is a must. So, how do you sell to them? Give them all the facts and data. Ask them why they want to buy a product or why they came in. That way you have a better understanding of them and their wants. Just give them all the facts is the main key.

Social –You know what type of customer this is, they like to be social. They love to talk, make new friends, build relationships and will actually develop relationships in several stores. Therefore, loyalty isn’t a huge factor for them. The main thing to remember is to socialize right back. They want someone they can talk to and develop a relationship with. Keep them focused on the product, yet have fun while doing it. You don’t have to be all about the facts with them.

In Control – This customer, of course, likes to be in control of everything. Taking charge, skipping the small talk and wanting the facts right then is what this consumer is all about. They want things to go their way. So, how do you sell to them? Get straight to the point with them. Skip out on the Continue reading “Marketing Tip of the Week – Types of Customers” »

Marketing Tip of the Week – Strengthen Customer Relationships

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What’s the most important thing in your store? Yes, customers are the main cause in keeping your store going. Yes, there are other elements to your store that makes it run, but customers are the ones who walk into your store and buy your items or services. Therefore, you need to focus on your customer relationships. This week’s marketing tip will focus on strengthening your customer relationships.

So, you’ve already developed customer relationships. Now, how do you maintain them and strengthen them from what they are now? We have a few tips that are easy to do, yet will still strengthen your relationships.

Greeting Cards – Something simple can go a long way. Keep track of your customer’s birthdays and send them a card along with holiday cards. By sending them one, they’ll feel special and thought of by your store.

Communication – Make sure you’re available for your customers. How many times have you wanted to get in contact with a business and couldn’t? It is frustrating when you want a simple question answered or something major happened and you need their attention. Therefore, remember be available.

Customer Loyalty –Keep track of your customer’s loyalty. Are they a suspect, prospect, first time buyer, repeat buyer, client or advocate? If you keep track of this, you know how to offer customer service and move them up the customer loyalty stages.

Customer Service – Always, always, always focus on your customer service efforts. Customer service is the key to bring customers back to your store. No one likes to walk into a store and get a lack of service and be treated rudely. Everyone enjoys a friendly, happy and informative customer Continue reading “Marketing Tip of the Week – Strengthen Customer Relationships” »

Marketing Tip of the Week – Writing

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There are many ways to promote your store and get your name out there. You know that there are many ways to market your store. One way is by writing. However, there are rules to follow when writing. Whether you are writing for a website, article or on your blog; you must follow these marketing tips in order to succeed. So, this week’s marketing tip will focus on writing tips to make your writing campaign successful, which will promote your store and your expertise knowledge.

Topics – The first thing you must do when writing is to choose a topic. What will your focus be? You don’t want to just write and ramble on. That will make you look unprofessional and your readers will get lost. Choose what you know. By choosing a topic that represents your store’s services and what you offer, your store is showing that it’s an expert in what it does. Also, don’t forget to choose a topic that will spark consumer’s interest. Your writing should intrigue them and make them want to learn about what else you have to offer.

Why are you writing – Don’t forget to ask yourself, why you’re writing. This will help you maintain focus and better convey your message to potential customers. What do you want your customers to take away from what you’re writing about? This will give you a direction to go in once you understand the main purpose. If it’s to explain a new service you’re offering, make sure you explain what it’s all about.

5 W’s – Don’t forget about the 5 W’s (Who, What, When, Where). It’s a great place to start any article so your customers know exactly what they are reading and your company.

Audience – Don’t forget when writing, that you need to understand your audience. There are different styles for each one. If you’re writing to a younger crowd, a little informality goes a long way. However, if it’s more professionalism, be professional with your writing.

Outlets – So, you’ve written this great article, now what? Of course, you need to get it out there to the public. Consumers need to see what you’ve written in order to learn more about your store. It’s important to find outlets that will get your writing out there, whether it be your blog, article for Continue reading “Marketing Tip of the Week – Writing” »

It’s All In The Presentation

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Are you a fan of Sandra Lee, host of the Food Network’s Semi-Homemade Meals? I am. What intrigues me about her show, even more than the food, are her tablescapes. With every show, Sandra includes a coordinating tablescape. She has a knack for gathering different textiles, dishes and home accents to create a delightful atmosphere. Constructed with such care, her table presentations look ready for a high-end magazine photo shoot. She even includes a signature cocktail using different barware.

Because Sandra knows how textiles, home accents, and lighting make for a pleasant and welcoming home, she includes this in her meal presentation.

Burlap Table Runner

Creating a homey atmosphere makes her food more enticing. I can’t taste or smell Sandra’s food when I watch her show, but the way Sandra presents her food makes me want to cook a homemade meal and create an awesome tablescape.

This is the type of message you need to convey to your customers. Why? Drawing attention to your products this way inspires customers to create the same effect in their homes. Inspiration leads to more sales.

How Can You Inspire Your Customers?

To start, you need to create displays that show off the products you sell. It’s not enough to just put the product out on a shelf. The customer needs to see the value and potential of the product. Displaying items as the customer would use them entices the customer; creating a want that leads to a sale.

Creating An Enticing Display

How do you create a display that seduces the customer? Build a venue that showcases the potential of the products.

Example: In the fall, put a throw blanket on a table with rustic tableware and colorful stoneware to give the feeling of a picnic. This shows customers how to use these products in their home.

Where To Get Your Inspiration

Another way to produce a great display is to steal an idea. Pull ideas from magazines and build venues based on the magazine pictures. Take cues from shows like Sandra Lee’s. Follow the general display concepts and recreate them. Do what Sandra Lee does, create an atmosphere when presenting your products to customers.

Tools To Use

First off, don’t be afraid to use television shows, magazines or even your own creative flair as tools.

Television

One of the best tools you can use is a TV.

Home Accent Display

Example: Place a television on a table surrounded it with the product you are showcasing. Turn the TV on the Food Network or HGTV. Shows on these types of channels entice consumers into buying products for their homes. Sandra Lee’s tablescapes are the reason I bought a set of brightly colored plates, bowls and mugs.

Magazines

Use magazines like Home and Garden as a starting point to show your customers how they can duplicate a tablescape.

Example: Make the display as close to the magazine photo as possible, an exact duplication isn’t necessary.  Instead create the same overall style in your display. The idea is to show the customers that yes they can have the same things they see in magazines. Display items just as they would be used a home.

Personal Creativeness & Experience

How you would use your products is a good indication of how your customers would use the same products.

Example: If you sell table lamps, display them as they would appear in your home – on a table next to a chair. You can add books and coasters to convey the feeling of a real home. (Don’t forget when displaying lamps or lighting to have them turned on this gives the customer the full effect.)

Do you sell throw blankets? Then throw one over the chair by the table lamp display. People are very visual. By using other items that you sell to help make displays, you can increase those customer impulse buys!

Know Your Customers

Before you even think about creating displays, you must first know your customers. Keeping up with what’s going on in the economy and consumer buying trends are a must. Looking past the obvious trends and at economic trends will help you understand your customers better. This sense of what is happening in the market place will allow you to capitalize on opportunities otherwise overlooked.

Tiffany Style Table Lamp

If you keep up with trends in general, which you should, most people are spending time and money nesting. Staying home and entertaining is the major focus of nesting. Although money is tight, people are still buying pottery, tableware, and lighting fixtures because they are strongly connected to their homes. This trend gives retailers a great opportunity.

Capitalizing On Opportunity

Consumers may not take a vacation this year, but have no problem dropping a few hundred dollars to dress up their homes. One of the leaders in the textiles home decor industry, Martha Stewart’s Living Omnimedia had an of 34% increase in revenue over last year. A 34% increase in tough economic times, speaks well for those who sell textiles, Continue reading “It’s All In The Presentation” »

Marketing Tip of the Week – Design Your Store Right

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Finding great products to feature in your store is a must. However, there’s more to it. Think about the products and how they appeal to your customers. Do they notice them at all in your store? Are they drawn to them? This week’s marketing tip is all about how to layout your store in a great way that will get your customers to notice all the wonderful products you offer them. So many times customers walk right past a great product, therefore, get them to notice it.

You have to design to make sells in your store. There are lots of tips to keep in mind when laying out your store in the right way. Make sure it’s functional for customers and easy to navigate. Customers don’t want to walk into your store and feel completely overwhelmed. If they do, they definitely will not notice everything you have to offer, they’re more likely to hurry up and get out of there.

Creative Displays – Don’t forget to get creative with how you display your products. Create a theme or display holiday products out in the middle where everyone can see when they first walk in. Sit down and decide the theme. From there, decide your main focal point, lighting, size of objects, balance and what and where to place your products. Next, get all your supplies ready to go. This will make you more efficient when creating your display. You can go off colors, a certain movie that is coming out, special holiday or just a random theme that pops in your head. All of these will work and will get your customers interested in what you do.

Cross Merchandising – Sit down and take a look of what you have in your store. Now, pair them up with what works well together. Some products compliment each other and can be sold in pairs. However, you need to know what works well together. So, when you are creating a display or setting out merchandise, remember what are great items that can be sold together. Gourmet food paired with tableware or gift items sold with cards & gift wrap are example of two things that make a perfect pair.

Impulse Buying –Everyone has them, impulse purchases. Therefore, you should plan for your customers to have them. Place these items close to your cash register and don’t forget to place eye-catching products there. Also, think about the kids that come into your store as well. Therefore, Continue reading “Marketing Tip of the Week – Design Your Store Right” »

Marketing Tip of the Week – Internet Marketing

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With consumers going to the web, are you on top of your internet marketing? It is so important to reach your customers through the web, since most of your target market is online searching. However, are you using all the resources to your full advantage? Are you even marketing online? Well, FGmarket’s marketing tip of the week will talk about marketing online and how you can incorporate it into your company.

Marketing Tip Of The Week
Press Releases – A press release is a fast way to spread the word about your store, products, services or exciting news about your store. What is a press release? It is a written record directed towards news media. You can email them to editors, newspapers, magazines, radio stations and television stations. From there, they can announce your newsworthy story.

Newsletters – Newsletters are a great way to keep your customers informed. Include new store products, news and upcoming specials in your store. Also, if there is something new and exciting going on  in your industry, you can include that in there as well. Customers will find this interesting and possibly find it interesting enough to pass along to their friends. If they see a product in your store and a special coupon, it will trigger them to come into your store. Checking that email from work or on their mobile phone might make them want to come in on their lunch break or on their way home. So, newsletters are a great way to get your customers in your store.

Website – Of course, you need a website. That is extremely important. It needs to contain information on your store, products and to help keep customers informed. Next, submit your website to search engines. Don’t forget to focus on keywords for your website as well.

Local Listings – Don’t forget to grab your local listings from online directory pages. You can add your store’s information, add a picture or even add coupons. If you haven’t claimed your listing, potential clients won’t see all the great information on your store.

Social Networking –Along with consumers being on the web, they are also joining social networking sites. Don’t forget to do that as well. Consumers spend time on these sites, therefore, this is a great way to advertise your store. Include store information, weekly products, photos and even contests within your social media page. Customers will love checking out your page to see what products you have gotten in and weekly promotions.

Be Knowledgeable – Don’t forget, be knowledgeable. You should portray yourself as an expert in your field to your customers.  If you don’t Continue reading “Marketing Tip of the Week – Internet Marketing” »

Marketing Tip of the Week: Focus on You!

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Sure you have great products and expert salesmanship, however, are you standing out? What makes you stand out from your competition? Do you know if you even are standing out? Well, this week’s marketing tip will focus on you! You need to focus on your strongest assets to stand out from your competition. So, focus on yourself and get noticed.

Question Yourself
Marketing Tip Of The Week

Sit down and analyze your business. Look at your business as an entirety and write down what you think are your weaknesses and strong points. Also, ask yourself what do you want your business to be known for? Ask yourself, “What message do I want my customers to see, and how can I stand out?”. You should strive to be the best store that you can be.

Plan

Once you figure out what direction you want to go in, you can start planning on how you can stand out. Your goals and strengths should be integrated into your marketing plan. Make sure your marketing plan will highlight your strong points. It should be based on that so you will be able to stand out from your competitors. If you have strengths, make sure and use those to your advantage against your competitors. Why not show off what you’re good at? It’s the best way to get customers into your store.

In order to set yourself apart from the rest, you must always focus on yourself and your store. What are you great at? What do you pride yourself Continue reading “Marketing Tip of the Week: Focus on You!” »

Marketing Tip Of The Week: Employees

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Marketing is such an important part of your store’s strategy. You incorporate it into your everyday work schedule and are constantly thinking new ways to attract new customers and get your name out there. However, have you thought about how you can  incorporate your employees into your marketing plan? Well, this week’s marketing tip will focus on your employees and getting them involved.

Marketing Tip Of The Week
Lets face it, employees are going to talk about where they work and how it is to work for your company. Think about this, your store will get out through word-of-mouth through your employees. Now, do you want this to be negative or positive? Of course, positive. Even if you have part time employees, word will get out.

However, now it has grown from just talking with their friends to the world of social media. Just one little blog post or a post on Facebook about their work will be viewed by a wide variety of people. From there, they may get curious and look up or ask what kind of store it is that they work in. Therefore, you need to treat your employees with respect and keep them  informed. Their word-of-mouth about where they work will definitely get out.

Keep Them Informed – Talk to them, let them know what’s going on in the company. No one likes to feel left out. Of course, share your your company’s history and future. Share with them where you’d like your company to go in the future. Show them plans, marketing strategies and even new products that you may want to feature in your store and get their opinions. Be clear about the message you want to convey to the media and how you want to display the company’s image. Be upfront, clear and ready to answer questions.

Listen – Listen to what your employees have to say. They can have some valuable input since they are dealing with the customers everyday. Ask them what they think is trending and what might be a new approach to reach potential customers. Your employees are the ones on the front line.

Expectations – Make sure to let your employees know what is expected from them. Of course, they don’t like to be told what they can and cannot do outside of work. However, explain to them the consequences for the company if they put something negative out there about your Continue reading “Marketing Tip Of The Week: Employees” »