Running a retail business can be hard work because of all the competition out there. As a result, finding customers can be tricky. If you want to know how to expand your customer base, then try out some of these tips:
Accept Multiple Payment Options
If you’re wondering why you aren’t getting many customers, then it could be down to a very interesting reason. Many consumers don’t carry cash around anymore, they just have their cards or use smartphones to pay for things. So, if they walk into a store that only accepts cash, they aren’t going to be interested. I find that many people are more likely to spend their money at a place with multiple payment options.
So, if you only accept cash, you’ll need to look at broadening your payment options. Look for companies like Payline Data that can set up credit and debit card payments in your store. It would also be a good idea to look for a device that lets you accept NFC payments too. If you do this, you’re allowing everyone to come into your store and buy things. Whereas before, you were only catering to people that carry cash around with them. As a result, your retail business will soon start growing its customer base.
Create A Twitter/Facebook Page
One of the best ways to get more customers is by utilizing social media. All of the successful retail businesses have professionally run Twitter and Facebook pages. There are, obviously, other social media platforms out there, but these two are the biggest and best. If you’re on social media, you can start to market and advertise your business to more people. It can get you noticed by far more people in your local community, meaning more chances people will come into your store.
They key to a successful Twitter/Facebook page is communication. You should make talking to people your number one priority. Engage with your followers on Twitter and speak to those that like you on Facebook. The more you talk, the more chance it gives you to show off your business. It makes it more likely people will trust your business and thus want to start spending their money at your store.
Develop An Online Store & Mobile App
This next point is sort of like two points fused into one, for the sake of saving time. If you want your retail business to get more customers, you have to offer them an online shopping experience. Not everyone can travel down to your store, but they might hear that you do something they like. So, you have a potential customer that’s willing to spend money, but they can’t because of where they live. If you have an online store, then you have a way for people to buy things from you, no matter how far away they are. It’s a great way increase the number of potential customers you’re getting.
Going hand in hand with this, you should develop a mobile app version of your online store. This makes it easy for people to shop on the move and use your business.