Startups are all the rage right now. Everyone wants to support small businesses and be a part of growing and supporting their local community. But it’s not always easy to find these startups in the first place, and the small businesses themselves might have trouble focusing on advertising and promotion due to the fact that, I don’t know, they have an entire business to run! Well, this is where a simple list of practical tips for increasing sales, particularly for New Orleans based startups, can help. So grab some beignets and a cup of chicory coffee and read on for effective strategies any small business can use.
Get Your Name Out There
First and foremost, startups have to get their name out to the public. There are so many ways to achieve this nowadays, but one method that should not be overlooked is the use of outdoor advertising. New Orleans billboards are a great place to start as they can have a huge impact on brand recognition in a given location. New Orleans is also a highly-travelled vacation destination, so you never know how far your potential customer base will reach if you have the ability to ship to out-of-towners. The use of public transportation ads might also be worth looking into as these ads can be found at nearly every price point, and they have the added benefit of being mobile, spreading your message well across the city.
If the more traditional advertising methods don’t really appeal to you, or they are beyond your means, don’t worry because there are several more grass-roots options available. The use of sticker marketing can be a great way to share your information and create some brand ambassadors in the process. Handing out stickers at local events or even in-store can really spread awareness and show that you value your customers and believe in your product. Guerilla marketing is also a great option for startups because it can be done at any time and with any budget. Guerilla marketing could be anything from passing out flyers to an art installation in the park. This type of advertising is great for business owners who want to connect with their customers on an individual level.
Get into Your Customers’ Minds
Speaking of customers, there’s a lot that goes into “knowing your audience”, and doing your research can really pay off in successfully increasing sales. One easy way to get an idea of who your customer is and how you can effectively advertise to them is to keep an eye on your competitors. What are they doing? What is working? How can you do it better? You might also want to utilize surveys in an effort to find out exactly what customers like and don’t like about your strategies, products, etc. It’s also a great idea to experiment with new ideas. As a startup, you have the ability to really tailor your business to the market and part of that process is trying new things and seeing what sticks.
Get Creative
Another useful tool in your advertising toolbelt should be memorability. Remember it’s not always about quantity. Yes, of course, getting your name out to as many people as possible is a good thing, but maybe more importantly, you need them to remember you and your business. So how can you do that? One way is to get creative. Do you have visuals that help support your name and business? A logo? A catchy phrase that might also aid a potential customer next time they find themselves in need of what you offer? These elements are just as important as the product or service you sell and the name you use to do it. They are all a part of your brand and should be utilized to your advantage.
Get Online
There’s no denying we’re solidly in the digital era now, so in addition to the old stand-bys like outdoor and word-of-mouth advertising, it’s almost a necessity to have an online presence as well. Luckily there are so many free website builders available now, and the process really doesn’t have to be as complicated as you might think. Use a free template, add all the key brand information you have, and allow the internet to do its thing. You might also be able to integrate your online resources with your advertising efforts by utilizing QR codes on stickers or menus or even on the outside of a physical store. Connecting everything and making it easier for customers to find you and your goods is the name of the game.
Ultimately, running a business is no small feat, but paying attention and putting in the effort to increase your sales can make all the difference in your company’s longevity. So, find what works for you and don’t be afraid to try something new!
