what is the best method for a small retail store to get locally exposed to the public.?

Question

our large sign out side is fine for people on the street and to get a city attention
news papers are too expensive and not all people will notice a once in a while small print.

perhaps radio or t.v may be worth the investment or perhaps just have flyers
distributed.

what is your best solution?

Answer 1

Get involved with a community charity or group, offer a discount to their members (like 10%) if they add your name to their promo-items as a sponsor. Also, make a donation (like to a school or home for the elderly) and let the media know (or have someone "leak" it to the press..... Even have some t-shirts printed up. retro looking.... and give them as prizes to a local event. For the small co9st of a t-shirt: Free advertising on someone's body....

Have you consider a mailer... they are relatively inexpensive, and people keep them if you offer a discount on a large purchars or even 10% discount on a first purchase. Good Luck

Answer 2

1. Lots of charities are gearing up for their Christmas campaigns, Which THEY will pay to advertise! so it'd get you some free exposure-
if you agree to be a donation center for winter coats
or a Toys for Tots program etc, etc. Once these good hearted folks come in the door they'll be tempted to look around.

2. Will your landlord let you have a "sidewalk sale"? People seem to be drawn to a store that has lots of tables, displays, and other shoppers milling about. Get your friends and relatives to out there in mass to help it look like you've drawn a crowd.

3. Is there a restaurant near you? Maybe you could put together a co-op between the two businesses and offer each others patrons some special discount.

4. Advertise on craigslist in your area, it's free

That's all I can think of. Good Luck

Answer 3

I was walking down the street one day when I saw people in bright orange shirts climbing down the side of a building by rope. There were clowns, balloons and cheering and even a little music going. It turns out it was the opening of a new store. I still remember that store and everytime I see it I remember that day.

I suggest you do something simliary. Be creative in ways that will have people notice you. People are bombarded with newspaper ads and billboard signs all day it's refreshing when a store or company tries something a little different.

Answer 4

In my area there is a weekly pamphlet called the "Pennysaver". The key to advertising in this (any?) paper was to advertise once a week, for three consecutive weeks. I spent $50.00 total. The first week wasn't much but by the third week I almost had to hire another employee.
Make sure you are in the Yellow Pages. It's worth it if you can afford the larger/extra listing.
How you present your busness in this ph. directory is very important.

Answer 5

I think radio or tv would hit the largest segment of the population in your area. Many times your radio stations and tv channels will do live broadcasts for a reasonable rate (and sometimes free of charge).

Answer 6

Just Provide the best service that you can to your customers, and I believe word of mouth will do the rest for you, for bringing in new faces every day, as with any business it all takes time, and it varies with the seasons.

Answer 7

Radio, Tv, leaflets, free small gifts for kids(Kids play / recriation facility ) weigh more. As kids will force their mom dad to visit again and again.

Answer 8

Invite the local news over. They come for free ..

Answer 9

Sponsor a kids soccer team or something. Buy the uniforms or whatever. I think you can write if off.