What is the best way to advertise my small boutique?

Question

I currently own a small women's boutique that sells handbags, costume jewelry and apparel. Billboards and radio ads are just out of our budget and I am looking for a creative way to get our name out there. We have tried a mailing list for customers to sign up while in our store and obtained 300 customers from that. Matter of fact, most customers ask us if we have a mailing list as if they are eager to be repeat shoppers. However, when we do mailings to these customers with discount coupons, we do not see a lot of return? We have also tried the local newspaper and some local highschool newspapers to get the younger shoppers in. I need some fresh ideas if anyone can help. We have a website at handbagjewelryboutique.xbuild.com that you can look at to get an idea of the type of products and price we offer. Also, if you have any ideas on types of businesses we should be networking with that would be helpful as well. I am at a loss and need ideas. Thanks ahead of time for your feedback.

Answer 1

I get my promotional materials for cheap by making several small orders- you can get alot for $10 s/h! www.vistaprint.com/spring07

You can get promotional materials pretty reasonably (I generally do the lowest option and do several orders). Shipping and handling is low if you pay for something- sticky notes are generally the cheapest. You can get 2 types of post cards, notes, etc. One idea might be to give coupons (on postcards) upon purchase dated 2-4 weeks in advance, to try to get people to come back in. You might also do 'buy 1 get 1 50% off) to get people to buy gifts or bring a friend.

You might also look into doing bridal and prom shows as a way to bring in customers. You might also sponsor a local women's event- Race for the Cure on a large scale, or a debutante ball or society women's event where they may let you have an ad, a booth or something like that. My Sorority does that, and the retailers get to meet potential new clients.

The area of your shop might have something to do with the type of traffic you have- are you some where where people go to browse, but not to buy? If so, I'd suggest having goods that have a wide range of prices to get people to buy something.

You can also use your mailing list to do surveys to see what would make someone return to your store.

Answer 2

Your target is women and we like atmosphere, good prices, coupons, freebies, and sweepstakes. Extremely popular with younger shoppers right now is the gift with purchase deal. No matter how small or how inexpensive, it works.

You can get a lot of people to sign up via your website if you offer a montly giveaway. Look no further than sweepstakes websites to see how effective this can be. Maybe it's just a store credit of $50 or maybe it's a small piece of inexpensive jewelry.

I'd make it a surprise with the jewelry maybe or a choice then people will look around and see what you have to offer and not just enter. This contest can be done in-store only as well.

Another way to get good foot traffic is to try and associate yourself with a local radio station to sometimes give away movie passes. It gets people into your store. If you have a boutique, then maybe look for a local jazz station and make the passes for an independant film. If that gets too pricey, there are ways for you to secure passes to things on your own merit.

The best advertising of course is word of mouth. So I'd look into things like some sort of rewards program for loyal customers and always make sure your staff is polite and friendly.

Answer 3

Best Way To Advertise

Answer 4

See if local stores that cater to the same crowd will do an exchange of business advertising in the store, clothing stores, spas places, shampoo and soap places. Or place ads in local clothing mags, wedding expos mags.
Run a promo where the winner gets a free handbag filled with goodies.

Answer 5

flyers are a nice idea and so is radio but if u really want customers post an ad in the BIG newspaper. Also get a myspace page if u already have one post on there get a personal bebo and myspace for your business under the correct city and state and most importantly be creative u may be able to think of something i cant on the spot Have fun and be open minded have a nice day

Answer 6

Try a local paper. We have one here in Kansas where people can sell, put help wanted ads and so on it it for little of nothing. I know how expensive advertising can be, but I have learned that word of mouth is best, so TALK that business up until you are blue in the face! Best of luck to you!

Answer 7

gosh i wonder why no one thinks of website in todays world that in a places like in the west. seems indians more forward thinking.

Websites are the best way to market your business. Create good looking website which can present your business well online and make sure you get the SEOd on specially with your community keywords and then promote the website and if you can make sure you have a online store on your website and develop it would give you more market to look for. people frm other cities can also shop and once they come to your city they would love to visit your shop. Good website - good promotion of the site would really take off well for you.

Get some of the best people come to your website and you arrance web chats so that people can login and ask them questions make it a weekly event. your brand would go places.

For more contact [e-mail] internet consultant.

Answer 8

provide some discount coupons and place those in some sites with their permission. online people can see you and come to you or book online. here is one site byee

Answer 9

flyers...flyers....flyers...leave them wherever you go!!! Grocery store, beauty salon, post office, gas station...etc...I have got great response in my business with this....
God Bless