Now that the Christmas season has passed, many retailers are taking a moment to pause and catch their breath. Though the busiest shopping season of the year is behind us, there's still a lot you can do to attract new shoppers for a new year.
Here are four ways to leverage social media to attract new customers and beat the post-holidays sales slump:
1. Focus on one or two platforms
Nowadays, there are so many social media platforms that it would be impossible to fully leverage each one without hiring a dedicated marketing team. Busy retailers just don't have the time to post on multiple platforms every day of the week. However, there is good news: You don't have to be on every platform. Rather, consider picking just one or two to focus on and put your best efforts there.
For example, a women's clothing retailer may decide to focus on Instagram and Pinterest because each site is a highly visual platform. The owner of a hardware store, however, may choose to utilize YouTube to post how-to videos.
Choose a platform that makes sense for your brand, and then do your research. Learn how to get the most out of it and stick to your plan. Social media campaigns need to be consistent.
2. Update your Google Maps information
It might not seem like a social media platform, but Google Maps is one of the most used apps available today. In fact, Google reported over 2 billion active Android users per month, each device pre-loaded with the app. Those people use Maps to find new restaurants, stores and more, often relying on the business information found by tapping on a location.
If you want new shoppers to find your store, you need to be on Google Maps. Best of all, it's completely free to list your business. Once you're verified, you can add photos, store hours, contact information and more.
3. Offer incentives
Social media is a great way to get the attention of new shoppers, but that's only the first step in getting them to your store. Once you have someone's attention, it's time to reel that prospective customer in. Your social media posts can give users an idea of what your store is like and what it has to offer. By sweetening the deal with a special offer, retailers will be more likely to convert shoppers.
Shopify recommended offering enticements such as freebies and discounts to attract new and returning shoppers alike.
4. Keep your brand visually consistent
Shoppers like to see consistency between how your brand presents itself online compared to how it appears in person. The colors and graphics you implement within your social media posts should be reflected in your brick-and-mortar store.
An easy way to achieve cohesion is to utilize photos from your shop. If you craft a unique window display featuring posed mannequins, post it to your accounts. Your shoppers will recognize the display and feel a sense of familiarity.
To learn more about how attract new shoppers, talk with our retail design experts today!
