Whether you’ve just initiated your ecommerce startup or you’ve been in business for a while, most businesses are always looking for ways to grow their business, generate new customers, and introduce themselves into new markets. If you are currently looking for ideas, this handy list should get you started.
Get going with Google. Keep in mind that when it comes to finding businesses, nothing is more important than Google. Prospective brides looking for a bridesmaid dress should be able to type in what they are looking for and immediately find your dress company in the search engine. Google My Business is a free service that lets you get your business noticed, as well as post updates, respond to reviews, and add photos that will highlight your business and showcase your product.
Attract Consumers with Blogging. Blogging is a simple, easy way to get your company noticed. Blogging encourages readership; customers will return again and again to your site to see what you have to say. It is a surprisingly effective way to capture leads, especially when you share content that brides find valuable. Blog often about things that matter most to brides- content about dealing with mothers-in-law, choosing the perfect dress, surprise wedding costs, or even heartwarming stories about successful wedding ventures.
Whenever possible, include those all-important wedding photos that enhance credibility and create a sense of personal connection. If you are especially adventurous, you may want to consider guest blogging for others to expand your reach to other markets.
Partner Up with People. Networking with vendors is always a good idea. If you are a business that focuses on flowers, contact businesses that attract clientele similar to your target audience. Consider bakeries and venues, who will benefit from a symbiotic relationship with you. Other wedding businesses like photographers, DJs, and jewelers can also be helpful if they are willing to recommend you to their customers.
Think about all of the people with whom you can develop a partnership, and then head out to find ways to work closely with them in the future, perhaps even providing discounted services if a bride chooses to use both businesses simultaneously. Partnerships are a simple, cost-effective means of marketing and advertising.
Target Consumer Touchpoints. Think about all of the places your target consumer might go and what type of industries they will need to contact. What types of stores will they need? What organizations or churches might they frequent? Would you find them hanging at specific coffee shops or venues? Once you have determined some possible places, consider how you can reach out. Do these places have business card billboards? Are fliers posted somewhere in the vicinity? Do they have a newsletter where you can advertise?
Getting your business name out there may not be as difficult or expensive as you think. If you’re looking to take it to the next level, you may want to pay for wedding business advertisement by upgrading your free wedding advertisement to a premium one in one or more online wedding advertisement forums.
Be All About Bridal Shows. Another great way to get your first few wedding gigs is to attend Bridal Expos or Wedding Shows. Be sure to choose reputable and well-attended wedding shows, and don’t forget to make sure your booth, your fliers, your business cards and your approach are professional and organized. Collect email addresses, and have a follow-up system for communication in place. Your booth should be clean, visually appealing, and professional.
It’s a good idea to ensure that all of your startup information like business contracts and Terms of Service is on point, so you may want to contact a lawyer like Aaron Kelly who specializes in ecommerce law. Be sure to have on hand some bridal referrals or testimonials, just in case you are asked.
Conduct a Class. Share your area of wedding expertise with brides who may need some DIY help. Make sure that as a prerequisite for attending the class, all attendees are required to provide you with their contact information so that you can follow up with them later, just in case they decide they need your services. Give the students helpful tips and techniques during instruction, but keep it basic, and ensure them that you are available for consultation and hire if they decide they need the assistance of an expert.
In addition to these ideas, you always want to maintain good business practices to keep your ecommerce store running smoothly. From having a variety of payment methods and portals to maintaining a beautiful and easy-to-navigate website, you can be sure to continue growing your business and generating return customers in the years ahead.
What are some other ways for a wedding business to generate interest and grow customer loyalty? Share your thoughts here.
