by wendy
Hi Retailers,
You know I work with creative retailers wanting to promote their retail businesses. They KNOW marketing is important but a major pushback is that many of them are afraid to go live on Facebook. I hear it every day. So I want to help you get past that, because if you can talk to a customer in your store… you can talk to a customer online.
First off, why even bother going live? Why do I coach my store owners to go live? It’s so important because the Facebook algorithm LOVES Facebook Live Video. This means, FB will show your posts to more people. We WANT more eyeballs on our page right? It means more people can see how awesome we are and will come in and buy. 🙂
I have a few Facebook Live tips for creative retailers that are hesitant to make videos and put themselves out there. Facebook Live marketing is free advertising for you. We LOVE free, right?
You will increase your social media engagement with customers and build your Know-Like-Trust factor at the same time.
You’ve got this! Let me help.
Tip #1
Get over yourself. 🙈This is not rocket science. You CAN duo it. All you need to do is have a plan or outline and push the LIVE button. It doesn’t need to be a long video. If you are just starting out maybe only do a couple of minutes. It doesn’t have to be perfect. We all mess up and the first time you do anything it is awkward. I would recommend using a tripod to keep the camera steady, but done is always better than perfect.
Tip #2
Show the customers something. If you are nervous about being in front of the camera the whole time, give a store tour to showcase the new layout or merchandise. If you have a studio or workspace explain where you are and what you are showing your customers. Use these videos to build excitement with unboxings or little bits of your process. You still want to show yourself at some point so people know who you are and you can continue to build those relationships with your customers.
Tip #3
Remember a “call-to-action”. At the beginning of your videos make sure you let people know who you are and WHERE you are located. Let them know what city you are in and where specifically you are. At the end, remind them again and then invite them to drop in and see you at your location. If you are having an event or workshop be sure to encourage them to come see you with the details.
BONUS TIP
It’s called simulcasting. It’s not as scary as it sounds lol. Don’t just go live on Facebook, x10 your efforts and also stream live on Instagram, YouTube, and other social media channels at the same time. It’s like like double dipping and getting more bang for your time.
Now Let’s Get Over Your Fear of Going Live Together!
If you’re not already part of my free Facebook group: Rockstar Creatives, join us here.
Running a retail business doesn’t have to be so hard, you’ve got this!
Thanks for popping in! So grateful for you!
Xo,
Wendy
For more tips for shop owners, make sure you stay in the know and get on my email list to get next week’s blog.
by wendy
Hi Retailers,
Today I have three free and easy ways to change up your marketing strategy and attract more customers to your business. Remember, all the marketing you do now, will result in sales for months. This is why it is crucial to always be investing the time into marketing your business. Marketing is the fuel that runs your business.
#1 Be of Value on Facebook and Social Media
Don’t be boring. Don’t only post things for sale. You are not Walmart, you have more to offer than sales posts. Think of your most favorite customer and put yourself in their shoes. What do they want to learn about? If you are providing posts that are interesting and helpful you will build your community. Take pictures of your process and share your technique. You will still be showcasing items for sale, building excitement demonstrating knowledge.
You need to get creative … here’s a couple examples to get you started (click on the links to check them out):
#2 Be Easily Found
A couple of quick ways to be found:
Make it easy for your customers to find you. Sounds crazy – BUT – be sure to list your business on your personal social media pages as the, “Owner of…” Friends and family won’t always remember the name of your business so it is important to list it for them to reference. You’d be surprised how many people will look YOU up on Facebook in order to find YOUR store. So you better link them!
ON YOUR FB BUSINESS PAGE: Make sure you hours of operation, location, CITY, and map is there. It’s a non negotiable.
ON YOUR WEBSITE: Quick – go look, is your location EASY for me to find you? When I do website audits I find lots of websites with locations that take 4 clicks to locate. Highlight your retail location on the front page!
Another must do – watch your SEO (what the heck? Yup – you need to know what people are looking for when looking for you online – that is SEO). It’s easier than you think.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) words are key. Using them on everything from Google Business, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, etc. will help you show up when people Google you. You can always ask new customers how they found you, and if they just did a search, ask them what the typed in!
#3 Get Out of Your Shop!
You need to be seen in your community. Be strategic about this kind of marketing because your time is valuable. If the restaurant next door doesn’t know what your business is you are probably not doing a good job marketing to your community. You have to get your name and business out there and share your business. Go where your people are. Visit other local shops and build those relationships through conversation. Attend chamber events, local events and markets, and find business meetups near you. Network! Network! Be “known” in your community. (Cuz you’re awesome).
Watch my latest IGTV on Attracting New Customers
If you’d like to watch & listen, here’s the 6-minute version for you!
Now Let’s Implement This Together!
If you’re not already part of my free Facebook group: Rockstar Creatives, join us here because we have a branding challenge going on with easy-to-implement action items … aka homework assignments.
Thanks for popping in!
Xo,
Wendy
For more tips to creative shop owners, make sure you get on my email list to get next week’s blog.
by wendy
Do you think of yourself as the CEO of your retail business?
I work with shop owners all over the world who don’t always think of themselves in this way. Mindset is 80% of business success. I hear retailers say that the people around them, sometimes well meaning and very close family and friends, can say things like “your little shop”, or “you get to play arts and crafts all day”. Hurtful. Right? We work so hard. I know you probably entered into this world as a creative, made plans to make your store pretty, set it all up and have worked your buns off. You take care of not just the fun things, but the planning, organizing, the staff, the money, workshops schedules, product lines, the whole enchilada. 
YOU are the visionary and leader of your business. This is it. It’s YOUR business. YOU choose to treat it like a business, not a hobby. Whether you want to call yourself the CEO, Head Honcho, Queen Bee, whatever. You need to have a CEO Mindset. Stand tall. Get healthy business habits in place. Be the CEO of your business. Level up your mindset and your business will grow. Get great business habits in place and your business will thrive (and so will you).
I’ve put together a list of CEO habits that I’ve seen common in successful retailers and shop owners just like you. View this list by filling out the form below.
There is something to be said for the habits that successful entrepreneurs and business owners share across industries. Let’s apply them to YOUR role as store owner… I know you will find success!!! Thanks for popping in! Xo Wendy
by wendy
Mediocre retail is dead.
Don’t be mediocre.
Did you know only 12-20 % of all sales are made online? Yup. That number is growing but still, 80% of people buy in stores.
Customers still want to see, touch, feel and EXPERIENCE in-store retail.
What they do not want? Big box, cold, uninterested retail.
We are UNIQUELY situated as the type of retail that the big box stores WISH they were.
Customers are more aware now than ever about the impact local has on the economy of their town.
Here’s what shoppers are looking for, and what’s working for savvy shop owners this year:
- They create an experience – customers want to have an experience when they shop. This can be as simple as a beautiful shop, that looks, smells, and feels good, that they feel welcomed in and are treated with kindness and knowledgeable staff.
- Successful shop owners ensure customer success – in all aspects of product knowledge, that they have a successful experience with anything they buy.
- Smart retailers wow and delight their customers – they go that extra %
- They are willing to change and pivot, watch trends and be willing to make changes, they stay aware of their customer’s needs and wants
- They add an online shop or easy access (curbside etc) for their customer’s convenience
- They become the “GO TO” in the area – they create a brand reputation and deliver
- They create allies and believers – building “raving fans” and a community of customers
- They understand “chatter matters” – they can be seen and found, online social media, in searches, and are well known in the community
- They connect, personalize and humanize experiences – sharing your story and that of their customers
- Local shopping has a new awareness, people WANT to support local, they WANT to shop with a conscience – be conscience of their needs as well (hours, policies, service).
Overall, if you sell from a place of service, always make it about your cutomer and and how you can serve them better.
People buy from people they know, like, and trust – but also who they become LOYAL to.
Let them know your business, some behind the scenes, and stop using “retail is dead” as an excuse for low sales.
Are you creating an awesome experience for your customers?
Remember, retail is not dead, mediocre retail is dead.
Mediocracy is defined as being unwilling to change, something, that it is of average quality but you think it should be better.
We are perfectly placed to thrive in retail, let me know if I can help you!
We’ve got this! Wendy
Listen to the Creative Shop Talk podcast for more helpful retail tips!
Pin me!
I’d love it if you shared my pin below on Pinterest! Find me on Pinterest @FrontPorchMercantile for more Creative inspiration and Creative Biz Tips for your brick-and-mortar store.
SaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSave
by wendy
I hear this all the time when working with my creative shop owners… How do I get people to attend my workshop/paint party/class/event? Why is no one signing up?
It’s truly the retailers dilemma: constantly needing to fill and book out the class .. and yet not always wanting to be “selling”.
Marketing Strategies for Workshops & Classes
If you have 20-minutes this is a live training I did in my Rockstars Creative Facebook Group answering Jamie’s time-old question: What should I do if I post about my workshop and no one bites?
(It’s probably my most frequently asked question on the marketing side of our paintpreneur business….)
So this is my recap…
1. Ask these questions:
Are you offering the right workshop? Is this workshop for you or for your customers? Sometimes we pick a workshop subject that our customers aren’t interested in. Make sure you are covering something that they want to learn more about.
Is it being offered at the right time?
Are you marketing? Plain and simple, if you aren’t putting your services out there, you can’t expect people to show up. Sending one email and posting one time on social media about it is not enough.
2. Change your way of thinking.
Don’t worry about being salesy and annoying. Come from a place of SERVING your people. Your classes, events and workshops are BENEFICIAL to those who attend. Yes, it could make you money. But it adds to their quality of life.. Share it and don’t be shy! Come from a place of service, not selling.
3. Promotional Tactics for getting ‘Bums in Seats’
- Constantly be promoting. It is not your customer’s job to find out when your workshops are. It is your job to let the customer know what is going on.
- Post pictures of mock ups on social media. Don’t be afraid to show mistakes, people love that.
- Regularly post or run an ad on social media about the workshop.
- Print out paper fliers to put in shopping bags at check out.
- Include testimonials and pictures from previous workshops.
- Go live on Facebook and let people know how excited you are.
- Do a good old press release in the news paper.
- Make sure you include information in your regular emails.
- Use free demos in store during peak hours to promote the upcoming workshop.
- During your workshop, talk about the next workshop coming up.
Remember, If you don’t ask, you won’t get. Don’t be shy about promoting you workshops because you are providing a service to your customers. Make it exciting and fun for them and it won’t feel like selling.
Let’s Dive Deeper into Creating Profitable Workshops
There’s so much more that goes into planning profitable and sold-out workshops and classes. I have gathered and ordered my years of experience planning, hosting and running thousands of workshops into a 3-part training series called: DIY Workshops for Retailers.
This is everything I know about how to plan & run popular, workshops and classes that sell out, get you clients, and earn extra revenue for your shop … this quick on demand course is going to make all the difference in your business’ revenue! It’s all my shortcuts and best practices plus done-for-you templates and costing sheets. Click here to learn more about my Workshop Series.
Thanks for popping in! If you want to catch next week’s article about creative retail business, make sure you get on my email list here.
If you have any questions about DIY workshops, Please connect with me on Instagram: @frontporchmercantile or Facebook: @WendyBattenPaintpreneur and ask away! I love helping & meeting creative retailers!
Xo, Wendy
by wendy
Would you like to learn how to serve your customers better?
Would you like to sit down and get advice from the leading creative DIY industry experts and
from retailers just rocking it?
How freaking awesome would that be?
Well, my friends, I can’t get you a sit-down today, but I can get you advice and strategies from
some of the leading experts in our world. That’s right.
Click right here to get it!
Want to get advice from Miss Mustard Seed herself?
You’ve got it.
Want advice from retailers who have figured out how to run successful paint and creative brick
and mortar businesses already?
Here you go.
Wish you could get advice from the head of major DIY Paint brands?
I have them here for you too.
When I first started out in the creative brick and mortar business I felt like I had to learn
everything on my own. I wished there was someone who would give me some advice so I
didn’t have to reinvent the wheel and could see what worked and didn’t.
So, I asked some of the leading peeps in our DIY experts world for their best strategies and
advice for promoting, selling and making sales in your brick and mortar retail store, and they all
said yes and shared some great advice.
Just click here to grab your copy of the Paintpreneur Sucess Guide and when you’re done, let me know what YOUR favorite
tip was.
It will help you grow your sales and serve your customers better.
Here’s to your Paintpreneur success, remember, you don’t have to do it alone.
xo
Wendy
Ps, if you haven’t joined already, you can get more help with your paint and creative brick and
mortar business in my FREE Rockstar Creatives Facebook Group, see you in there.
PIN ME
SaveSaveSaveSave
SaveSaveSaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSave
