Although everything seems to be going virtual lately, and you might be one of the many people in the retail industry wondering just what the future is going to look like for businesses, one thing cannot be denied: people still like to go out and shop.
The key to attracting more customers to your nursery lies with making your business more attractive. It should be easily identifiable, easy to find, and easy to differentiate from other, similar businesses. While online business is most certainly enjoying a moment, and is still something you should consider if you have not already, the brick and mortar shops are not exactly going out of style, no matter what you might be hearing.
This is because while online shopping does have its benefits and is naturally not only convenient but also safer during this unusual times, for the most part customers still like to touch what it is they are buying. Actually seeing and touching a product not only helps to encourage a sale, but it also goes a long way towards building trust. When buying online, many people are unsure they are making the right choice. As they can’t hold the product, they can’t be certain that what they are buying is the kind of quality they are looking for.
Nurseries in particular can be impacted by this instinct as customers buying plants generally prefer to come to the nursery and select the plant they want.
As a nursery owner, you will want to do everything you can to attract new customers while reminding your existing customers that you are still open for business. And in this blog, we’re going to share a few tips for you to use to do just that.
10 ways to attract new customers
Create a web store
An odd first tip for sure, but there is a good reason this one is first. We can’t deny the power of the web and its ability to drive business. So instead of working against this method, it is better to work with it. By creating a web store but encouraging clients to pick up items in store, you are experiencing the best of both worlds. New customers can find you online, shop online and then come into your store, which will give them a great introduction to what you do, while also giving them the opportunity to explore more of what you offer.
Use Search Engine Optimisation
These days, just about everyone is looking online for all sorts of products, including plants. If you have a website for marketing purposes, you should consider implementing search engine optimisation, so that new customers can easily find you online. Once they have found you, they will know where your nursery is, and in turn, they will be able to come to your shop.
Host an event
It could be a small event for gardening enthusiasts or a way to introduce a new selection of plants, but regardless of what your event theme is, hosting an event is a fantastic way to attract new customers to your shop.
Make your nursery attractive
Working on the outside of your nursery as well as on the inside is a great way to attract new people. For the most part, if a store doesn’t have visual appeal, customers are unlikely to be keen on coming in, as they will be judging your nursery by is cover so to speak. Spruce up the outside with some new paint, signage and anything else that looks inviting and tells people more about your nursery. You could even add a few pots and pot plants.
Create a lounge/café
Any reason you can give to encourage people to visit and stay around longer is a great way to attract new faces. Consider adding a café or a lounge area, complete with Wi-Fi and some relaxing music, and you are sure to encourage people to visit your shop and even give you more support.
Put some of your plants outside
To a large extent nurseries are open air spaces, so people won’t mind being in your shop. But if you are more closed in than other nurseries, or if you want to cater to those who are minimising their shop experience, you can always place some of your products on sale outside of the shop. This way people are attracted to your nursery and can buy some of your items without entering. To make the most of this tip, display your best sellers and those items that you have on discount.
Create a store personality
This is a creative way of making your shop unique while also making the shopping experience something that people won’t forget. Ideally, you should always want your nursery to be unlike any other and the best way to do this is to create a shop personality. Adding funky décor that is unique to you, playing some relaxing music, and paying extra attention to lighting can all contribute to giving your shop a character of its own. This in itself can attract customers, especially if you carry that personality over to your social media.
Make things easy for customers
Top notch customer service and an easy shopping experience, can all be immensely helpful if you want to attract people and then get them to continue to support you. Make sure that your nursery is well labelled and easy to navigate and make sure that your customers can ask for help if they need it.
But don’t hover around
While your customers should be able to get help if they need it, you and your staff should never hang around them to the point that they feel uncomfortable. Some customers like to browse around and find the product they are looking for on their own, and they should be left to do that, because often they will find something else they need or like that they would not have found if they were ushered to the product they came for by one of your helpful staff.
Social media giveaway
Nothing quite grabs attention and attracts new customers like a giveaway and with social media giveaways are easier than ever before. And not only does this technique encourage new customers to support your nursery, but it is also a great way to grow your social media following.
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