While physical and digital shops are very common in B2C operations, it’s a very relevant (and underused) strategy for B2B sales as well. You can quickly and easily communicate your brand and product, potentially scoring you a whole host of new customers. Whether you set up in a physical location or online, the following tips should help you create an unforgettable shop and take your business to the next level.
1. Know What Your Goals Are
Before you create your shop, whether in a permanent space, temporary pop-up, or entirely online, it’s important to know what your goals are. This will help give you a focus and increase the chances of success. Are you testing out product ideas, looking to expand your customer base, or launching something new for your existing customers? Whatever it is, knowing your why is the first step to creating an unforgettable shop.
2. Location, Location, Location
Once you’ve figured out what your goals are with your store, you should be well equipped to decide on your shop’s location. Where you set it up goes a long way to how popular and successful a store is. Will, you set up an e-commerce store to push your product, or set up a pop-up location inside another store that compliments your product? With physical locations, location is even more important. And don’t be afraid to get creative – it’s key when crafting a store that will be remembered a long time after your customer has gone home.
3. Pay Attention to the Design and Aesthetic
From online stores to physical locations, successful stores all have one thing in common – killer design and aesthetic. To get it right for your shop, do your research by visiting similar stores and really think about your customer base. Would they appreciate a sleek minimalist look or zany colors that really make your store pop? What is suitable for your product? A shop’s design can be the deciding factor between ordinary and unforgettable.
4. Get the Legalities and Insurance Sorted Out
To ensure your shop won’t fade into your own memories, make sure you’ve done all the legal leg work and gotten yourself insurance. With everything above board, you won’t get any nasty surprises from the authorities challenging your store. And with insurance, like NRMA public liability insurance for businesses, if a customer injures themselves in your shop, you’re covered if it comes to paying any legal or medical fees. With peace of mind about your shop’s security, you’re also free to continue to implement innovative ways to help you stand out.
5. Embrace Technology
For an unforgettable experience in-store, embracing technology is just good business. It could be as simple as providing free Wi-Fi or as advanced as investing in your very own VR headset to showcase your product. For online stores, why not adopt the latest in payment methods? Whatever you do, buyers today are looking for convenience. Embracing the latest in technology helps your shop stand out above the rest.
6. Create a Unique Experience
Crafting a unique experience that customers will have in your shop can really help to leave a lasting impression. It’s another opportunity to get creative as well. For physical stores, one of the most popular ideas has been to have a feature wall with a hashtag that customers take photos in front of or the use of VR headsets like mentioned above. Online shops are harder, but not impossible. Immersive videos and fun checkout processes are just a few ideas that can really help your store grow.
7. Stay Connected and Follow Up on Promises
Nowadays, customer service goes beyond the meet and greet in-store. Staying connected with your customer base is a great way to curate your shop’s image. Use social media and follow up any queries with friendly communication that’s on-brand. And once you’re connected with your customers, it’s much easier to keep your shop and product at the front of their minds.
8. Keep Reinventing Your Shop
Once you’ve established your shop, never be afraid to reinvent it into something new. In fact, a part of your store that is constantly changing could even be a feature that helps make it unforgettable. Imagine a wall in your store that changes weekly, like the release of a magazine, that keeps customers engaged and interested, and more importantly, gets them talking.
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