Even though more and more businesses are migrating online, brick-and-mortar stores aren’t going anywhere soon. In fact, Australian business owners are constantly on the lookout for innovative ideas on how to boost their business’ curb appeal.
Sweep in front of the store
This might seem like an obvious tip but you’re be surprised by the number of storeowners who fail to sweep the street in front of their store. In some countries (not Australia, though) this is mandatory by law but even if it wasn’t, you don’t want shoppers jumping over trash to get inside your store.
While your staff has brooms in their hands, have them sweep the parking lot in the back as well. Also, garbage bins should be emptied regularly for sanitary purposes, if nothing else. The sidewalk in front of the store might not be your property but you should tidy it up regardless.
Repaint the lines on the parking lot
Having mentioned the parking lot, it should be spotless but not solely in terms of cleanliness. Namely, faint lines on the asphalt send a bad image about your business. Repaint the lines, so they look fresh all the time.
Furthermore, if there are any cracks in the concrete or potholes, they should all be repaired as soon as possible. Not only does a neglected parking lot leave a poor impression on shoppers but it is a liability (if a customer damages the rims on their car or pops a tire).
Plantlife is welcoming
The reason why plants are ideal for a business is that they convey a clear message to buyers: we care. Since plants need constant attention to remain verdant, shoppers know they are dealing with a commented team of people who run your business.
You can place plants both on the sidewalk right next to the entrance so they can be kept inside the window. In New South Wales, potted plants can remain outside for the whole year. Fake plants are the alternative but keep in mind they are far less appealing.
Recoat the roof
Busy with cleaning the shop window and sweeping in front of the store, store managers often forget to look up and see the state their roof is in. This is not significant in taller structures but if you run a ground-level store, then the slanted roof will be the first thing customers notice.
We all know that Australian summers are punishing, so roofs need constant recoating. Luckily, roof painting in Sydney is widely available and affordable, so a new coat of paint should be high (pun intended) on your list of priorities.
Bring out the goods
One of the oldest tricks in the book is to display goods outside the store. Again, you should check the legality of this but in most cases, it is perfectly OK to put items outside, counting on the fact that most people are prone to impulse buying.
However, you shouldn’t put just anything outside. Items on a clearance sale are suitable while the new collection should be kept indoors, close to the entrance. Furthermore, don’t place too many products outside, as they should only represent samples, not the entire assortment.
Everybody loves freebies
Another neat way in which you can get passersby interested in your offer is to give out freebies. There is hardly a person who would refuse a complimentary glass of juice or a free pen, so play this innate inquisitiveness to your advantage.
All of the freebies you give away should be branded, bearing the logo and the name of your company. Also, have the employees hand out flyers as well, where prospective customers can get better informed about the sales or opening hours.
Do you need a new front door?
Besides the roof (or better to say, under the roof), the front door makes up the most of a business’s curb appeal. However, business owners often live in denial when it comes to the state of their front door.
A wooden door with paint chipping off is just as bad as an automated glass door that keeps jamming. Don’t postpone door repairs or replacement, as a door in poor condition can ruin your curb appeal.
Signs customers cannot miss
Store signs are the most obvious way in which you can draw in customers. However, managers are often too busy designing the homepage of the company website that they forget the importance of visible signage.
It often happens that the sign for a particular store is too small, making it hard to discern from the street. Add to that the fact that it doesn’t light up at night and you get a disastrous example of offline marketing. Large, easy to read and shiny signage is a must for every brick and mortar store.
From erecting visible signage to repainting the roof, the 8 tips listed above are straightforward and cheap to implement. Boosting curb appeal is easier for a business than for an Australian household, as the advertising industry is centuries old, so there are plenty of offline marketing strategies to choose from.