Congratulations on Your Upcoming Grand Opening!
Soon, people will be lining up at the door of your business, eager to hand over their cash. But only if you have effective and impactful marketing strategies in place ahead of your grand opening.
If you’re feeling unprepared and panicked because you haven’t put together a marketing plan, don’t worry – you still have 6-10 weeks before your big day. Here are some strategies I’ve observed successful businesses use to nail their grand openings:
Find the Right Influencers
When you think of “influencers,” you might picture social media stars with millions of followers. But for a local business launch, you’ll want to focus on more targeted, local influencers.
For example, if you’re opening a restaurant, look for local food reviewers, Yelp elites, or social media personalities who are active in your community’s dining scene. Reach out to them and see if they’d be interested in featuring your new business.
Another type of influencer could be owners of complementary businesses. If you’re opening a hair salon, connect with nearby wellness businesses like nail salons, massage therapists, or fitness studios. You can cross-promote to each other’s audiences (without stepping on each other’s toes.)
Leverage Your Social Media
Even if social media marketing isn’t your forte, it’s crucial to have an active presence on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok leading up to your grand opening.
Use these channels to build anticipation and collect email signups. Offer discounts, contests, or other incentives for people who sign up for your email list before you open. This allows you to start nurturing a customer base right away.
Be sure to post consistently, share behind-the-scenes updates, and encourage engagement through comments and user-generated content.
Use Robotic Handwritten Direct Mail
In an increasingly digital world, personalized handwritten cards can be a powerful marketing tool. Consider using a “handwriting robot” service to send custom cards to prospects in your local area.
These cards can serve multiple purposes – drumming up initial interest, following up with grand opening attendees, or nurturing leads over time.
The personal touch helps your business stand out.
In Conclusion
Marketing should be a top priority as you prepare for your grand opening. By finding the right influencers, leveraging social media, and utilizing handwritten direct mail, you can generate excitement and build a customer base before your doors even open.
Need help implementing these strategies? I’d be happy to offer a free consultation to see if we’d be a good fit to support your grand opening marketing efforts.