You’ve been working up to this moment for years, planning for it for months, and not sleeping for days…But you’re still wondering, “is your new commercial space ready to welcome customers?” Opening day is the one chance your new business has to make a first impression, it’s crucial that everything be impeccable.
To help you prepare for a successful first day of activity, we have put together a comprehensive guide. Before opening the doors of your new business, these are the key marketing and promotional, as well as organizational and cleaning measures to cross off your list.
Marketing & Promotions Tips for Opening Day Success
Nobody will come to the event if they don’t know about it. Here is what you can do to build buzz and ensure that the first day of business is not a flop.
Send a Press Release
Once you have a plan about the details and activities for your opening day event, type up a quick description. Include the location, date, time, and contact information of the person organizing the event. This constitutes a press release and it can be sent to local newspapers, radio stations, TV news outlets, and blogs written consumers in your area. Be sure to share it with any local business partners, affiliates, suppliers, professional organizations, and non-profits already in your network.
Distributing a press release is an easy way to start spreading the word in your community. Send it out about 10 days before opening day and follow up with an email or call a couple of days prior.
Utilize Social Media
There’s no getting around it. In today’s business world, a strong online presence is important. The majority of your customers are online and that is where they get information, recommendations, and find the products and services they demand.
So, set up a Facebook business page and maybe one other social profile that makes sense for your activity about one month in advance. Include contact information, location, and details about products and services that will be available. Users love pictures; using images and logos on the profile and in posts is a good way to attract more attention. Set the accounts up in a way that will notify you when prospective customers send messages or post questions to the page. Clearly, these social media pages are another place where you should post the details about opening day festivities.
Plan for Attractive Extras
The best way to create a buzz about your new business is to give people a reason to talk about it. For the actual opening-day event, attract community members, neighboring businesses, and passersby by planning special activities or giveaways. Some ideas include a ribbon-cutting ceremony or handing out free t-shirts, handy merchandise with your logo, coupons, and free refreshments.
If your budget allows you to go the extra mile, think about inviting a band, hiring an entertainer for kids, or offering discounted services for the day. Customers love free stuff and it’s a great way to start building a positive relationship and attract more attention. This may also be a great opportunity to collaborate with another relevant local business by promoting their products and services at your event. Just remember to keep the attractions in line with your type of business.
Collect Contact Information
Opening day is the first contact you have with prospective customers. Ask visitors to write down their contact information so that you can continue that relationship. In the future, you can send them your newsletter, information about sales and promotions, and an invitation to join the customer loyalty program. Staying in contact with customers is a smart way to keep your company top-of-mind and encourage on-going business.
Setting Up for Opening Day Success
Now that you have a plan for how to communicate with potential clientele before and after the first day of business, it’s time to think about preparing the space.
Pay Attention to the Details
Walk through your office and retail space at different times of day. Try to put yourself in a new customer’s shoes. Consider the lighting and if it’s easy to see the merchandise, showroom, displays, and other areas. Ask yourself if things are displayed clearly or if they require better signage. Think about the layout and if it facilitates not only your business operations, but also the customer’s movement through the space. Doing a walk-through prior to opening day will help you adjust the small details which can really count in building a successful activity.
Commercial Cleaning
When you open the doors to the public, your retail or customer-facing space should shine. But with all the other planning, promoting, networking and micro-management involved, you don’t have time to dedicate to cleaning. Anyway, it’s a good idea to get set up with a commercial cleaning service in your area before opening for business.
Exterior Power Washing
Curb appeal doesn’t just apply to residential properties. New businesses need to attract new customers and visitors who are just curious about your products and services. The commercial space should be inviting from the first glance. Before posting “Grand Opening” signs, call in the power washing services to ensure the parking lot, sidewalk, pavers and retaining walls look clean and well-maintained.
Decorate
Last, but not least, decorate the exterior of the building to grab everyone’s attention. Car dealerships are a great example; they frequently put out balloons and inflatables just to catch drivers’ eyes. With some attractive decorations, it’s easy to let everyone know that a great new business has just opened its doors.
Find out How Your Business Could Benefit from Power Washing Services.
Power Washing Services for Commercial Success
We want to help your company succeed. Trotta’s commercial power washing services take some of the tasks off your to-do list and help you keep your business looking great. Find out more about what we can do for you by calling (330) 940-3705 or requesting a free quote.
