Small business & Spring Break 2013 will have to merge on the streets this year if either wants to survive.
While many will venture to beaches and resorts to spend their time away from books and classes, small businesses will need to find a way to go beyond the storefront and get involved with consumers. Being social is not just an idea anymore: It's a way of life.
And while many will still be able to grab consumers off the streets with their products, others will need to make initial contact out in the public arena. The following three ideas should be considered by every small business owner looking to cash in this year:
- Money will be tight, so it's time for some deals. According to an Associated Press report, the Labor Department released data that indicated unemployment rates increased in 25 U.S. states in January from December. The unemployment rate in the country stands at 7.9 percent as of January 2013. Small businesses will need to consider products they can sell that are affordable to make or swing deals on and how long they can afford to do so.
- Focus on the vision of Spring Break 2013: Switch the product lineup. Consumers on Spring Break are not just shopping for the home: They're shopping for memories. Display memorabilia that mentions the location. An added bonus would be products focusing on Spring Break 2013.
- Be mobile: In a digital world, it's a shame so many small businesses lose out on so many customers because they can't engage them beyond the storefront. There are several mobile payment options available to bring the gap between you working in the store, or on the beach. The top three: Square, PayPal Here , and Intuit GoPayment have been in circulation for awhile so customers would know about these options.
- By all means, get social: Small businesses who don't have a Facebook page and a Twitter page beyond their website are practically invisible to social media. If you're not being 'liked' or 'tweeted' then the only method of advertising you have is word of mouth. This is based on hopes that people will pass the word about whatever service your providing during Spring Break 2013. Set up a Facebook page, figure out what you're going to offer, and pay the money to advertise on the social media giant. Tweet what's going on in your area and use the proper hashtags to localize what you're doing.
While some of these ideas may seem obvious to the experienced retailer, it's good to bring things into perspective when seasonal events such as these occur. There's money to be made, and there's a way to do it.
Comments