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Your business’s grand opening is a very exciting — and important, and nerve-wracking — time. It’s vital to get it just right in order to set the best tone for your business going forward. Our experts have created a list of proven grand opening ideas for small businesses that will help you get the word out and host the best event possible.
Here’s a list of 23 grand opening ideas you can consider: 1. Host a class or how-to tutorial This idea may be particularly useful for businesses that provide services or teach athletic classes.
Our experts have created a list of proven grand opening ideas for small businesses that will help you get the word out and host the best event possible. Social media is one of the best ways to reach a large audience for your grand opening.
A grand opening is typically an event hosted by a new brick-and-mortar business to introduce itself to the community. But as more and more brands shifted to online, grand opening ideas evolved to fit the virtual realm.
How can grand openings be used?
If it is done very carefully then grand openings can be used as a more direct effort to generate leads and customers. For example, a giveaway that requires a like on Facebook can ensure future engagement is possible through digital platforms. Another example is offering discounts beyond the free food that are tied to the customer’s willingness to give an email address. This email address can be used for future marketing messages and efforts. Similarly a coupon for “x” percentage off for any purchase within 15 days can prompt customers to return in the near future.
It’s a time to have some fun and get involved with your community, as well as a critical part of your long term success for many small businesses.
One great way to ensure a successful grand opening is to co-opt local groups and organizations. These can be community groups, for profit organizations or even non-profits. The principle remains the same regardless of the type of organization or group you decide to co-opt.
The first and possibly the most important thing to keep in mind is the date of your grand opening. Nothing will lead to a disappointing grand opening faster than a scheduling conflict with a holiday, another major local event or even poor weather. While the weather is going to be variable right up until event time it takes just a little common sense to avoid major holidays, or travel days leading up to the holiday, and other major local events that happen annually. While in some cases you might be able to piggy back or benefit from such events usually it is best to schedule your event so that you are literally the only show in town.
Sticking to a budget and plan helps your event run more smoothly. Remember to build flexible time into your day’s schedule. Without a doubt something will go wrong or someone will show up late so while you want to plan your day far in advance make sure to keep it flexible to a certain degree.
Why do you host a grand opening?
Another reason to host a grand opening is to form lasting relationships in the industry. Customers are not the only people you should bond with. Local vendors are important, too.
Another idea is to start your business with a fancy dress-up theme. Decorate your bar and ask your staff to dress up in a fun and festive way to make the locals talk about your bar.
Online store grand opening ideas. E-commerce stores are a different beast compared to physical retail stores for the simple reason that they’re…online. But that doesn’t mean you should enter the new market quietly. Enter it with a bang! Your online store can also have a grand opening.
Restaurants generally tend to have a theme, so you should already be covered in that department. But you can still make your grand opening a bit more interesting with these ideas.
If you’re selling relatively cheap items, you can put together goody bags with samples and hand them out to anyone who pays you a visit on your grand opening day.
What to do on the day of a grand opening?
On the day of your grand opening, try to break a world record associated with your business. This is a great advertising point and a unique draw for your business that is sure to bring in plenty of observers (and maybe even participants).
1) Build Buzz With Social Media. Social media is one of the best ways to reach a large audience for your grand opening. Spread the word via mainstays like Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and Snapchat, but don’t forget local social media apps as well.
During your grand opening, discount some products or services by 50-, 60-, or 75-percent. This will entice guests to try your business and then keep coming back when they like what they see.
Organizing a publicity stunt is an effective way to create buzz about your grand opening both before it occurs and while it’s going on. Choreograph a flash mob or create a human billboard, for example.
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