Looking for advice on our first store front
Hey guys & gals,
So to preface this a bit, I am part owner of a small business that specializes in unique gift items. Mostly we do glassware items that we hand paint with any design. We also hand pour scented candles of all types and varieties. Most of our products are hand made by us but we do carry some merchandised items as well.
We started 3 years ago in a small flea market and have built up to a small store front in the past month. I'm looking for some advice, guidance, thoughts on where to go from here.
What we currently have:
We have a website which is based on Zen Cart and has been working well for the past year. No issues really to say but I am thinking of updating to WP mainly for the flexibility of it compared to ZC. Also the blog feature would be nice but also have debated on just adding a blog to the current site. Either way I do plan to update the site soon. (Site if your interested is www dot eccolights dot com).
What we are planning on doing:
In the local area we are in, we just launched a print ad in the "local" paper that will run 3 months. First is a "grand opening / new candle - gift shop in town" type add, just focusing on who we are and what we do. Also has a $5 off a $25 purchase coupon attached. I plan for next month to focus on Valentines and then February I'm still working on.
We have a Facebook page, Twitter, Linkedin, Tumblr, Pintrest, Etsy and a few others in which I promote / sell on. I do run Craigslist ads here and there but should do more.
I'm working a few community events that will take place in our parking lot (it's kinda big) and a few other things to "draw" people over to our place.
There are 3 school districts and over 5 churches within a 3 mile radius so I do plan on networking with them to do fund raisers or make donations of gifts to be sold off or whatever they want.
So from here, what am I possibly missing? Any ideas to market a candle / gift business to our local area?
I have also thought about doing a EDDM with a few other businesses or doing door hangers / flyers to the local homes. (FYI: Average income is 40k - 90k and age is 30 - 70 for this area).
Thanks for any advice, help or ideas you all may have!
So to preface this a bit, I am part owner of a small business that specializes in unique gift items. Mostly we do glassware items that we hand paint with any design. We also hand pour scented candles of all types and varieties. Most of our products are hand made by us but we do carry some merchandised items as well.
We started 3 years ago in a small flea market and have built up to a small store front in the past month. I'm looking for some advice, guidance, thoughts on where to go from here.
What we currently have:
We have a website which is based on Zen Cart and has been working well for the past year. No issues really to say but I am thinking of updating to WP mainly for the flexibility of it compared to ZC. Also the blog feature would be nice but also have debated on just adding a blog to the current site. Either way I do plan to update the site soon. (Site if your interested is www dot eccolights dot com).
What we are planning on doing:
In the local area we are in, we just launched a print ad in the "local" paper that will run 3 months. First is a "grand opening / new candle - gift shop in town" type add, just focusing on who we are and what we do. Also has a $5 off a $25 purchase coupon attached. I plan for next month to focus on Valentines and then February I'm still working on.
We have a Facebook page, Twitter, Linkedin, Tumblr, Pintrest, Etsy and a few others in which I promote / sell on. I do run Craigslist ads here and there but should do more.
I'm working a few community events that will take place in our parking lot (it's kinda big) and a few other things to "draw" people over to our place.
There are 3 school districts and over 5 churches within a 3 mile radius so I do plan on networking with them to do fund raisers or make donations of gifts to be sold off or whatever they want.
So from here, what am I possibly missing? Any ideas to market a candle / gift business to our local area?
I have also thought about doing a EDDM with a few other businesses or doing door hangers / flyers to the local homes. (FYI: Average income is 40k - 90k and age is 30 - 70 for this area).
Thanks for any advice, help or ideas you all may have!
-- Darren Rowse, Founder - Problogger
-- Darren Rowse, Founder - Problogger