Owning a franchise may seem easier than starting a business from the ground up, but it can be challenging to attract your own customers after you launch. Although the franchise may be part of a more well-known name, every franchise still has to develop its own reputation. In fact, some franchises can actually struggle to compete with other franchises nearby. To make sure your franchise gets off to a strong start, here are six marketing tips for franchise owners to attract customers to a new business.
1- Make a Unique Social Media Account
Create a franchise profile for your location. The best way to do this is by using your franchise name plus its location. Not only does this immediately distinguish your franchise online, but it also helps optimize your page for social media and search engines.
On this profile, you should promote the franchise for its key benefits. Maybe you have a fantastic location with great views, or you’ve got a convenient drive-thru. Perhaps you’re in the fitness industry and have awesome instructors or great sign-up specials.
You can really get creative on social media and use your page to make your franchise stand out. Don’t think this is just about attracting leads; interested people may very well look up your franchise on social media before making a purchase, so you want to make sure it creates a good impression.
2- Optimize for Local Search
Franchises with a national presence may make the mistake of not homing in on local demographics. However, your franchise only serves people in a set geographic region. This means you need to boost those search results for customers in the area! Make sure that your website is catered to people who live locally. You should use local-focused keywords, e.g. “in [city]”, focus on using location descriptions, and know your local demographic and optimize for their search queries
3- Use Google My Business
Your Google Business Profile (GBP) will play a huge role in helping local leads find your business online. Make sure that you optimize your profile with relevant data and information, as well as posts. You should also encourage customers to leave positive reviews. A simple, “Share your feedback with us!” on a receipt or in an email can encourage them to reach out. And if your business is in the nature of personal sales, use your rapport to encourage customers to leave feedback on Google.
4- Optimize Signage
You want to grab people’s attention as a new franchise, so do whatever you can to make your storefront stand out. This could be new signs, balloons, and “Grand Opening” announcements that immediately capture people’s attention.
5- Offer Exclusive Discounts and Special Offers
A surefire way to attract new customers to any business is to offer them an exclusive deal. Discounts, sign-up bonuses, and special offers all work well here. You may need to advertise this directly outside your store because as a new franchise, social media engagement will be low.
6- Create a Content Marketing Plan
Content marketing allows you to highlight your brand’s value beyond its immediate offerings. It helps position you as an industry expert, drive traffic online, and increase leads. Consider developing a content plan for your social media profiles and blog to increase online visibility and attract more customers to your business.