8 Marketing Tips for Your Franchise Business
By: Jane Hurst
Tags: Franchising, Franchise, Small Business, Marketing

You have successfully purchased a franchise and are looking for ways to expand your business and bring in new customers. Most franchises have marketing and public relations off site and built in, however you can also do things to create more buzz and business at your franchise. One great way to build a larger customer base is to market your franchise. Here are eight marketing tips for your franchise business.

Online

Make sure you set up online accounts throughout the internet. You will want social media accounts along with Yelp and other accounts. Make sure your information is correct and there are ways for customers to provide feedback. Highlight specials and good deals monthly or weekly on your social media accounts to keep them fresh and appealing to customers.

Blog

Set up a daily or weekly blog to highlight your business. Talk about what you do and your employees. Make sure your customers know what you have to offer them and tell them why they should stop by your business. You can link to articles that coincide with what you are selling. Also posting pictures of your business and employees will help make your business more accessible to potential customers.

Press releases

Write up press releases bi-weekly or monthly highlighting specials, classes, sales, and other interesting things your business is doing. Send them to local newspapers to get free publicity. Start with local papers and expand as your business gets bigger.

Tie ins

Use information from other sources to market your franchise. The Arthur Murray Dance Studio of South Jacksonville uses articles about hustle dance. This promotes their business in a positive light and encourages people of all ages to come in and take a class. Tying in outside resources will help boost your marketing range and potential customers.

Chamber of Commerce

Join your local chamber of commerce. This will help you get to know other local business owners and help your franchise to be recognized as a viable business in your town. Most chamber of commerces will advertise and promote the businesses that have joined in many exciting ways.

Sales

Offer customers sales on your items. You can offer buy one get one free, discounted items, and percentage off retail sales. Offering sales will draw your regular customers as well as potential new customers into your business. You do not have to break the bank. Offer a 10% coupon in your local paper, or give seniors a 10% discount on Wednesday’s. These are easy ways to draw a crowd into your business.

Community Service

Have your employees and you participate in community service events. You can pick up trash along the roads in your community or help paint houses or fire hydrants while wearing your company logo. The local people will appreciate your efforts and will tie your business to helpfulness in the community. Strong community ties will help promote your franchise.

Sponsor events

Organize a town concert, dance, or marathon. You can sponsor the event and offer small free giveaways at the event. Make up tents, shirts, and banners with your company name and logo that will be displayed around town. The community will appreciate the fun time and will associate your franchise with a good time. If sponsoring an event will cost too much, go together with a few other local businesses or talk to the chamber of commerce president and let them know what you want to do. Your corporate office may be able to assist with some of the giveaways and promotional material. Let the community know that you are a fun place to visit and you care about your customers.