Whether you have recently relocated your business or opened a brand new one, a grand opening is a great way to announce your arrival to the public and potential customers. However, the event requires proper advance planning, networking, and advertising to ensure it is a success and generates future revenue for your business. Read on for helpful tips to effectively plan an incredible grand opening to bring attention and new customers to your front doors.
Craft the guest list
Besides potential customers, there may be several influential people that you'd like to attend your event. Well-known community members at your grand opening will increase attention for your business, so be sure to send their invitations at least several weeks in advance.
Some important people to consider inviting include:
- The mayor
- City council members
- Chamber of Commerce officials
- Local business association members
- Local business officials
- The press
Send out press releases
Having the press attend your party is the best way to inform the public about your new business and acquire new customers. Draft a press release including all the pertinent details of the opening, including the date, time, and included events (giveaways, ribbon-cutting, and balloon-launch). Be sure to include a thorough description of your business as well. If you are not a savvy writer, hire a PR firm to handle the task for you. They will effectively distribute the release for you as well.
You can also send an email blast to news sources with your release to get the word out, or subscribe to a wire service to distribute the release.
Advertise
Getting the word out about your grand opening event is essential for a significant turn out. Allot some funds from your marketing budget to purchase paid newspaper, radio or social media ads to inform the public about your grand opening. Consider targeting your business' intended audience-for example, if you are opening a sporting goods store, keep your potential customers in mind when choosing a radio station to air your commercials or selecting a demographic when targeting your Facebook ads.
Make sure to mention any special giveaways or promotions you're offering when advertising your grand opening.
Plan the party
Once you get the guests to attend, make it a party to remember! Keep the party's theme consistent with the nature of your business, and offer demonstrations or samples of your product or service to attendees. For example, if you are a beauty supply store, offering free hand cream samples or facials can be an effective tactic to draw customers in and keep them returning. You can also offer a special discount for products purchased on the day of the grand opening.
Giveaways, door prizes, and refreshments are also essential to draw in guests and ensure they have an enjoyable experience. Additionally, a ribbon-cutting or balloon-launch event are attention-grabbing tactics to announce your business's arrival in a festive way.
Offer incentives for return
After customers attend your grand opening, you want them to keep coming back! Hand out coupons for discounts on purchases or services for their next visit. Loyalty programs--such as a stamp-card that rewards customers with a free product or service after 10 paid ones--are particularly effective because they encourage the customer to come back repeatedly over an extended period of time. Remember, garnering repeat patrons is a surefire way to ensure your business success and longevity.