Here are 10 examples of incentives that a business can offer to encourage participation in a shop local campaign:
This is your key.
- Discounts for Locals: Offer a percentage discount or dollar-off incentive specifically for local residents. This can be a one-time offer or a recurring “locals-only” discount day.
- Loyalty Programs: Create a loyalty program where customers earn points or rewards for each purchase. After a certain number of purchases, they can redeem rewards such as free products, services, or discounts.
- Exclusive Local Events: Host special events like VIP shopping nights, local tastings, or workshops exclusively for locals who shop at your business.
- Referral Bonuses: Encourage locals to refer friends and family by offering discounts or free items when they bring new customers into the store.
- Buy-One-Get-One (BOGO) Offers: Offer a buy-one-get-one-free or discounted deal to encourage more frequent shopping and higher sales volume.
- Gift Card Promotions: Provide an incentive for purchasing gift cards, such as offering a free $10 gift card when a customer buys a $50 gift card. This encourages repeat visits.
- Seasonal or Holiday Discounts: Run limited-time promotions tied to local holidays, seasons, or community events, providing locals with a reason to support your business during those times.
- Free Local Delivery or Curbside Pickup: For businesses with products, offering free delivery or curbside pickup for local residents can make shopping more convenient and appealing.
- Collaborative Promotions: Partner with other local businesses to create joint promotions, such as a discount at one store when customers show a receipt from another participating local business.
- Charity Tie-In: Offer to donate a portion of sales to a local charity or cause. Customers will feel good knowing that their purchase is supporting both the local economy and a local cause.
These incentives can effectively boost engagement in a shop local campaign, creating a win-win for both the business and the community.
If you can actually create an offer that interests and motivates shoppers, then their buying or shopping patterns can be influenced.
How are you going to reach Residents to download the Rewards App?
Your hook is the reason people will want to have the App. Every 2 for 1 offer, every BOGO, every discount – if the Residents hear about the value offered, there is no doubt their curiosity and want for savings will entice them to download the Rewards App.
As you can see we also have additional reasons to download the App. Our Community Calendar is another. The Deals that are short term will get them checking in often. The QR Coupons from local businesses. And of course our Community Chat is another. But probably, the best reason Residents will want to download the App, is a desire to “Shop Local” while saving a buck!
And how are we going to make Residents aware of the Rewards App?
- An aggressive Social Media strategy, with strong call to action plan.
- Not just when we release, but ongoing.
- Signage/Posters for local participating businesses.
- Multiple and ongoing media promotions
- Initial Offering will have downloads for free.
- Word Of Mouth – the best referral there is in the promotion game.
Don’t know what to offer?
There are some businesses that don’t easily have a 2for1 or coupon that might be exciting. Maybe just the price point becomes a sticky issue. Our TEAM has developed a number of promotional opportunities within our Rewards App.
A fully developed annual strategy calendar with your business in mind is first. Is your product or service seasonal? Then in advance of the season, that’s when your business category is promoted. For an Auto Mechanic for example, there isn’t much for every day deals that will drive traffic, but promoting AC re-charging before the summer, or tire changes in the winter and spring are a good start.
Then there’s the big contest. Our TEAM has a number of contests perfect to build brand, name, and service recognition for those who don’t quite have the regular opportunity to have walk in traffic.
What do these extra services cost?
First off, we are doing all of these anyways. Why? Because the success you have, anything more than just covering cost, is a must. Because most of these are work not cost driven projects, this come with the job. So, other than a big prize, your cost to participate in the “extras” is a grocery gift certificate. Denominations starting at $25. Gift Certificates from a grocery store, a butcher, a baker, – if it is groceries someone can take home and cook or eat later – that’s what we are looking for. Yes, you can substitute cash, but that is where the cash is going.
Second, we will have announcements and discussions online on a fairly regular basis. We aren’t doing extra. We already have this as part of our process. No extra time. No extra cost. This is just part of the service.