What can I do besides radio, news, and word of mouth advertising to bring more people in to my shop?

I agree with another member, EVERYONE is Online now and actually watering down it's effectiveness. A business needs to show effectively how its DIFFERENT and unique. In the mix should be Branding. Use tools that position you as the local expert in your market - ie. free articles, content, tips - being published gives you a credential (to use in all your marketing material) and builds trust in the Influencer-referral community. Investing in Targeted advertising/marketing with relevant, informational content will drive customers to your website and is a smart way to grow your brand/services.

I see that many have recommended social media and that is certainly a relevant form of advertising. Beyond that, local networking groups can be very helpful (get involved with your local Chamber of Commerce, business networking groups, etc.). I would also recommend holding events, either alone or in conjunction with other vendors, that would be be willing to partner with you.

To be absolutely transparent there is no ONE single way to bring in clients. It is more of a blending of efforts and consistency. It takes time to build and create something that is going to grow at a steady pace. Facebook and Instagram would be your best social due to the fact that people like to be out there and see happy situations and/or celebration.

As others have said, social media. I've tripled my business by boosting posts on FaceBook. I've had fantastic results investing just $20/month in boosting a post that describes my services. It has been the most effective and cost effective method of bringing in business. I'm expanding to other social media as well.

To share more info on how I use Facebook, I boost posts. So, on my business page, I select a create a post and add text regarding the services my business offers and post it to the FB page. Then I select "Boost" and a FB dialog page comes up. I usually boost my post for $20 for 14 days. You select the geographical area and appropriate age range. FB then inserts your post as an "ad" into other people's FB feed. You see these ads in your FB feed all the time.

Research would be the best thing you can do.

Research your ideal client.
Research where to find more of them that fit the profile.
Research the message they need to hear to take action.
Research how to 'close the sale', whether online or offline
Research the media that will put your message in front of them.

To date, it sounds like you have been guessing. Wasting money and not getting results.

You can continue to do that by guessing about more different media, from TV to social.

Or you can research to find what works and then put your money into that.

Mark

Hi Darcell, 

I would suggest reaching out and partnering with other people in your industry, photographer, event planner, reception halls, jewellers, caterers etc. where you all can refer each other and or work together with the same client and create a special all in one package or something. 

 I am a publisher of an exclusive private magazine for affluent neighbourhoods, I can connect you with a publisher in your area, this way you can also target high-end neighbourhoods in your area and get the word out to the local families. (we have publishers across North America)
 

Host an event of some sort, fashion show, trunk show, etc...partner with other local businesses, florists, event planners, photographers, etc...then use your social media to get word out!

Hi Darcell, I have found that relationships are key -- a similar form of word of mouth, but in the category of business relationships, much like alignable. To get people in the door, we use events, both the ones we create and ones we sponsor. We created a Regency Romance Ball, and we get rentals and attention through that sponsorship. I think radio, print, and other ad stuff is part of the past. It has not worked for my business either, though in the past it did have some traction. Online is it, but since EVERYONE is online, it is making your business different. I would capitalize on your existing customers. Ask for referrals. Give discounts to events. Send thank you's for referrals given. Remember what makes you remarkable and go from there. Best of luck!

Have you tried events...either at your location or participating in local tradeshows, bridal expos or fashion shows where you are able to interact with your target audience in person and show firsthand how you differentiate from competitors (superior product, quality, service, etc)? Another possibility is to work with local news outlets to have them feature you versus paying for advertising. Just make sure to pitch ideas that they can tie-in with local events. An example might be to do a What's Hot for Prom fashion show for a local morning news program in May. Or, if it's still wintery and blustery in your neck of the woods like here in Illinois, maybe a How to Select the Perfect Ensemble for a Destination Wedding article for a local newspaper or interview on the radio.

Target your demographic audience better. What is your target age group? Do you offer something other boutiques don't have, what is YOUR advantage over your competition? Do they attend regional Wedding Shows and should you have a booth there? Can you offer something at those shows to 'change the conversation?' I print tee shirts and when asked about a job I want and they need artwork I offer a quick free design. Now they are talking with me how to change the design to what they want. The conversation has been changed to how do I get them the artwork they want? Now they are engaged. ~another thought: Do you cater to a gay demographic? If so, offer a two-for deal, two wedding dresses or a dress & Tux deal. Just a thought. Good luck and always think outside 'the box.'