Find your differentiation from the box stores: rental, service, design, custom construction, brands/quality offered? Are you selling to the consumer with a home office or are you selling to companies outfitting suites? Once you have defined your niche, stick to it and target those buyers through social media, PR, open houses, speaking engagements--yes, even for retailers--such as Facebook Live and Youtube where you answer buyer's questions, not just sell product.
I own a specialty electronics store and rental service. Myself and staff always make it a point to ask where a customer found us. They always say "on google maps" "google search" or " I saw your signs." In short I think it's a good idea to focus on your assets on all google services and do as much physical signage around your property, sandwich signs and ones that go into the ground at curbs and along the streets close to your business. I've gotten signs stolen though so make sure to lock them up.
An integrated marketing strategy is always the best answer.
It's all about ensuring you have the 3M's in place:
MARKET - "who" you're perfect customer is
MESSAGE - "what" you say to that perfect customer
MEDIA - "where" you share that message
When you deliver the right message to the right person at the right time, business grows!
Let's face it, office furniture is a commodity. I'd encourage you to make it an EXPERIENCE. What if you created a contest that had people compete for the "ugliest chair" or "ugliest desk" award? What if you had an event where people could come in and watch episodes of The Office - and do lots of things that tie in with that show. What if you could offer an "Office Transformation" where you teach them how to decorate and make the office a fun place to be? And what if you partnered with someone (like me) who could offer some type of training and/or expertise to help that business grow - so instead of just being a "furniture store" you become an "office solutions store" (it could be marketing, accounting, HR . . . whatever they could use help with) . . . all of these move you from a boring commodity to something that's helpful, fun and memorable. Which would you rather do business with?
I agree with the comment from Karin Costa Auctions. The best strategy will always be word of mouth. Customer feedback, whether good or bad will have an effect on your business. Now days, pay special attention to social media and find out what your customers are saying and respond as quickly as possible. Good luck!
There are many variables when it comes to marketing a business of any kind. As communicated from several other sources, there isn't a direct, one-step fits all. If you are serious about growing your business, it is important to work with a marketing company who will help you map out the best way to increase your business and work within your budget. Analytics are also an important part of a good marketing plan to determine which variable is working best for your business.
I would believe you would need to know your market competition and your competitive advantages and disadvantages for one. Then your strategy would be to design your sales process around that. Each of your competiters offer competitive pricing, excellent quality and attractive timeline. So your approach would be target buyers and or the market to give them an incentive to want to buy from you.
I am not in the furniture business, however, my business does not have any walk ins. Th best way (if you can do it ) invite interior designers to have a meeting in your show rooms. Let them see what you have to offer.
Leon Frank
Evolution audio & Video
Business from Wasaga Beach, ON
Answered on May 17th, 2017
First off, get a guy that knows the ins and outs as so you can concentrate on what you do best. I am that guy and I am not expensive. I only charge for results!
Answers (1-10)
Find your differentiation from the box stores: rental, service, design, custom construction, brands/quality offered? Are you selling to the consumer with a home office or are you selling to companies outfitting suites? Once you have defined your niche, stick to it and target those buyers through social media, PR, open houses, speaking engagements--yes, even for retailers--such as Facebook Live and Youtube where you answer buyer's questions, not just sell product.
I own a specialty electronics store and rental service. Myself and staff always make it a point to ask where a customer found us. They always say "on google maps" "google search" or " I saw your signs." In short I think it's a good idea to focus on your assets on all google services and do as much physical signage around your property, sandwich signs and ones that go into the ground at curbs and along the streets close to your business. I've gotten signs stolen though so make sure to lock them up.
Jaron
JBQA
I would say a combination of things. Vehicle wraps and storefront signage are very powerful. A good social media campagn is also very important!
An integrated marketing strategy is always the best answer.
It's all about ensuring you have the 3M's in place:
MARKET - "who" you're perfect customer is
MESSAGE - "what" you say to that perfect customer
MEDIA - "where" you share that message
When you deliver the right message to the right person at the right time, business grows!
Let's face it, office furniture is a commodity. I'd encourage you to make it an EXPERIENCE. What if you created a contest that had people compete for the "ugliest chair" or "ugliest desk" award? What if you had an event where people could come in and watch episodes of The Office - and do lots of things that tie in with that show. What if you could offer an "Office Transformation" where you teach them how to decorate and make the office a fun place to be? And what if you partnered with someone (like me) who could offer some type of training and/or expertise to help that business grow - so instead of just being a "furniture store" you become an "office solutions store" (it could be marketing, accounting, HR . . . whatever they could use help with) . . . all of these move you from a boring commodity to something that's helpful, fun and memorable. Which would you rather do business with?
"Small Business Stacey"
I agree with the comment from Karin Costa Auctions. The best strategy will always be word of mouth. Customer feedback, whether good or bad will have an effect on your business. Now days, pay special attention to social media and find out what your customers are saying and respond as quickly as possible. Good luck!
There are many variables when it comes to marketing a business of any kind. As communicated from several other sources, there isn't a direct, one-step fits all. If you are serious about growing your business, it is important to work with a marketing company who will help you map out the best way to increase your business and work within your budget. Analytics are also an important part of a good marketing plan to determine which variable is working best for your business.
I would believe you would need to know your market competition and your competitive advantages and disadvantages for one. Then your strategy would be to design your sales process around that. Each of your competiters offer competitive pricing, excellent quality and attractive timeline. So your approach would be target buyers and or the market to give them an incentive to want to buy from you.
I am not in the furniture business, however, my business does not have any walk ins. Th best way (if you can do it ) invite interior designers to have a meeting in your show rooms. Let them see what you have to offer.
Leon Frank
Evolution audio & Video
First off, get a guy that knows the ins and outs as so you can concentrate on what you do best. I am that guy and I am not expensive. I only charge for results!
What kind of furniture do you consider to be "Office Furniture"? Who is your actual ideal client