There comes a point when most quilt store owners take a look at their business and say, “I need to grow my business. What can I do to get more customers?”
Here’s the answer: marketing.
But marketing can seem like a huge challenge. Sure, you love quilting — but you may not be a marketing expert.
The key to a successful marketing program for your quilt shop is to take it step by step. In this blog, we’ll explore how to market a quilt shop, and why it’s important.
Why Marketing Your Quilt Store Is Important
Marketing your quilt store is important for several reasons. Here are just a few:
1. Raise awareness in Your Community
By effectively communicating your brand, products, and unique selling points, you can attract new customers and build a loyal customer base. A well-executed marketing strategy ensures that your quilt store stands out in a competitive market, making it the go-to destination for quilting enthusiasts.
2. Drive Sales and Increase Revenue
By showcasing your tools, fabrics, and other quilting supplies, you’ll attract potential customers to visit your store or make purchases online. Effective marketing strategies can result in increased foot traffic, higher conversion rates, and ultimately, improved sales performance.
3. Build Brand Loyalty
By consistently presenting a positive and cohesive brand image, you create a memorable impression in the minds of your customers. Positive customer experiences, personalized interactions, and a strong brand identity contribute to customer loyalty, encouraging repeat visits and positive word-of-mouth referrals.
Let’s look at a few ideas that increase customer satisfaction and engagement while establishing your quilt store as a trusted and reliable destination for quilters, leading to long-term success and growth.
Related Read: Retail Strategy for Quilting Stores
7 Simple Ideas To Market a Quilt Shop
The key to a successful marketing plan for your quilt shop is to select the right mix of strategies for you and your quilt shop. You could chase an endless list of initiatives, but successful — and happy — quilt shop owners know being selective will save you time and headache. Here are a few ideas:
1. Create a Google Business Profile
Search is the gateway to most businesses. Many purchases begin with a search engine or a location search in Google Maps. Creating a Google Business Profile is easy and free. Add information like your phone number and shop hours. Show your company logo and display photos to give customers a glimpse into your quilt shop's personality. You’ll be able to go back frequently to improve your profile and even connect your online catalog to local searches.
2. Request Reviews
Online reviews are increasingly important for small businesses. Google reviews, in particular, are highly influential as they appear prominently in search results and can impact a customer's decision-making process. Facebook also enables reviews, and other social media platforms are a great place to share customer stories and reviews.
3. Build a Community
One of the best marketing tools you can nurture is a strong community around your quilt shop. Social media is a great way to connect with potential customers and promote your store. Decide on a platform that’s comfortable for you and your audience.
Additionally, many social media platforms have integrated tools to sell on the platform or host live selling events. Share projects you’re working on, new quilting tools available in your store, customer reviews, or stories about your staff.
4. Become a Go-To Destination
Your quilt shop can become a go-to destination in several ways. First, make your website a product-rich extension of your physical quilt shop. Be sure to update your products frequently and create reasons for visitors to return to your site by featuring new items and sales. If your online and in-store catalogs synchronize automatically, you’ll make selling much easier.
Related Read: Benefits of Hosting In-Store Events for Sewing and Fabric Retail Business Owners
5. Offer Quilting Classes
Beyond your physical store and website, your shop can also be a destination for regular classes or even guided quilting hangouts. Set a class schedule and generate new interest in your quilt shop and products. Create class material product lists and offer it as a packaged kit for your students. When customers are in your store, they will buy more products.
6. Inspire Loyalty
Loyalty programs can drive new sales and increase average order value. You can start with a block-of-the-month program. You may then decide to create a loyalty or rewards program, redeemable for products or discounts. This is a great way to reward your repeat customers and encourage them to keep coming back.
7. Design a Marketing Process
The more you can do to create a process or system to handle your quilt shop marketing, the better off you’ll be. Choose integrated systems that synchronize your online and in-store sales, send text and email messages to your customer database, manage scheduling promotions, and register and communicate with class participants. When your processes are interlinked you’ll save yourself time and effort.
How To Market a Quilt Shop With Like Sew
Marketing helps your quilt shop increase awareness, drive sales, and build brand loyalty. However, managing marketing can quickly become complex and time-consuming. The key is to invest in the right tools and systems to make it easy.
Like Sew is an all-in-one point of sale (POS) solution that manages marketing, synchronizes with your website, streamlines operations, and more. Additionally, these are just some of the marketing features built into Like Sew:
- Email and text message marketing
- Customer list filter tool
- Review request tool
- Class marketing and registration
- Event reminders
- On sale module
- New products module
- Top seller module
- Bounce-back coupon automation
Ready to streamline your systems and get insight into your customer’s data to drive your marketing success? Schedule a customized demo of Like Sew today.
