If you want your quilt shop to grow and keep customers coming back, you need to think about how you’re marketing your store, both online and off.
The reality is, marketing today is more than running ads and handing out flyers.
You need to build genuine connections with people, share content that helps them, stay in touch regularly, and give them clear reasons to choose your shop again and again.
This is where inbound marketing makes a difference — by attracting customers through engaging social media posts, email newsletters, and blog content that provide real value. When you pair these approaches with targeted promotions and active involvement in your local community, you create a marketing strategy that truly works.
Here are seven effective quilt store marketing strategies that can help your business stand out from the competition and build lasting customer loyalty.
Before jumping into any marketing tactic, take a step back and think: Who am I really trying to reach?
Understanding your customers is the foundation of everything else you do as a business owner. Are they weekend hobbyists? Serious quilters tackling complex projects? Total beginners looking to learn? What draws them to quilting, and what challenges do they face?
The best way to find out is just to ask:
Use what you learn to create a few simple customer profiles, also known as “personas.” Maybe you’ve got the weekend warrior who loves a big project now and then, or the daily stitcher who always has something under their needle.
Quilters are always looking for inspiration, tips, and how-to advice. This is why a blog is a great way to keep your current customers engaged and help new ones find your shop when they search online.
To start sharing helpful content, first think about the questions customers ask you every day, the problems they’re trying to solve, and the techniques they’re curious about. Then share what you know.
Here are some blog ideas:
Don’t feel limited to just written posts. Video tutorials often get great engagement, especially for technique demonstrations. You can film quick tips on your phone, create fabric haul videos when new collections arrive, and record customer testimonials.
Loyalty programs work — in fact, 85% of people say they’re more likely to continue shopping with brands that offer them. It’s a simple, proven way to reward your best customers and keep them coming back.
They’re especially powerful for quilt stores because quilters tend to be repeat customers who work on multiple projects throughout the year. When you reward them for coming back, you’re reinforcing a habit that benefits both of you.
Here are a few ways to do it:
You can make it even more personal by tracking purchase history with help from a comprehensive point of sale (POS) system. Then surprise customers with relevant offers, like 10% off backing fabric or a free spool of thread.
Related Read: 7 Ways To Increase Customer Loyalty in Your Fabric Store
A well-timed sale can bring in new shoppers and reengage loyal customers. But the most effective promotions go beyond basic “everything 20% off” discounts.
The key is to make your promotions feel special and relevant to what quilters want.
Think about what your customers need right now:
And don’t forget to track what works. Always pay attention to which promotions bring in the most customers, generate the highest sales, or attract new shoppers versus repeat customers. Let this data guide what you try next.
About 80% of small and midsized businesses say email marketing is their top tool for keeping customers coming back — and it’s easy to see why. It’s one of the most effective ways to drive traffic and sales.
Add SMS messaging for time-sensitive promotions, and you’ve got a powerful combination.
Start by growing your subscriber list, then focus on staying in touch with useful, consistent communication.
Here’s what to send in your email and text campaigns:
Keep your messages short, friendly, and helpful — and always include a way to shop, RSVP, or learn more.
Did you know that about 64% of the world’s population uses social media? This means your customers are there too, and it’s a great place to reach them.
Social media is where quilters go to find inspiration, share their work, and discover new shops and products.
Since quilting is inherently visual, platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest are perfect for showcasing what makes your shop special and building a community around your brand.
Content ideas that might work well for your quilt store include:
And if you want to go a little further, try hosting a live Q&A, sharing tips in short video clips, or doing a quick walkthrough of what’s new in the shop.
Related Read: Selling on Social Media: 5 Pro Tips for Quilt Shops
An online presence is important, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. Don’t underestimate the power of face-to-face connections in your local community.
Here are some event ideas that can build strong community engagement:
These types of events help build a sense of belonging and often lead to word-of-mouth referrals and social media shares.
These strategies can help you stay connected with your quilting community — both in store and online. But you don’t have to do it all alone.
Like Sew, our all-in-one quilt store POS software, offers automated marketing tools that help you reach your customers.
With Like Sew, you can:
Ready to take your quilt store marketing to the next level? Schedule a demo with Like Sew today to see how simple it can be to grow your community.