How To Win The Community Around When You're The New Business On The Block
Community has always mattered to company success, but never was it more important than in this age of sustainable shopping and business accountability.
You’ll especially feel the pressure if you’re opening a new physical business in a local area, where you can bet everyone will be researching your brand from the moment those ‘coming soon’ signs appear.
Like it or not, there are plenty of people poised to put new entry businesses to the test. As such, while you’re still juggling priorities like shop electronics and basic layout, you’ll also want to work on painting the best possible picture of yourself within the larger community.
But, how exactly can your new business on the block get even the most reluctant community members on board? Keep reading to find out.
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Table of Contents
# 1 - Always Thoughtful Construction
As mentioned, your new community will instantly put you to the test, and that’s a test you’re guaranteed to fail if your construction itself is inconsiderate or overly disruptive. While you can’t always avoid things like noise and even potential footpath closures, you will want to approach these in the most considerate way possible.
Ample warning of any disruptive works, and choosing quiet periods such as weekday afternoons, is the bare minimum of what you should do. If you’re building a brand-new space or even just changing the use of an existing unit, you should also take precautionary steps like seeking traffic impact assessments to help you minimise overall impact.
This considerate approach, and the necessary changes it can incite in your construction journey, is guaranteed to get you in at least as few people’s good books.
# 2 - Shining on Socials
Before your store opens, it’s all too easy for members of the community to make assumptions about your business. This can result in lasting misconceptions, which you can take immediate steps to break by shining on social media long before your launch.
While you’re probably busy, posts that hint at what’s happening behind the scenes, as well as your product itself, can help you take control of a narrative that’ll happen whether you like it or not.
Simply make sure that you’ve perfected your TOV and brand messaging before you post, and always dedicate time to respond to any comments so you can start making all-important community connections.
# 3 - Instant Integration into Local Schemes
Instantly integrating yourself into local schemes might not be a pre-launch priority, but it’s a step you can’t afford to skip. Before opening, affiliating yourself with local food banks, environmentally friendly local schemes, and anything else your community cares about will always serve as a tick against your name.
While it might feel like a financial strain, options like donating a small amount from each sale in your first month to a local charity can be especially effective for winning customers around, and might actually boost sales enough to cover that shortfall anyway.
Nobody likes being the new kid on the block, but it might not be so bad for your business if you prepare in these crucial ways.
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