Being a franchise owner allows you to set your own goals and carve your path to success. Read about the 5 ways to boost your franchise business.
As a franchise owner, you can set your own goals and forge your own path to prosperity. Franchise opportunities allow you to grow your earnings and business with a support system already in place, and there are a number of steps you can take to help ensure you’re successful.
An efficient way to boost your business is by focusing on your local marketing efforts and getting your name out there. At The UPS Store, we know a thing or two about helping franchisees market their business (you don’t make it to No. 4 on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 list without being able to help your franchisees grow) which is why we put together this list. We wanted to share the best ways to increase a business’ local visibility while driving more leads, store visits and sales.
Our 5 tips on how to start your own franchise down the path to success
No. 1: Leverage Social Media
Social media is a quick, relatively easy way to get in front of a very large number of potential customers, especially local ones. According to Statista, 81 percent of the U.S. population had at least one social media account in 2017. You’ll want to do a bit of research and see which sites and formats are most popular with your target audiences. Then make sure your business has a profile or listing on those sites and posts interesting content regularly.
If you have a major event like a sale or other content that your customers would find valuable, think about sponsoring a post or two to boost impressions and clicks. Just keep in mind, users are more likely to interact with posts that have images or videos and a strong message. Test a few types of messages to see what works best for you and your business and keep testing to optimize your messages as much as possible.
No. 2: Get Online Reviews
Online reviews can be challenging. Some business owners are hesitant to ask pleased customers to write a review for fear of seeming pushy and many are unsure about how to address negative reviews. This type of feedback is important, though, as 85 percent of consumers trust online reviews as much as a personal recommendation from a friend or family member.
Talk with your customers. Let them know you value their business and would appreciate their feedback if they have a moment to share their experience online. If you receive a negative review, address the concern as soon as possible. Be transparent about your efforts to rectify the issue problem or concern and take responsibility where you should. Reviews are about building trust. Covering up or ignoring negative responses can send the message that you have something to hide or that you don’t care about all customer experiences.
No. 3: Provide Exceptional Customer Service
To get great reviews, you need to provide great customer service. Before the sale, during the sale, and after the sale, you and your employees should be working to ensure quick, accurate and friendly service. One way to make certain this is happening is to train your employees well from the beginning. If you’ve been wondering how to start your own franchise, this is where it all begins – providing exceptional service to every customer that walks through your doors. As a franchise owner, take advantage of employee training programs Franchise training programs are designed to make sure your employees have the knowledge they need to keep your sales moving and your customers happy. After the sale, when it makes sense, send a thank you note to your top customers or give them a shout-out on social media to show you appreciate their business.
No. 4: Keep Up With Local News and Events
Local events or big news stories should be used to your advantage. Targeted marketing efforts can pull in customers who are in town for an event or bring in locals who wouldn’t normally have a need for your product or service. Restaurants, personal services and hospitably franchises should pay attention to big entertainment events, while service businesses should watch for conventions or other gatherings that will create a need for their services.
Use social media and hyper-targeted marketing strategies to get your ads in front of those people at or near the event. You should also check into available event sponsorships to get your name directly in front of attending patrons.
No. 5: Pound the Pavement
Not all marketing has to be online or via other electronic media. Get yourself or an employee out and meeting with other local businesses that could utilize your product or services. Meeting with business owners or managers in person can keep you top of mind when they’re in need of your service and you can let them know the benefits of working with someone right in their own town.
Keep these basics in mind and use your customer’s needs to guide your decisions, and you and your franchise will be on your way to winning the franchise game!
Have you been asking yourself “what can I do to learn how to start my own franchise?” Well, help is here.
Contact The UPS Store today to learn more about our franchise opportunities.
