Launch ideas

Community synergy

If you are opening any kind of local shop or service, it is pretty essential for you to create some kind of inexpensive leaflet or flier.

Remembering how important your graphics and name are, work on creating an eye-catching piece of information that will interest your potential client or customer.

Distribute your fliers everywhere you can. Without being overly invasive, get your leaflets into any venue where your potential customer might visit. They could include libraries, community centres, businesses centres, doctors and dentists waiting rooms, childcare nurseries and baby clinics, schools and colleges, health spas, and gyms. Think of all the places that your potential customers may spend their time and would have the time to positively read some information about your new business.

Where are your synergetic businesses and outlets?

Make a list of all the places in your community where you could arrange to distribute your business announcements, leaflets or brochures.

Shops and other local businesses are generally very happy to co-operate, particularly if you return the favour by doing joint promotions. For example, together you can offer customers a combined discount or freebie. If youre advertising in a local newspaper, you might offer everyone who comes into your hair salon and spends more than forty pounds a good discount at the local fashion store. You could split the cost of the advertisement and draw potential customers into both outlets.

Shop windows, photo opportunities, sponsorships and freebies

There are many creative ways to launch and publicise a new business and its often a question of combining the tools you have at hand with clever or quirky ideas that will attract the attention of both the press and the public.

If you have a shop window, remember that it is the best form of advertising you have. If youre not good at creating an interesting and newsworthy window yourself, ask around until you find someone who is. Remember that your very first launch window should be something special. Approach it like a work of art.