Many—if not all—Alexandria and Arlington businesses have high hopes that the pandemic restrictions will finally be lifted sometime in 2021. Most companies have experienced a financial loss of some form or another due to people's unwillingness to go into public spaces.
Now is the time to start looking at your marketing plan for 2021 and place most of your focus (and budget) on driving local traffic. This will allow you ample time to get your marketing message out there and attract new business.
Read on to learn more about five things that you can do to get a head start as Alexandria and Arlington slowly begin to re-open.
Direct Mail
Consider how many people are staying home due to pandemic concerns. By creating and sending out a
direct mail campaign, you literally have a captive audience. As online advertising costs skyrocket, many local businesses are turning their attention back to direct mail—and experiencing some fantastic results.
Unlike a digital ad that lives on your computer screen for a fraction of a second, direct mail is a tangible, physical item that will draw the attention of those who receive it in their mailbox.
Floor Graphics
Many business owners are wondering what life will be like once the State of Virginia lifts its COVID-19 restrictions. While it's anyone's guess what will happen, it stands to reason that people will slowly but surely venture outside once again.
To capture the hearts and minds of the first wave of brave souls, considering adding
floor graphics strategically located throughout your business. You can promote safe social distancing with them, and that will provide your customers and clients with the assurance that you're looking out for their safety.
Business Cards
Customized
business cards can help you stand out from your competitors. Plain white cardstock with name, address, and phone number business cards don't impress anyone, and they're quickly forgotten.
There are a wide variety of custom finishes and designs to make your card unique and cohesive with your brand:
- Multi-layered "sandwich" cards
- Raised lettering and custom coatings
- Distinctive sizes and shapes
- Foil stamping
- Magnetic stock
- Embossing
- Many more!
You can also pass out business cards to your sales reps and employees. This serves a two-fold purpose:
- It allows your workers to become walking billboards as they pass their cards out to friends, family, and new people they meet.
- It shows your workers that you care. Something as simple as giving your employees their own company-branded business cards can help improve morale.
Change Your Branding
When was the last time you took a good hard look at your
branding? If you haven't done so in a while, ask yourself if your current branding accurately reflects your company's values, morals, products and services. You might be surprised at how big an impact rebranding can have on a company's sales.
Keep in mind that brand recognition isn't created in a few days or even a few weeks. It's done through intentional actions and consistent messaging over time. Your branding also includes the words and content that you post on your company's social media accounts. If they're not lining up with your core products or services, your target audience is either getting confused or not resonating at all with your messaging.
Sidewalk Signs
Also known as sandwich signs,
sidewalk signs are a cost-effective way of grabbing the attention of anyone who happens to walk by your business. You can use them to let people know where your store is located or promote a sale or event.
Some sidewalk signs, such as magnetic, chalkboard, and dry erase, will allow you to change your messaging over time. Thanks to the weather and UV-resistant inks and materials, your sidewalk sign will look as good as new for many years to come.
Local Marketing Help in Alexandria and Arlington
We've helped countless Alexandria and Arlington businesses and organizations with their marketing over the years. Give us a call today, and one of our experts will sit down
with you and go over the various options that can help start preparing your business as the economy slowly starts to re-open.
If you're ready to get started or would like to learn more about the various local marketing services we offer, give the professionals at AlphaGraphics of Alexandria and Arlington Virginia a call at (703) 549-2432 or
contact us via our website.