As Summer comes to an end, florists turn their attention to the busiest time of the year, from Christmas through Mother’s Day. While that’s vital, it sometimes means that you can lose focus on the three months of Autumn, which can be a great income producer if you prepare well. Here are a few tips to help you capture as much fall business as possible.
MAKE YOUR WEBSITE FALL-TASTIC
Show off a Fall color palette on your website’s home page, in photos, banners and background colors. Additionally, make it easy for customers to find the ideal decorations for their Fall-themed events and activities, by creating a link on your homepage to a page featuring different Autumn arrangements at various price points.
SELL A NEW FLORAL PRODUCT
Customers love to see new offerings in stores, and your flower shop staff will also get excited to sell something new. Whether it’s a flower you’ve never offered before or a new type of arrangement, there are many ways to bring that freshness to your shop. One great idea is to create a floral box: these are really popular with customers and you can add your logo for an additional marketing opportunity! Whatever you choose, make sure to order your supplies in time for the September through November season so you have plenty on hand.
PROMOTE ACROSS SOCIAL MEDIA
Start sharing photos of new Fall designs across social media to get customers excited for the season. If you have a blog, write about your new offerings each week; customers love to see what’s fresh and new, and will come back again and again if you keep writing new posts. Make sure to also send out a Fall newsletter to your email list that shows off your new Autumn arrangements, and include a coupon that they can redeem in-store.
ADORN YOUR SHOP WITH AUTUMN COLORS
Create an eye-catching outdoor display in front of your shop, adding pumpkins,gourds, and other seasonal items. Make sure your windows are filled with Autumn arrangements that show off your technical and design skills. Keep that Fall feeling going throughout your shop by showing examples of what you can do for your customer this season: tabletop arrangements, floral door wreaths, and table runners featuring seasonal greenery are just some ideas.
MAKE YOUR SHOP COMFORTABLE FOR HOLIDAY SHOPPERS
Fall is the time when people begin shopping for holiday presents in earnest, so make your shop a welcoming and relaxing place for those exhausted early shoppers. Provide a warm beverage and maybe even a little snack while shoppers are picking out their flowers. You may even want to host an open house for customers to come and get ideas on how to decorate their homes for the holidays. The earlier you do this; the more repeat business you can have!
Get your Fall organizing and promotion done now, and get ready for the rush of business you will get in the coming months!