Women’s Website Business

What is the best way to advertise my small boutique?

I currently own a small women’s boutique that sells handbags, costume jewelry and apparel. Billboards and radio ads are just out of our budget and I am looking for a creative way to get our name out there. We have tried a mailing list for customers to sign up while in our store and obtained 300 customers from that. Matter of fact, most customers ask us if we have a mailing list as if they are eager to be repeat shoppers. However, when we do mailings to these customers with discount coupons, we do not see a lot of return? We have also tried the local newspaper and some local highschool newspapers to get the younger shoppers in. I need some fresh ideas if anyone can help. We have a website at handbagjewelryboutique.xbuild.com that you can look at to get an idea of the type of products and price we offer. Also, if you have any ideas on types of businesses we should be networking with that would be helpful as well. I am at a loss and need ideas. Thanks ahead of time for your feedback.

I get my promotional materials for cheap by making several small orders- you can get alot for $10 s/h! www.vistaprint.com/spring07

You can get promotional materials pretty reasonably (I generally do the lowest option and do several orders). Shipping and handling is low if you pay for something- sticky notes are generally the cheapest. You can get 2 types of post cards, notes, etc. One idea might be to give coupons (on postcards) upon purchase dated 2-4 weeks in advance, to try to get people to come back in. You might also do ‘buy 1 get 1 50% off) to get people to buy gifts or bring a friend.

You might also look into doing bridal and prom shows as a way to bring in customers. You might also sponsor a local women’s event- Race for the Cure on a large scale, or a debutante ball or society women’s event where they may let you have an ad, a booth or something like that. My Sorority does that, and the retailers get to meet potential new clients.

The area of your shop might have something to do with the type of traffic you have- are you some where where people go to browse, but not to buy? If so, I’d suggest having goods that have a wide range of prices to get people to buy something.

You can also use your mailing list to do surveys to see what would make someone return to your store.

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