How to Increase Foot Traffic with Easy-to-Apply Tips

Last Updated on April 8, 2025 by mia

Many store owners face this challenge, especially in competitive markets, but the good news is there are simple ways to bring more people through your doors.

From creating eye-catching storefronts to using social media effectively, small changes can lead to big results.

This blog will cover the easiest ways to attract customers, affordable marketing ideas, and even how to collaborate with nearby businesses to draw more visitors.

80% of shoppers are more likely to visit a store after spotting an engaging online post or real-world promotion.

With the right strategies on how to increase foot traffic, you can turn these challenges into opportunities for growth.

New Startups is here to support every startup business owner with tools and resources to connect with other entrepreneurs and reach their goals.

What Are The Easiest Ways To Attract More Customers To My Store?

1. Make Your Storefront Inviting

Your storefront is the first thing people notice, so make sure it grabs attention. Clean windows, clear signage, and bright lighting can work wonders.

Add a splash of color with window displays or plants to make it look lively. If passersby see a clean, inviting store, they’re more likely to stop in.

Consider putting up a chalkboard sign with a catchy message or a special deal to spark curiosity.

Don’t forget to regularly update the display to keep it fresh and appealing. A welcoming storefront is often the easiest way to get more customers.

This small detail can play an important role in your larger startup growth plan.

2. Use Social Media to Your Advantage

Social media can be a free and effective way to reach potential customers. Posting regularly about your products, sales, and events keeps your store in people’s minds.

Use high-quality photos and short videos to show off what’s inside and why they should visit. Local hashtags can help people in your area find you easily.

You could also engage with your audience by replying to comments or running fun giveaways.

For example, offering a discount to customers who share your post or tag your store can encourage visits.

Social media is a tool you shouldn’t overlook when learning how to increase foot traffic, and it’s one of the simplest startup growth tips to implement.

3. Offer Discounts or Promotions

Everyone loves a good deal, and limited-time offers create urgency. Weekly discounts, buy-one-get-one deals, or a small gift with purchase can motivate people to stop by.

You can also create loyalty programs where customers earn points for purchases that lead to discounts later.

Another idea is to offer special discounts to first-time visitors or referrals from regular customers.

Promotions like these not only attract people but also encourage them to return. Just be sure to make your deals easy to understand so that no one is confused.

Adding these offers to your strategy can act as one of your reliable startup growth tools.

4. Host an Event or Workshop

Bringing the community together can make your business a hotspot. Hosting affordable events, like a free workshop, a product demo, or even a small celebration, can attract new faces.

For example, a coffee shop could offer a free coffee tasting event, or a clothing store could host a styling session.

Events give potential customers a reason to step inside and interact with your store in a fun, casual way.

Promoting your event through flyers, social media, or word-of-mouth can build excitement.

Once inside, people may explore your products and buy something. These events can support your broader customer acquisition strategies by getting people familiar with your brand.

5. Partner with Nearby Businesses

Teaming up with local businesses can help both of you attract more traffic. For example, a bakery could partner with a nearby coffee shop to create a combo deal.

Joint promotions, like coupons for each other’s stores, can help you share customers.

You could also cross-advertise by putting up each other’s flyers or banners. Hosting joint events, such as a small street fair, can boost exposure for everyone involved.

Partnerships like these bring a sense of community that encourages people to shop locally.

Collaborating strategically with other businesses can be a key part of your customer acquisition funnel, helping draw more attention to your store.

6. Advertise Where Your Customers Are

Go where your customers hang out, both online and offline. Place flyers in places they visit often, like nearby cafes, gyms, or libraries.

Digital ads on Google or social media can also target people searching for what you sell.

A quick way to bring people in is to focus your ads on your location and mention how close you are to them.

Don’t underestimate the power of an old-fashioned direct mailer, especially if it contains a coupon.

Advertising doesn’t have to cost much and can work if you’re thoughtful about reaching the right audience.

The key is making your message simple and clear so people know why they should visit.

7. Improve Your Customer Service

Word of mouth is still one of the best ways to grow a business. Happy customers will tell their friends and family about your store.

Greeting everyone who walks in, answering their questions, and being friendly makes people want to return.

Offering extras, like a free sample or quick tips about using your product, can leave a lasting impression.

Training your staff to handle complaints kindly can also turn an unhappy customer into a loyal one.

Good experiences stand out, so focus on making each visit memorable.

When people feel valued in your store, they won’t just come back—they’ll bring others along.

8. Make Your Store Easy to Find

Visibility can make or break your store’s foot traffic. A clear address on your website, Google Maps listing, and social media pages ensures people can locate you with ease.

Add good outdoor signage that’s readable from a distance, especially if people drive by.

If your store is hard to spot, consider simple fixes like adding balloons, flags, or banners.

Another trick is to tie your location to landmarks nearby, such as “next to the big grocery store.”

Customers are more likely to visit when they can find you without any hassle. Make sure that wherever they search, your store pops up quickly.

How Can I Use Social Media To Bring More People To My Business?

To use social media effectively and bring more people to your business, start by creating posts that showcase your products, services, and special offers in an eye-catching way.

High-quality photos or short videos can grab attention and make people curious about what you offer.

Engaging with your audience is key—reply to their comments, ask questions, and create polls or quizzes to keep them involved.

Using local hashtags can help nearby people discover your store, answering your goal of how to increase foot traffic.

You can also host giveaways or promotions that encourage people to share your page or tag their friends, spreading the word about your business even more.

Sharing customer stories, behind-the-scenes looks, or upcoming events can make your business feel relatable and approachable.

Social media can be your strongest tool for bringing people in, but consistency and creativity are the secret ingredients to making it work.

What Are Some Affordable Marketing Ideas To Get More People Through The Door?

Getting more people into your store doesn’t have to break the bank; there are plenty of affordable ways to make it happen.

First, spruce up your storefront with bright signs or attractive displays to catch the attention of people passing by.

Next, use social media to promote your store by posting about new arrivals, special deals, or fun photos, and don’t forget to use local hashtags so nearby customers can find you.

Another great idea is to run limited-time promotions or discounts guaranteed to create excitement, such as “buy one, get one free” deals for walk-ins.

You should also consider creating partnerships with nearby businesses to cross-promote each other through flyers or joint offers, such as a discount for visiting both stores.

Hosting small events, like free workshops or tastings, can also encourage people to come in and explore your store more.

Finally, focus on enhancing customer experiences, because happy customers spread the word and this helps you tackle how to increase foot traffic effortlessly.

With these simple ideas, you can attract more customers without spending a fortune.

What Are The Best Ways To Collaborate With Other Local Businesses To Increase Foot Traffic?

Working with other local businesses can be one of the smartest ways to solve the puzzle of how to increase foot traffic for your store without breaking the bank.

First, you can team up with nearby businesses to create combo deals, like a discount for customers who shop at both locations, which encourages people to visit both stores.

Another idea is to host joint events, such as a small market or festival, where each business sets up a booth, and the collective buzz draws a larger crowd.

You could also cross-promote by sharing each other’s flyers, social media posts, or email newsletters, which helps reach a bigger audience without much extra effort.

Partnering with complementary businesses—for instance, a gym teaming up with a smoothie shop or a bookstore working with a coffee shop—is especially effective because it naturally adds value for your shared customers.

Additionally, you could create a customer loyalty card that works across multiple stores in your area, which gives shoppers a reason to keep coming back to both you and your partners.

Lastly, building relationships with other business owners can open the door to creative collaborations and opportunities you may not have thought of before.

By working together, you and your neighbors can build a stronger local business community that benefits everyone.

How Can New Startups Help My Business?

New Startups can help your business by offering practical tools and advice to attract customers and improve sales.

Their platform helps you learn strategies on how to increase foot traffic, whether you run a physical store or an online shop.

By connecting you with resources, like expert tips and step-by-step guides, they make it easier for you to gain money and grow your business steadily.

They also provide insights into creating winning offers and promotions, which can help you turn visitors into paying customers.

Another great benefit is how they share tactics to help businesses make sales, from improving customer experience to building loyalty through repeat purchases.

Plus, their solutions are designed to fit small business budgets, making it easier for startups to quickly see real results.

If you’re looking for a way to grow your startup while keeping things simple, this platform is an excellent partner to have.

Conclusion

Increasing foot traffic doesn’t have to be complicated when you focus on simple, effective strategies.

Start by improving your store’s visibility with eye-catching signage and attractive window displays to grab attention.

Offering special promotions, hosting events, or partnering with nearby businesses can also draw more people to your location.

Don’t forget to use social media and online listings to share updates about your business and highlight what makes it special.

Another effective way to increase foot traffic is by providing excellent customer service, as happy customers are more likely to spread the word.

Keep your place clean, welcoming, and easy to access so people feel comfortable coming in.

New Startups provides valuable resources to support your goals and take your efforts further.