Are you open to some different, maybe new ideas about ways to increase your sales, profits and customer loyalty - without spending more on advertising?

If so - here are several good ideas that could change the picture of your business for the better - quickly!

As with every business that depends heavily on space advertising, test various headlines in your ads.   You'll be amazed at the increased results one headline will get over another.

Make very attractive offers to generate new traffic.   For example, I would give away something free every day.   It doesn't have to be anything expensive - a package of toilet paper is a good example.   You could give away a different thing every day so people have to read your advertising (make them bring in the coupon) or stop by to find out what it is.

Or you could run certain regular items in a weekly cycle so people consistently come into your store to get them.

The key is to get them coming to your store on a regular basis, and giving away free items is just a cost of advertising.

In contrast to the chain stores, project a warm persona that reflects the store's atmosphere.   There's a small chain in Southern California called Trader Joe's that, in my mind, is one of the best 'grocery store' marketers in the country.   Their niche is that they carry unusual items not found in your typical supermarket.   (For instance, in addition to natural peanut butter, they also have cashew butter, almond butter, macadamia nut butter, and all kinds of cheeses, wines, vitamins, nuts, juices, breads, muffins, etc).

Anyway, they mail out a twenty page brochure five times a year called 'The Fearless Flyer' that's full of charming, yet informative, articles on their products, including value-to-ounce price comparisons, food content, nutrient value, how they're able to make such extraordinary offers, and local, homespun philosophy.

You should consider mailing to all your customers.

What?   You don't have your customers' names and addresses on the computer?   Then set out immediately to capture these names through in-store promotions such as drawings, sweepstakes, etc.   Drawings are usually the best, with 'Free Groceries For A Month' being something that no customer could possibly turn down.   You can also get names and addresses from checks and credit card slips.   Also use in-store demonstrations of your products: free coffee, cheese and crackers; yogurt, ice cream, etc. to generate store traffic.

Don't forget to fully exploit co-op deals with all your suppliers.   Many suppliers make co-op advertising funds available to retailers if you ask.

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