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When you envision the grand opening of a business, you probably picture a ribbon cutting ceremony or a celebratory “first dollar” earned being taped near the register. However, there are plenty of other creative ways to celebrate a new business. Most importantly, there are ways to get potential consumers involved in the celebration. If you are helping to open a new business, consider one or more of these many grand opening events and projects below. With these ideas, you can open for business in style.
Vlog The Journey
One good way to generate a buzz for the big day without having to hire a publicist is to vlog the business’s journey. A vlog, also known as a video blog, can be the perfect way to get people’s attention. If you start early, you can feature a time-lapse video of the construction process or craft a YouTube series around the products or services you plan to offer. As long as you keep it interesting, informative and creative, Internet users will tune in and your business will soon experience the many marketing benefits of social media sharing.
Podcast
Open for Business is also the name of one of the best business podcasts around put out by eBay. You may not be able to get a guest spot on the podcast to advertise your business. However, you can definitely take up the idea for a podcast yourself. Learn how to start a podcast way before you plan to open your business. Then, just as you chronicle opening a business in your vlog, do the same for a podcast. Podcasting for business is a great low-cost marketing and advertising strategy to drum up support for your grand opening. Just remember to make it a bit more interesting than just exchanging the usual business greetings.
Alert The Media
Any good marketing professional knows the importance of the media when it comes to marketing. If you plan on making your grand opening a large, public event this would be the perfect time to consider inviting some local news crews in on the action. Give them all of the information about your company, when you will be open for business and how you plan to celebrate. They may just stop by and cover your event – free advertising!
Online Contest
Hosting an online contest can be the perfect way to engage people. Come up with something that is relevant to your business. For example, if you are opening a new bakery, a recipe contest could certainly get people talking. Invite local consumers to submit their best cupcake recipe and announce the winner at your grand opening. This will also make for great content for later video marketing campaigns. As long as you spread the word and keep the contest in line with your business’s mission, you are sure to have a great turn out.
Flash Mob
If you want to advertise in a big way, you may want to consider arranging a flash mob. Whether you splurge and hire professional dancers or rope your friends and family into participating, this could be great entertainment for your event. The flash mob could even perform in public a few days before hand as a teaser for your big day.
Partner Up
A good way to get the word out that you are open for business is to partner with other, non-competing businesses in your area. This is also helpful if you want to know how to become a millionaire. If you open a clothing store, consider making friends with the pizza place next door to see if they would want to provide food for your grand opening. If you are in a more populated storefront area you could even see about hosting a block party to get everyone involved.
Promotions
Lastly, the most important thing you can do when you are open for business is give away free samples and promotions. You do not have to spend exorbitant amounts of money on hats and t-shirts. Instead, give them a little something to remember you by or an incentive to return, such as a coupon or a free sample.
When you are ready to open for business there is no better way to market it than with a successful grand opening. Spreading the word, with the help of some social media tips, and partnering with local businesses and news outlets can make a big impact on your event’s success. If you have an upcoming business event, consider one of these tips above to make it extra special.
Photo from http://intuittaxandfinancialcenter.com/tax/small-business/sm-bus-open-for-business/
