What is more nerve-wracking in the life of an entrepreneur than that first grand opening of their business? The excitement, anticipation, and anxiety can be too hard to handle. The mind is running a million miles an hour and ruminating on questions like, what if no one but only my close family and friends showed up? What if people turn up, but it does not impress them? First impressions are massive in the world of business. You have nothing to worry about if you are well-organized, advertised, and have the best custom product manufacturer, i.e., EverLighten, with you. Custom products branded with the company’s name and information are ideal for grand openings. However, many struggle with resources, and that’s where custom keychains come to the rescue. You may doubt the idea, but repeatedly, they have proved beneficial. They have stood the test of time and multiple times returns than their size. We will discuss ways to use custom keychains for grand openings. We will also provide a few tips to kick off your business. Importance of grand openings: It introduced the community to a new organization. Any company can use it to generate buzz, attract new customers, gain attention, and create goodwill with neighboring businesses.
- Generate buzz: Businesses use grand openings for publicity. Retail stores and restaurants use activities like press releases, emails to prospects, etc. Getting people to talk about a new organization is critical to its success.
- Attract new customers: One of the primary reasons for grand opening events is to attract new customers. Businesses can draw shoppers to their new store in a mall or retail complex who might be unaware of a new shop. It encourages shoppers to enter the store.
- Attract attention: A grand opening can attract local media and influencers’ attention. Chambers of commerce also work with local businesses to promote through photo opportunities or formal ribbon-cutting. Social media influencers are on the lookout for such opportunities to post.
- Generate goodwill with other businesses: Interacting with other business owners is beneficial. Events like a grand opening or networking events allow neighboring organizations/ shops to learn more about your store and recommend it to customers, suppliers, etc.
- Broad promotion to boost attendance: Many new businesses often struggle with resources for widespread promotions. Custom keychains are budget-friendly products; for one t-shirt, you can make 5-6 keychains by connecting with a manufacturer like EverLighten. Even though community flyers work, offering keychains to the people works many times better. It creates a buzz around the event. You might consider them handing out flyers to make the most of or making them unique, like a flashlight, mobile stand, etc., for extra attention.
- A helpful item to show appreciation: Often, businesses hand out flyers or promotional products, like calendars, pens, etc., that end up in the trash or back of the drawer. However, custom keychains are valuable products. A person does not mind receiving another one. Even if they do not use it right away, they can use it in the future.
- Make a positive first impression: It is not enough to fill your grand opening with people; you must form relationships and goodwill. People love free stuff, even if it is small. Custom keychains help cement a bond with prospects. It increases your chance of getting business from them as a gesture of gratitude for the gift.
- A long-term marketing strategy: Where custom keychains differ from say, a predominantly digital marketing strategy is in its longevity. You have customized and given away keychains recipients will continue to use them long after and give your business free advertising. High-quality custom keychains from EverLighten, last 4-5 years. It will provide a solid return on investment because of its staying power.
- Store makeover helps grab the attention. A week before the event, drum up interest using flags, banners, balloons, etc. Follow the theme or colors of the business logo to build a brand from the start.
- A soft launch is a way to calm your nerves a bit and ensure your opening goes without a hitch. It helps to test the waters and improve with feedback to better the big occasion.
- Donate to a charity: What is better to attract more people, build a name for your business, and help the community than donating a part of the proceeds to a nonprofit? You can also raise funds by selling the custom keychains to people attending.
- Pop-up experience: Plan a flash mob and hand out the personalized keychains to people in popular areas like malls, colleges, parks, etc.
- Offer discounts to people coming to the grand opening with the giveaway keychains. It will make them feel valued and can be the start of a meaningful relationship.
- Social media events are an effective medium to generate buzz around. Create an event page or post about the upcoming event to attract visitors. Organize contests and giveaway customized keychains to participants.
- Invite influencers from nearby. Regardless of whether they attend, hand out gracious invitations and keychains for their followers. That way, they can reach their audiences and promote your grand opening and brand.
- Partner with local businesses to expand your audience; it is mutually beneficial and creates goodwill. Find complementary businesses and send invitations to them with premium-quality keychains.
- A ribbon-cutting ceremony is an age-old tradition that is still popular and effective. Combine the ceremony with custom keychains to make the most.