Now you have decided that it is time to launch your first franchise store. It is an inspiring experience, and at the same time, it can be very overwhelming due to anxiety. However, you can avoid this kind of nervousness when you plan and listen to the advice and support provided by the franchisor.
After completing the entire training and making the first steps to establish your business, you need to bring in employees to kick off and make the necessary decisions. After this, you need to create awareness for your brand around the community or location to establish the business. The good thing about franchise businesses is that the franchisor offers guidelines and support on opening and managing new enterprises. The franchisor may provide policies or procedures you should follow or even offer guidance on conducting your marketing. Again, you need to keep in mind the timelines and development schedules of the franchisor.
Some franchisors provide a corporate team that helps in the establishment of new businesses. This team can provide the materials and other necessary resources you may need to create electrifying preparations for the grand opening.
Even if the franchisor gives you the necessary support, you will also have the freedom to use unique strategies that will attract the attention of your potential customers. Whether you can do this on your own or be assisted by a team, the first thing you need to do is set a date and time that can give your business the best exposure. Even if this depends on the type of product or business, you need to choose the best time to open the business. The more people you have, the easier it will be to create the necessary hype.
After this, you need to think of getting some media advertisements aiming at your targeted market. Approach TVs, radio stations, and newspapers, or the print media. Social medial tools such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are also practical. Remember to negotiate or request special deals when approaching these media.
You also must alert different media outlets by sending them press releases for the approaching grand opening. Doing this will give you the best media exposure, but you have to ask for it. You should let them know a few weeks before the grand opening. Don’t forget to remind them a few days before the big day.
Just like how you are taking time to involve the media for the grand opening, you should do the same to the most important community members in the area, such as the city council members or even the mayor. Attracting this kind of attention can significantly boost attendance. Now that you have invited respected members in the area, you should invite your personal friends, family, or other businesses. Apart from supporting you, these people will also portray you as an active member of the community.
Once the actual day is almost, you should focus on two things. The first thing you need to do is decorate the outer part of your business with banners, balloons, ribbons, signs, and lights to focus more on announcing the grand opening. This should be meant to create more attention, which means that you need to take time to ensure that the exterior grabs the people’s attention correctly.
Similarly, you also need to prepare the interior of your business for the big event. You should think of games, refreshments, door prizes, or giveaways. Try to come up with unique offers for both adults and kids. The goal is to create an unforgettable memory that will also boost your business. You can also have a live recording or a piece of recording music about the business. You can either hire a band or a DJ for the music or entertainment. It is also important to invite a special guest or guest of honor for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The first weeks of planning for the big day can be very stressful, but the tips we have shared will signif