Creative Marketing Ideas For Bookstores

The most-successful bookstores are the ones that encourage customers to spend time in the store. By creating an experience for your customers, you're becoming more than just a store; you're part of your customers' lifestyle. Unique and outside-the-box marketing techniques are the tool for taking your store from just a quick stop to a place to spend the day.

1. Coffee - Books and coffee go hand-in-hand. The smell of freshly-roasting coffee (and baked goods) creates a warm, inviting atmosphere that makes customers want to curl up in one of your chairs and read a book. Every good bookstore should offer beverages-make sure you have more than just coffee for those who don't like it.


2. Book launch parties - Host a release party for highly-anticipated books. Welcome customers and their families, who will be eager to be among the first people in the area to purchase the new book. Plan activities and games that are related to the subject of the book, and provide refreshments for your customers while they browse through the aisles. Hang vinyl banners up in your store letting customers know when the book will be released so they can mark their calendars for the launch event.


3. College discount programs - College textbooks are a huge market, and a great way to capitalize on them is by offering a discount program for college students. Textbooks are incredibly-expensive, so by showing you're willing to make a little less money on each one, you'll gain a lot of new customers-both students and their parents. Most campuses have their own bookstore, so going through the college probably isn't the best approach, but contact student groups and post vinyl decals in your store that let them know about your program.


4. Readings/signings - Signings are an always-effective tool for increasing traffic in your store. Contact lesser-known authors that have a loyal following, and encourage their readers to bring friends to the store to learn about the book and meet the author. Have book readings to bring in children and their parents. This shows that you support literacy in the community and the parents have an opportunity to shop your products while their kids are listening to the reading.


5. Donation programs - Another great way to show support for the community and boost your PR is to host book donation drives. Offer customers a percentage discount on a new book purchase when they bring you gently-used books, which you can donate to children's shelters, hospitals, etc. Use a banner outside your store, or even yard signs around your book donation parcels to let customers know where and when they can donate.

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Creative Marketing Ideas For Bookstores

Creative Marketing Ideas For Bookstores

Michael Allen works as a Director of Marketing in Boston, Massachusetts. He has worked with both large companies and small local businesses for over 20 years. His vast experience in the field of marketing positions him as an expert in helping businesses expand by using marketing tactics.

As a seasoned expert in Marketing and Branding, Michael has a wealth of knowledge in the use of car signs and retail signs. In his articles, he covers tips and techniques for effective use of vinyl decals, vinyl banners, and window clings for small businesses.