5 Keys to a Successful Grand Opening

Congradulations! You're planning a Grand Opening. This is a great time for your company and if you play your cards right, you should be able to capitilize on the enthusiasm for months rather than just one day. Here are 5 keys to plan a successful Grand Opening.

1. Take Your Time, Do it Right - No one has on their personal calendar the date of your Grand Opening. Just because you got the keys, does not mean you need to immediately schedule a Grand Opening. Let's develop a 90 Day Plan.

   
   

2. Start Marketing Right Away - Create a buzz! "Coming Soon". Let's build community support. People love to support new businesses. Develop a list of people in the area that you can invite to your Grand Opening. You will need to make sure you're ready for prime time. Website, SEO, social media, photography, video, signs, promotional products, and press releases will all need to be prepared.

   
   

3. Schedule a Soft Opening or VIP Event - You only have one chance to make a first impression. Schedule a soft opening 30 days out just for friends and family. Work out all the bugs. The plan should be two fold. First, get honest feedback so you can make improvements. Second, give your friends and family the marketing tools needed to help promote the Grand Opening 60 days out.

   
   

4. Grand Opening! The day is here, make it last. By marketing in advance, you have generated enthusiasm for your brand. Send out a Press Release in advance of your Grand Opening and then prepare a second press release announcing the succesful Grand Opening. Promotional products, photography, and video are integral to making your Grand Opening last. Make sure you have able to collect the leads from everyone who attends your Grand Opening so you can follow up.

5. Follow Up! For a minimum of 30 days you can capitalize on the excitement from your Grand Opening. Share your photos and videos. Continue to advertise your Grand Opening and follow up with the attendees. Anyone who made the effort to show up are "fans". Treat them like gold. They will help you grow.

Imagine Marketing is a full service marketing firm who can provide you everything you need for a successful grand opening. Contact us today for a FREE consultation.