Creating an Experience for the “Phygital” World

Combining the physical shopping experience with the conveniences of online service is the reality of creating buyers in 2023. With many retail purchases beginning online, whether through social media promotion or from a customer checking stock availability prior to visiting the physical location, shoppers are open to finding virtual connections that lead them to support a business in real life, too.

4 Strategies to Build Up Your Retail Community

1. Track sentiment via social media tools like Sprout Social, Agorapulse and Rival IQ. These programs allow you to have a finger on the pulse of your business and learn of new mentions like recommendations, concerns and more.
2. Learn from platforms that allow shoppers to buy straight from live sessions. GoLive and CommentSold offer shoppable video content, allowing customers to buy from you immediately. Local business Real Deals did this during the COVID-19 pandemic, capturing sales and building excitement during a more challenging time for retail businesses.
3. Launch a re-commerce program to capture a way for customers to trade in and you to buy back product. Doing so will get customers back to your store, giving you an opportunity to market for new sales.
4. Hold an event that brings customers together. Launching a new product? Create a party around it as Greater Des Moines’ (DSM’s) Zirous did last year. Looking to expand your customers’ knowledge or skills in some way? Hold a workshop similar to the ones planned by Art Terrarium Owner Andrea Metzler!

Serving your customers through these four strategies is key to building and continuing success for your business. If you can find a way to create memorable interactions in both the physical and digital worlds, you will be well on your way to building brand loyalty and longevity. Find out more about how to create content and strategies that connect you with shoppers in a meaningful way at roughmeadow.com.

The Greater Des Moines Partnership celebrates the Greater Des Moines (DSM) entrepreneur community and helps small businesses succeed with one-of-a-kind resources and opportunities for networking. Find out how other entrepreneurs have found success by reading their stories and attending local small business events in the region.