Hi HOO Vendor 👋

It’s time to get creative with your small business, and I’m here to help you.

MAKING A STATEMENT

The Heart of Oxford event provides a unique opportunity to create memorable customer experiences with hundreds of new people coming to support businesses like yours.

First Impressions.

I encourage you to think outside the box when it comes to how you market your business and design your booth space. I’ve written some suggestions on how to do this. And don’t fret… you don’t need to do all of these, just use them as inspiration to create something that suits your business and resources.

 

1. Eye-Catching Design

Create a visually appealing booth that stands out. It should be a reflection of your business and should incorporate your brand colours and style. Have your business name visible, clear signage like a roll-up banner, and ensure your messaging is clear and communicates what your business offers within seconds. If you want some inspo check out Pinterest - get creative!

 

2. Interactive Elements

Incorporate interactive elements like touchscreens, product demos, or live activities. For example, allow attendees to try out your products, take part in a demo, or engage in a game or quiz. This creates a memorable experience and encourages visitors to stay longer at your booth.

 

3. Giveaways and Contests

We encourage you to create your own giveaways or games. How about a raffle for anyone who purchases from you or gives you their email? A contest with a high-value prize can generate sales and marketing leads, as customers will often provide contact information to enter.

 

4. Lead Collection System

Set up a system to collect leads, such as sign-up forms, or a digital lead capture system. Make it easy for attendees to provide their contact information by offering an incentive like a service upgrade, free trial or a follow-up consultation. I strongly recommend having email leads. You can email them after the show and thank them for stopping by. You could go a step further and extend an offer or incentive for them to shop with you again.

 

5. Social Media Promotion

Use the posts provided by the HOO team to announce your participation in the event, reminding people of the date and time. Promote your booth on social media before and during the event. Share your booth location, tease exclusive offers, and encourage attendees to stop by. You could even create a custom hashtag or run a social media contest to engage visitors and boost your online presence.

 

6. Product Demonstrations or Mini-Workshops

Host live product demos or mini-workshops to showcase your expertise and offerings. Demonstrating your product or service in action can draw crowds and help people see its value. Make sure these demos are announced before the show and tell people as they stop by what time the next one is!

 

7. Collaborate with Neighbouring Booths

Partner with nearby booths to cross-promote each other’s businesses. For example, if your products complement each other, you can recommend that visitors check out the neighboring booth, and they can do the same for you. If you want to get really creative you can do a joint bundle or discount with other participating businesses.

 

8. Create an inviting Space

Make space for people to view your products or chat about what you offer. Your space should be open and inviting to encourage people to explore. Avoid using oversized furniture or displays which will limit the amount of people who can be in your space.

 

Takeaway: How can you elevate the customer experience with your businesses? What can you do to be unique or make their purchase with you exciting? What would encourage them to share your business with their friends and family?

If you have questions or ideas you would like to discuss with the team you can email us at hello@theheartofoxford.ca or message us on Instagram!

Promotion ideas.

I’ll start off by saying you don’t need to discount your products or services to make a profit at the show. These ideas are designed to creatively increase your average order value, encouraging more sales at a higher price point. The focus is on delivering benefits for both you and your customers. 

Take a read and see if any of these ideas might suit your business.

Ideas for service-based businesses

 

  • Create a bundle where customers can purchase multiple sessions, classes, or treatments at a discounted rate. For example, bundle 10 fitness classes for a lower price than buying them individually. You can also cross-promote services like a facial, brow wax, and lash tint to create a 'The Ultimate Glow' bundle. Be sure to show the original cost so customers see the savings. Bundles increase clients' investment and perceived value while boosting your average order value. Just ensure the discount doesn’t cut into your profits.

  • These packages can be based on limited time slots, dates, or class spaces and once they’re booked, they sell out. For example, a photographer could offer 10 mini-sessions at a special rate. Customers book and pay on the spot, and once the slots are filled, the offer is gone. These packages could be for lower-cost services you want people to try or an exclusive one-off experience. Limited availability packages combine savings, urgency, and added value to motivate clients to act quickly. I wouldn’t suggest choosing your most profitable or best-selling service for this promotion as you already know it can make money on its own.

  • To attract new clients, offer a limited-time discount or a free consultation for first-time customers. For example, offer 20% off the first service or a free 30-minute consultation. This incentivises people to try your services with less risk and can help convert prospects into loyal clients.

  • Create packages or promotions for the holiday season or a particular event. For example, a fitness trainer could offer a “New Year’s Resolution” package, while an event planner might create a “Bridal Package” for weddings. Food services can offer a catering promotion for Christmas / New Year / Bridal Shower. Discounts aren’t necessary— the value lies in how your services help clients achieve their goals or creat an experience.

  • Encourage clients to commit to a long-term relationship by offering a discount for prepaying for multiple sessions or months of service upfront. For example, offer a 10% discount if they pay for 6 months in advance. This boosts your cash flow and secures long-term clients, while the discount provides value to them.

Ideas for product-based businesses

 

  • Offer a limited-time discount available only at the HOO Event. This could be % off a particular collection of products, BOGO, product bundles, and more. Promote it via your network emphasizing its exclusivity. Flash sales like these encourage impulse buying and are a great way to clear out inventory or introduce new customers to your products. This strategy not only boosts sales volume but also increases the average order value.

  • The HOO event is purposefully held in November to encourage holiday sales. You have the opportunity to attract customers looking to purchase gifts from local businesses so why not create giftable offerings?

    Create product bundles ‘for her’, ‘for him’, ‘for them’. Create bundles based on price (people often want to spend a certain amount on gifts). Offer stocking stuffer products. Customers like it when businesses help them check off items on a list and will pay for the convenience.

  • Offering a free gift with a minimum purchase can encourage customers to spend more. Choose an item that complements your main products, and make sure it's something desirable to your target audience. Promote this with messages like "Spend $50 and receive a free [product]."

  • Encourage customers to come back to your business after the event. Create a voucher for those who spend over $X to be redeemed [add some dates, I advise from Nov 10th - Dec 31st] on a future purchase.

  • If you have very giftable items and can offer gift wrapping, it could be a big hit! Bring branded bags (so others at the show can see your business logo walking around the event), tissue paper and some ribbons. Even better, get some small branded greetings cards or labels for the customer to write out themselves. This extra special touch will be a memorable interaction and will increase the likelihood of day-of purchases.