An open house can be a great promotional tool for your small business, allowing you to introduce new products and services, network with community members and generate word-of-mouth referrals. With a little planning and preparation, you can host a successful event and maybe even gain a new client or two.
These five tips, coupled with small business promotional items, are sure to leave a lasting impression on all who attend.
5 tips (plus promotional products for small businesses) for a smooth open house
Whether you’re holding an open house to promote your new business, thank loyal patrons, or showcase a new product or service line, these tips will help make your open house a success.
Set the date
You’ll want to give yourself ample time for planning, so choose your date at least a few months in advance. The best day of the week to hold your event will depend largely on the type business and its target audience, but consider choosing a day that is already a prime shopping day for your business. Take holidays and extended weekends into consideration. People may not want to postpone a long weekend (or cut one short) to attend your event.
Invitations
Once you’ve set your date, send out a “save-the-date” email blast followed by a formal invitation. You may even want to follow up with some guests via a phone call or personal email. Encourage invitees to bring a friend or business associate by entering those who do into a raffle for a small business promotional item, such as a smart water bottle or wireless ear bud and power bank combo.
Entertainment
Nothing draws a crowd like good entertainment. A talented D.J. or favorite local band can lure an audience. Maybe arrange an appearance from a home-grown celebrity or spokesperson. Or do something different and hire a flash mob. Who can resist that? Promote the entertainment on invitations, newsletters, your website, signage and more.
Food and drink
Depending on who you talk to, your food and beverage selection may have just as much appeal as the entertainment. Finger foods are a good choice for these types of events, allowing people to stand and mingle while they eat. Have catering staff on hand to take care of replenishing empties, clearing napkins and plates, and cleaning up spills. A signature drink can be a nice touch, too. Guests may appreciate the secret recipe—imprint it on a card and gift it with a logoed recipe card holder.
Giveaways
Last but not least, send every guest home with a promotional product for small businesses as a token of thanks. Let them know they’re the “key to your success” with a key-shaped USB drive. Tell them “thanks for ‘popping’ in” with a make-your-own popcorn kit. Or let them know their appearance “brightened your day” with a branded flashlight.
A small business open house can be a great way to launch new products and services, get to know local members of the community, and generate word-of-mouth referrals. These five tips, coupled with small business promotional items, are sure to leave a positive impression on all who attend.