Create a Marketing Strategy for Your Retail Store – That Actually Brings Paying Customers

Harsh Banura
Jun 5
3 min read

Even If You Don’t Have a Big Budget or Marketing Team

You don’t need flashy ads or big discounts to bring customers. You need a real marketing plan that brings the right people to your shop – ready to buy.

If your only plan is “wait for footfall,” you’re not doing marketing – you’re doing hope.

Let’s change that.

Step 1: Know Who You Want to Sell To (Not “Sabko”)

Everyone” is NOT your customer.

Ask yourself:

● Who is your best buyer?

● What age? What occasion? What price range?

● Are they college girls? Newlyweds? Working women? Boutique owners?

The sharper your target, the better your message.

Example:

“Ethnic daily wear for working women who want smart Kurtis under ₹799” is a lot better than “Ladies wear for all.”

Step 2: Craft Your Unique Message (Why YOU?)

Dan says: “Message matters more than media.”

Answer this: Why should a woman buy from your store and not from the 10 others nearby?

Your answer = your Unique Selling Point (USP)

More variety?
Personal styling?
Affordable trends?
Ready stock with matching leggings?
New designs every week?

Tell them what makes you different, not just “quality, reasonable price, latest design.” (Everyone says that.)

Step 3: Ditch Boring Discounts. Give Irresistible Reasons to Buy NOW!

1. Price cuts are lazy marketing. Smart retailers create excitement – not just “10% off.”

2. People don’t respond to freebies. They respond to VALUE + URGENCY.

3. Try these powerful “act-now” offers:

4. “Style & Smile” – Shop Today, Get a Free Insta Photoshoot in Our Store Look book

They’ll come for the selfie, they’ll leave with a dress

5. “Birthday Bonus” – Shop in Your Birthday Week & Get Double Rewards or a Gift

Emotional connection = lifelong customer.

6. “Style Design Contest – Submit Your Look, Win a Custom Kurti!”

7. Engage them online, bring them offline.

8. Limited-Time Collection Launch – RSVP & Get VIP Access

(Create FOMO. Make them feel special before they even walk in.)

9. Buy for ₹5000 – Win a Movie Ticket for 2! (Perfect for couples, gifting, or

self- pampering. Emotional = Effective)

10. Stop giving discounts. Start giving moments, surprises, and stories.

Because memories sell better than markdowns.

Step 4: Be Seen Where Your Buyers Are (Smart Promotion)

Don’t waste money everywhere. Be visible where your target buyer hangs out.

WhatsApp Status & Broadcasts
Instagram Reels showing try-ons, arrivals
Facebook groups (local ladies groups, kitty parties)
Reach City’s Social group, hangout places

You don’t need 1000 followers. You need 10 repeat buyers who love your store.

Step 5: Capture Customer Data Like Gold

If someone walks into your store and walks out without giving their name or number— You’ve lost a future sale.

Keep a simple system:

● Take phone number and name at billing

● Ask for birthdays or anniversaries

● Save them in Excel or CRM

Then follow up:

● Monthly WhatsApp updates

● Birthday wishes with a special offer

● New arrivals and festive previews

Step 6: Do Campaigns, Not Random Posting

Marketing should be planned like a calendar—not based on mood.

Make a monthly plan:

● Week 1: New arrivals + reels

● Week 2: Customer testimonial posts

● Week 3: Combo offer

● Week 4: Live session or styling tip

Keep it simple. 3 posts a week + 1 WhatsApp blast = Enough to stay in the game.

Step 7: Track What Works – Then Double It

“What gets measured, gets improved.”

Create a simple table:

Activity	Cost	Response	Profit
WhatsApp Offer	₹0	18 replies	4 sales
Insta Reel	₹0	2K views	6 sales
Print Flyer	₹500	8 calls	1 sale

Cut what doesn’t work. Repeat what does.

Step 8: Turn Your Store into a Marketing Machine

Your store should sell even when you're not speaking.

Use window displays with strong taglines
Print mirror stickers: “You look stunning in this!”
Add customer photos on the wall: “Our Style Queens”
Keep feedback book with testimonials
Offer loyalty card: “Shop 5 times, get ₹500 gift”

Every inch of your store should remind them: “You’re in the right place.”

Conclusion

You don’t need a marketing degree. You just need a clear plan and the courage to follow it every week.

Your competitors are waiting for walk-ins. You’ll create walk-ins.