This whole month we’re focused on ways to increase your revenue all summer long. Sure, you have a loyal customer base, but who isn’t interested in attracting a few more buyers? Those buyers are driving down I-70, and they might as well be buying from you than someone else. I want to focus on how the resort business attracts their customers, because we all can learn from their example. I turned to Art Unlimited for their top five tips for attracting vacation sales. I think you’ll see how they apply to you.

#1 Tip: Be bold – Be loud. Provide stunning pictures in a brochure shared at local restaurants or motels. Capture the flavor of your business on your website. Travelers are mile-weary and it takes color, a bold font and big letters to attract their attention.

#2 Tip: Give your shoppers a great experience before they walk through the door. Offer a coupon. Host a little scavenger hunt for bargains in the store. Invite them for cookies and tea. Make their shopping experience something they’ll remember, and neither you nor the shopper will be disappointed.

#3 Tip: Offer valuable sales. No one is made of money, and a shopper is much more willing to spend money when a bargain is on the line. I reserve my entire wardrobe budget for local boutiques when I travel. I like to find items I won’t see every other woman wearing when I get home, so I shop in little stores with edgy styles. If the shop has a sale going on, you can bet I’ll be there!

#4 Tip: Be on social media. As much as Facebook is a pain in the neck, it is also a great place to build some shopping frenzy. If your store has an active and attractive FB page, your travelers will be sure to check it out. The pictures of your merchandise will attract them to you. The cute memes and shopper reviews will authenticate our value.

               Be sure to post two to four times a day through the summer. You don’t have to do this yourself. Hire someone and pay for their time—a good post can cost as little as ten minutes of effort, so this is a very cost-effective form of advertising. Don’t miss a free venue for shoppers just because you are mad at Facebook!

Tip #5:  Respond quickly to the non-fans. When someone comes in and does a quick look around and is ready to leave, you either just lost a customer, or you have to chance to woo a customer. That’s when you offer a pitcher of lemonade and ask how their trip or day or stay or whatever is going. Offer a chair close to the door, so it’s just as easy to sit down as it is to walk out—and build a friendship. Don’t try to sell anything, just answer questions and share about your favorite local shops.

               Capturing vacation dollars is a little different than local dollars—am I right? But it’s so worth the investment!