Recommended pre-grand opening practices
Surprise and Delight
A strategy that aims to attract and nurture consumer relations, a surprise & delight provides unexpected rewards. For example: A pet store might hand out pet treats in “doggie bags” with their logo and contact information.
Earned Media
Typically, grand openings are held over the weekend when customers are not at work and have more time to visit a merchant.
Plan your grand opening to gain the most exposure to new customers, not to secure a broadcast station or online reporter.
If you believe you have an unusual or highly visual event, please read the PR & Media Relations and Sample Media Advisory to best understand how to draft a media advisory that attracts on-site media coverage.
Partner With a Local Charity
Find ways to support their cause, either through donation or a percentage of profits, and co- promote via the nonprofit’s social channels as well as their influence in the community.
Influencer Outreach
Connect with social media influencers to promote your event on their social channels and share discount codes or special deals they can push to their following during the grand opening.
Social Media Coverage
Have an announcement post that generates excitement and include a CTA (call to action) that encourages the social community to join.
Capture behind-the-scenes visuals of the event to capture the energy and excitement.
To best showcase your event through the visual eye, please refer to: Taking Effective Photos.
Repost photos and videos from the community to better tell the consumer story of your grand opening and boost audience engagement.
Run a social media contest that encourages social users to tag your business in their posts that day for a chance to win a prize or trial offer.
