Should you be thinking about increasing foot traffic?
The short answer–yes.
You need foot traffic because it’s a powerful driver of growth and customer loyalty, especially for businesses that thrive on local engagement. While digital channels are essential, there’s value in face-to-face interactions and the memorable experiences only an in-person visit can create.
Foot traffic brings customers into your space, where they can explore your products or services, engage with your business in a tangible way, and build connections that digital experiences alone can’t provide. It also opens up opportunities for upselling, impulse purchases, and customer feedback, giving you real-time insights into what works.
This article explores 12 actionable methods that businesses across various industries, from retail to healthcare, can implement to turn online interest into real-world presence and foot traffic.
12 tactics that’ll increase foot traffic
No matter what you sell, if you have a physical location, you need a steady stream of interested buyers to grow your business. Here are a dozen ways you can keep that flow going.
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1. Local SEO
76% of consumers who search for something nearby visit a related business within a day, and 28% of these searches lead to a purchase.
That makes local SEO more important than ever.
Local SEO increases foot traffic, leads, and sales by helping small businesses become more visible to nearby customers who are searching for products or services online. By optimizing your Google Business Profile and using geotags on social media, you can attract more local customers, increase visibility on Google Maps, and boost engagement.
For example, when I searched “clinics near me,” I got the following results:
By optimizing for local SEO, these clinics have made sure everyone in the NY area can find them easily. The Google 3-Pack (the results listed under “Places” in the screenshot) comes with precise locations on the map, business ratings, customer reviews, timings, and even the option to schedule a visit. All of these features make local SEO one of the most effective methods for driving foot traffic, especially for small businesses in retail, automotive, healthcare, and other service-based industries.
Optimizing for local search is also highly cost-effective because it results in more foot traffic and does not require a big investment. All you have to do is:
- Set up your Google Business Profile: Claim and verify your business. Complete your profile with accurate details about your address, contact info, website link, and business hours. Add high-quality images and regularly update them. Also, encourage and respond to customer reviews to improve credibility and local ranking.
- Use geotags on social media: Include geotags (i.e., specific locations) in your posts, stories, and videos on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to appear in location-based searches. Also, use location-specific hashtags (e.g., #NYCrestaurants, #Denvercoffee) to increase local discoverability and drive foot traffic from your social media followers.
- Use local keywords on your website: Add location-specific keywords (e.g., “Chicago hair salon” or “plumber in Austin”) to your website content, Google Business Profile, and social media profiles.
- Create posts on your Google Business Profile: Google Business Profile posts are short updates that can be used to share information about products, services, events, offers, and more. They can include photos, videos, text, and a call to action (CTA). Log into your Google Business account, click ‘posts,’ and make regular updates to attract local customers.
Use Google Analytics and insights from your Google Business Profile to monitor traffic and measure how your strategy is working out.
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2. In-store events and workshops
Have you ever wondered why events like Black Friday sales and back-to-school shopping continue to boost retail foot traffic year after year? It’s because these events create a sense of urgency, community, and exclusivity that encourages customers to experience your business firsthand.
Even if you are not in retail, in-store events and workshops can boost foot traffic for you. For example, St. Louis-based pet boutique Lola & Penelope’s hosts a variety of pet-friendly events like dog training classes, adoption events, and themed celebrations.
An example of a themed workshop at Lola and Penelope’s.
These events help build community, increase foot traffic, and create brand loyalty by offering interactive experiences for pets and owners. The events also promote products and services to your local customers.
Whether you are in education, healthcare, or professional services, hosting informational workshops and events will help you drive visits and position your business as an expert in the field. Here’s how you can do it:
- Choose suitable themes: Align events with your business offerings. If you are a retail store, host a style session; if you are in auto repair, offer a tire-changing workshop. The workshop has to be useful for your customers.
- Promote early: Use email newsletters, local partnerships, and social media marketing to spread the word. Create an online RSVP to build anticipation.
- Create incentives: Offer exclusive discounts, samples, or a giveaway to encourage attendance and purchases.
- Engage during the event: Make the experience interactive. Use live demos, Q&A sessions, and opportunities for customers to try products themselves.
- Follow up: After the event, follow up with attendees via email, ask for feedback, and offer a special discount for their next visit.
3. Loyalty programs
With a good loyalty program, customers are 10% more likely to shop with you and 12% more likely to recommend your products and services to others. That’s because loyalty programs create incentives for repeat visits, with rewards that cater to frequent shoppers. By offering rewards like discounts, freebies, or exclusive perks, you build deeper connections with customers and boost sales and engagement.
Using exclusive loyalty card tiers, where customers earn greater rewards as they reach higher levels, adds another layer of motivation. This approach works well in industries like retail, home services, and travel, where repeat visits are crucial for sustained growth. For example, WingStuff, a retailer specializing in motorcycle accessories, runs a successful tiered rewards program.
In WingStuff’s reward program, customers earn points on every dollar spent and can progress through three tiers: Silver, Gold, and VIP Platinum.
Each of the three tiers unlocks better rewards, including higher cashback rates, discounts, and exclusive benefits like extra points for referrals and social shares. The program encourages repeat purchases and rewards diverse interactions, such as product reviews and social media engagement. This structure makes it a practical model for small businesses aiming to increase customer retention and engagement while driving more foot traffic and sales.
To start a loyalty program, you should:
- Start simple: Begin with a basic rewards program that offers points for every visit or purchase. For example, customers could earn one point for every dollar spent, with rewards available at 50 points.
- Add tiers for engagement: Once your program gains traction, introduce exclusive tiers. For instance, customers reaching 200 points could unlock a “Gold” status with better rewards, such as larger discounts or early access to sales.
- Personalize rewards: Use customer data to offer personalized incentives, like birthday discounts or rewards based on purchase history.
- Promote it widely: Use in-store signage, email marketing, and your website to promote the loyalty program. Make sign-up easy by integrating it into the checkout process.
- Measure and adjust: Regularly analyze program data to identify which rewards are most popular and adjust the offerings accordingly.
4. Exclusive in-store promotions and discounts
You can use in-store promotions and discounts as powerful tools to increase foot traffic, create a sense of urgency, and drive immediate sales. In an age where people can get health advice, fitness training, education, and even house tours online, you have to reward people for visiting your location.
For example, Iron Works Fitness has two locations in Philadelphia, PA, one at E Lehigh Ave and the other at N 12th St. To encourage more sign-ups at their E Lehigh Ave location, they used an exclusive promo code for their monthly membership.
In an age where more and more people prefer to work out at home, and online personal training is a growing trend, such exclusive discounts can encourage people to hit the gym again.
To increase foot traffic through exclusive discounts and promos, try these tactics:
- Run limited-time offers: Use phrases like “Today Only!” or “This Weekend Only!” in your marketing to emphasize limited-time availability.
- Promote in-store exclusives: Highlight deals available only in-store through signage, local ads, and social media.
- Offer gifts with each purchase: Choose a product that complements popular items. For example, a home service provider might offer a free air filter with every HVAC tune-up.
- Advertise across channels: Promote these offers via email newsletters, SMS campaigns, social media, and in-store flyers to maximize reach.
- Track results: Use sales data and customer feedback to measure the impact of your promotions, adjusting strategies as needed to improve performance.
5. Local business and influencer partnerships
When a business is recommended by another trusted source, customers are more likely to visit it. The trusted source can be a friend, a family member, a coworker, an influencer, or a business you trust. By working with each other and with local influencers, businesses can tap into each other’s customer base, resources, and local goodwill.
For example, Eric Sandler is a local food influencer based out of Houston. He visits local restaurants and reviews their food. In a recent post, Sandler engaged his audience with the “What’s Eric Eating Ultimate Steakhouse Draft,” where he and friends selected their top steakhouse picks in Houston, including the well-known Pappas Bros. Steakhouse.
By highlighting a mix of classic and contemporary steakhouses, he encouraged his followers to explore both new and beloved local dining spots. Such influencer posts serve as subtle yet powerful endorsements that spark curiosity and inspire followers to visit these establishments.
This type of partnership taps into the influencer’s credibility and local expertise and drives interest and foot traffic from audiences eager to experience the recommendations firsthand.
To make this kind of partnership work, you have to:
- Identify the right partners: Look for complementary businesses and influencers in your industry (e.g., a home service company partnering with a hardware store or a healthcare clinic teaming up with a nearby gym or fitness influencer).
- Plan a joint event: Organize workshops, charity drives, seasonal festivals, or customer appreciation days. For example, a coffee shop and a local bookstore could co-host a book reading with complimentary drinks.
- Run collaborative promotions: Offer joint discounts. For example, you could offer a 10% discount when a customer shows a receipt from the partner business.
- Market together: Use email newsletters, social media, and local media outlets to promote the partnership. Highlight the benefits of shopping locally and supporting the community.
- Follow up: After the event or promotion, follow up with attendees through email or social media and offer a special incentive for a return visit.
6. Improved signage
A survey conducted by FedEx showed that 76% of people entered a store because of an interesting or attractive sign.
Well-designed signage is a proven method to boost foot traffic by catching the attention of passersby. It also increases brand awareness and encourages impulse visits, especially for service-based businesses that rely on local visibility. For example, Revive Med Spa, a medical spa in California, improved its signage for better visibility from multiple angles on the street at its La Jolla location.
This type of prominent and clean signage attracts attention from people walking or driving by and results in higher foot traffic to the spa. Even if someone doesn’t immediately visit the spa, looking at the signage informs them of the spa’s location, which could lead to a future visit.
Here are a few ways to improve your signage:
- Be bold: Use bold, legible fonts and contrasting colors to ensure readability from a distance. Use images or icons relevant to your industry and include clear calls to action like “Free Consultations” or “Special Discounts Today” to encourage immediate visits.
- Place it properly: Position signage where it’s easily visible from the street or sidewalk. Use window graphics to highlight promotions or special services, and use A-frame or sandwich boards on sidewalks to catch the eye of pedestrians.
- Make it timely: Use digital signs or LED displays to promote time-sensitive deals, events, or new arrivals. Update signage regularly to keep it relevant and exciting, especially changing colors according to seasonal themes.
- Use design basics: Use cohesive design elements that make your brand memorable to passersby, helping them recall your business even after they leave the area.
7. Instagram-worthy photo ops
Interactive, Instagram-worthy photo ops at your location will help you get more foot traffic. This is especially true for restaurants, as 75% of people who browse food photos on social media choose to visit restaurants based on the photos they see online. Instagram is such a force for marketing that 40% of travelers choose destinations based on their Instagrammability.
Photo ops installations will help you take advantage of this trend and encourage visitors to take photos, tag your business, and share them on social media, effectively turning customers into brand ambassadors.
Interactive photo ops work really well for retail, travel, entertainment, and service-based businesses. They make your space more engaging and memorable for both locals and tourists. BE Fit Modern Pilates, a physical fitness center, installed an Instagram-worthy art installation at their Austin location in October, and customers are already tagging it on Instagram.
To take a page out of their book, you should:
- Go big: Use colors, themes, or oversized props that make people want to take photos. Incorporate your branding subtly within the design so your business gets visibility when photos are shared.
- Add fun elements: Add elements that invite customers to engage physically, like 3D props, wings, a seating arrangement designed for fun group shots, or a selfie station.
- Place it prominently: Position the installation at the entrance, in a window display, or in a visually prominent spot inside the store.
- Light it up: Make sure the lighting is ideal for photos, either through natural light or well-placed artificial lighting.
- Share it: Share photos of the installation on your social media and encourage customers to visit, tag your business, and use specific hashtags.
8. Mobile apps for real-time, in-store assistance
While customers can always ask a store associate for help, mobile apps provide a faster, more personalized way to access information and assistance. When stores are busy or staff are occupied, an app can offer immediate support and allow customers to get answers or product information without waiting.
Mobile apps can also deliver unique features, like personalized recommendations based on purchase history, loyalty program integration, or even augmented reality (AR) options that enhance the in-store experience in ways a human might not be able to.
For example, some apps allow users to scan items and instantly see product details, reviews, or usage suggestions, adding value beyond basic in-store interactions. By providing on-demand digital support, the app caters to those who prefer a self-service approach or want quick answers to simple questions.
Mobile apps can drive foot traffic by creating a richer, more engaging in-store experience that encourages return visits. Here are two ways to do that:
- Offer unique features: Include features and content that are only accessible while in-store, such as AR product demos, exclusive discounts, or loyalty points for app usage.
- Use geofencing: Geofencing lets you send messages to people in or near your store. Use it to send notifications about flash deals, limited-time offers, or in-store events as customers approach the store, enticing them to come inside.
Positive in-store experiences, such as helpful app-based support and exclusive deals, create memorable interactions that encourage customers to return. Over time, this repeat engagement translates into increased foot traffic. IKEA uses this strategy. Their mobile app supports in-store shoppers by allowing them to access product information, check inventory, and navigate the store independently.
9. Personalized direct mail
76% of customers are more likely to purchase from brands that offer a personalized experience. Also, 78% of those customers will even recommend the brand to friends and family and make repurchases.
While personalization works across all marketing channels, it works incredibly well through direct mail. The open rate for personalized direct mail can go up to 90% compared to 30% for direct mail overall.
This means you can take the power of personalization and combine it with the high engagement rates of direct mail to get people to come to your location.
With advancements in tracking and cookie-based retargeting, you can identify specific neighborhoods from where you get the most website visitors and do tailored direct mail campaigns for those areas. Give them an exclusive offer on the products or services they are interested in and an invitation to visit the store and see your foot traffic thrive.
10. Pop-up events
Pop-up events create buzz, attract new customers, and generate significant foot traffic by providing a unique, limited-time experience. These temporary, themed events feature exclusive products and seasonal items that create a sense of urgency. The concept thrives on the fear of missing out (FOMO), which drives spontaneous visits. That’s why pop-up shops are estimated to generate more than $95 billion in revenue next year.
Here’s an example. The Coteriè LA hosts curated pop-up markets in the San Fernando Valley, where a variety of local small businesses come together to showcase their products and connect with new customers.
These events create a lively, community-focused atmosphere that draws in both locals and visitors. You can either follow The Coterie LA’s footsteps and host your own pop-up event or join events happening near you as a vendor.
When choosing an event to join (or hosting one), make sure you:
- Look for high-traffic areas, such as local markets, food halls, or community events, where people naturally gather.
- Consider unexpected venues that align with your brand, like hosting a travel-themed pop-up in an airport or a wellness-themed one at a gym.
- Use eye-catching visuals, interactive displays, and engaging activities that reflect the theme and encourage social sharing.
- Use social media, email newsletters, and local influencers to build excitement before the event. Include geotags, hashtags, and countdowns to drive anticipation and engagement.
- Provide limited-time offers or exclusive items only available at the pop-up to create urgency. For example, a café might offer a special menu only at the pop-up event.
11. Geo-targeted mobile ads
Geo-targeted mobile ads, delivered through geofencing, allow businesses to reach out to potential customers within a specific geographic area. These ads use GPS or Wi-Fi data to identify users’ locations and present special offers when they are near your store.
Geotargeted ads often have a higher engagement rate than other advertising strategies because they reach an audience that’s shown an interest in a brand and is nearby.
Here’s a scenario to explain how geotargeted ads work. Imagine you are downtown and receive a notification from a nearby café offering a 20% discount on coffee for the next hour. Since you’re already close by, the offer feels timely and relevant, making you more likely to stop in and take advantage of the deal.
Here are a few tips to optimize your geotargeted ad campaigns:
- Apply the right tools: Use platforms like Google Ads, Facebook Ads, or geofencing tools to define your target radius around the business location.
- Target ads: Adjust ad settings to deliver promotions only when potential customers are within a designated area.
- Create urgency: Use time-sensitive language in your ads (e.g., “Stop by within the next hour!”) to create urgency.
- Align promotions: Offer promotions that align with local events or peak foot traffic times, such as lunch specials for nearby office workers or happy hour discounts for commuters.
- Go mobile: Use mobile-optimized ad formats like banners, push notifications, or even SMS messages that highlight the offer clearly and include a simple call-to-action.
12. Flash sales through text marketing
People may ignore ads and emails, but everyone reads their texts. That’s why SMS campaigns can reach open rates as high as 98%. By delivering surprise deals directly to subscribers’ phones, you can prompt impulse visits and increase engagement, especially in industries like retail, automotive, home services, and professional services.
Here’s how you can do it:
- Encourage customers to sign up for SMS alerts by offering an initial incentive, such as a 10% discount on their next visit.
- Clearly communicate that subscribers will receive exclusive, time-sensitive offers.
- Keep messages short and punchy, using language that creates urgency, such as “Flash Sale! 30% Off for the Next 2 Hours!”
- Include a direct call-to-action, like “Show this text at checkout” or “Click here for directions to our store.
Increasing foot traffic in a digital age
Driving foot traffic is about more than just getting customers to walk through your doors. It’s about creating memorable experiences that keep them coming back and talking about your business.
Each tactic we’ve covered may work well on its own, but the real magic happens when you layer these strategies together. By blending online and offline engagement, you’ll transform one-time visitors into loyal patrons.
Here’s a recap of tactics to increase foot traffic for your business:
- Local SEO
- In-store events and workshops
- Loyalty programs
- Exclusive in-store promotions and discounts
- Local business and influencer partnerships
- Improved signage
- Instagram-worthy photo ops
- Mobile apps for real-time, in-store assistance
- Personalized direct mail
- Pop-up events
- Geo-targeted mobile ads
- Flash sales through SMS marketing
