Hard to say. What works in my small market isn’t best for yours.
I’d consider doorhanging as a first assault. Whenever and wherever you can get it done. I find direct mail to be less effective in larger markets than mine. We can get lots of word out inexpensively to our 2000 addresses, but our return is still only about 15%.
I would look towards some opportunities at fairs and events where you can get involved and/or sponsor. Getting your food intoi mouths is easier when you are right there giving it to them. But it is more labor intensive and time involved.
For paper marketing, I’d say do a 2-prnged thrust of existing customers increasing sales and then adding new customers. Get a great new offer for existing customers on the boxtoppers and doorhangers. Something that gets them into the shop 1 or 2 more times this month.
For new customers, it seems coupons and flyers are simple, and as effective as anything else. We don’t do so much advertising this way, but get out and participate in anything the community has going on. We hand out menues and materials as well as maps. We’ll be doing school nights in the fall . . . maybe you can do the same for local colleges or sports boosters who are ramping up this summer.
