Independent, high street or just getting started – these 10 tips (with links) are here to help you grow, connect with customers, and make the most of your BID membership this season:

  1. Make the most of Mansfield BID services Your BID membership includes your first day of support for FREE such as PAT Testing, DIY Jobs, cleaning services and more. You can book a service session directly with our team at a time that suits you.
  2. Stay ahead with training and workshops Don’t miss out on expert-led training sessions. Follow Mansfield BID on Eventbrite to get notified when new workshops go live.
  3. Build an email list and keep in touch Email marketing is still one of the most cost-effective ways to stay connected with your customers. Start small – a clipboard by the till works! Then read this beginner’s guide from Zendesk to learn how to manage it well.
  4. Add Click & Collect or local delivery You don’t need a full online shop to offer convenience. This guide from SumUp shows how even small retailers can set up Click & Collect or local delivery quickly using simple tools.
  5. Upgrade your in-store signage From your window to your till area, good signage improves the customer experience and encourages sales. Check out these practical signage tips from Lightspeed for ways to make yours stand out.
  6. Reward loyalty and referrals Encourage repeat visits with loyalty cards and refer-a-friend rewards. This quick guide from SumUp shows how simple schemes can increase customer retention.
  7. Put a QR code in your window Give passers-by a quick way to connect with you even when you’re closed. Use the free QR code generator from Shopify to link to your website, menu or social media.
  8. Respond to customer reviews Replying to online reviews shows you value feedback – and builds trust with new customers reading them. Here’s how to reply effectively to both positive and negative reviews.
  9. Get listed on more platforms Maximise your visibility by registering on local business directories. Our new website is nearing completion, we will soon send out a link for you to submit your business details to be shown on our new busienss directory.
  10. Use high-quality visuals – for free Professional photos make a huge difference on social media and websites. Unsplash has thousands of free, high-res images you can legally use to level up your content.