As the English poet John Donne famously posited, “No man is an island.” College campuses can often feel like their own, self-sustaining world. In a lot of ways, that’s what they are; jobs, housing, food and even medical services are often provided. However, no one exists in a bubble. Embracing the greater community beyond the campus walls can drive foot traffic, enhance the shopping experience and support the local economy.
Topics: window displays, pinterest, Bookstore marketing
As an author, the first chance you have to bring a reader into your world is with your book cover. A great cover will stop a person who is browsing. The art will present an intriguing story to the reader that makes them want to know more. Once the book is in their hands, it is up to the content inside to make the sale and create a loyal customer, but it is the cover that makes the introduction. With a college store, creative and eye-catching window displays act in the same manner.
Certain times of the year are naturally busier than others. Promotions and events can be lost when there isn’t time to plan and host an event on top of everything else you do. Take advantage of this summer’s lull to organize and prepare your marketing efforts for the rest of the year.
Topics: eCommerce, Bookstore marketing, mobile technology
Physical books are being replaced by eBooks — didn’t happen. Blu-ray is the next DVD — sorry, that was streaming. Smartphones are the new laptop — jury’s still out?
Topics: social media, snapchat, Bookstore marketing
There is no denying that with the younger generations Snapchat is the place to be. Facebook is something their parents use. Twitter is potentially headed to the proverbial “farm” to be with MySpace. LinkedIn has never had an appeal for students. Snapchat, though, is new, fresh and incriminating content ideally disappears in ten seconds. The temporary nature that makes the platform appealing to students, makes using it for marketing a challenge — but not impossible.
Topics: social media, facebook, Bookstore marketing
Many of us have a love-hate relationship with Facebook. It’s easy to use and it seems like everyone is on it, but it has become increasingly difficult for a business to get noticed.
June is a great time to invite the surrounding community, alumni and hard-to-reach nontraditional students to your store. This May, plan for a whimsical and fun children’s story hour to remind parents families are welcome in your store.
Buyback is just around the corner, but it isn’t too late to encourage students to sell their textbooks back to your college store. Follow this easy-to-use checklist to make sure you maximize your buyback marketing efforts.
Topics: buyback, Bookstore marketing
Drawing students to your store for buyback is step one. Step two can be even trickier: Ensuring customers leave feeling happy with the cash they get for their books.
Topics: buyback, Marketing to Students, Bookstore marketing
Buyback will be here before you know it. Do you have plan? How will you get the word out to students about where and when they can sell back their books? Do you have an incentive for them to choose your store rather than the competition? If these questions have filled you with anxiety, have no fear. We have gathered some easily-implemented ideas your store can use to ensure your buyback is a success.
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