As a game store owner, you know how difficult it is to get noticed in the crowded gaming industry and actually grow your business. Just having a store filled with the latest games is no longer enough. To stay relevant and competitive, you need to create a buzz around your business that attracts customers and keeps them coming back for more.
But how do you make this happen?
Well, it starts with your online presence. In today’s world, if you’re not online, you’re missing out on a huge opportunity. You need to make sure that your customers can easily find you when they’re looking for you and your products online. And I’m not just talking about having a website – although that’s important too – I’m talking about your Google Business profile.
What’s a Google Business Profile?
Your Google Business profile is your online calling card. It’s what puts you on the map and helps customers in your local area find you. But it’s not enough to just have a profile – you need to optimise it to ensure that it’s working for you, not against you.
So, what does that mean?
Well, it means filling out all the fields to the best of your ability, including the suburbs near you and your opening times. It means writing a killer description of your business that includes the types and brand names of games you offer. And it means posting photos of your store – even if they’re not professional – and encouraging your happy customers to leave positive reviews.
The best part? It doesn’t cost a thing to set up a Google Business profile for your FLGS. The only investment required is your time and effort in maintaining your details and refreshing your photos.
Without a Google Business profile, your business will be less discoverable, and thus won’t be able to grow.
Do You Need a Website to Grow Your Game Store?
In today’s world, a website is no longer a “nice to have”, it’s a “must-have” for any successful business. An attractive and user-friendly website will not only help you stand out from competitors, but also offer more ways for customers to buy from you. And let’s not forget the convenience of browsing products and ordering online, especially during these pandemic times. But what makes a top-notch FLGS website? Well, it’s all about providing value to your customers.
Your website should include your address, opening hours, a Local Business Schema tag, an about page with natural photos of your team, legal fine print, a contact page with multiple communication options, a reason for customers to come back, and a care plan to ensure everything runs smoothly.
You may be wondering about the costs. Engaging a freelancer or agency to create a website for your FLGS can range from AUD$3000 to $10k or more. Ongoing costs like web hosting and domain are not much, but as your business grows, you may need to invest more in web hosting, SEO copywriting, maintenance, and premium plugins.
So what kind of results can you expect?
Well, it all comes down to your conversion rate. Most sources say a good conversion rate for an ecommerce store is 2-4%, but it really depends on what you sell and your price point. The key takeaway is that a good quality website should be a return on your investment, not just another “nice to have” expense. So, are you ready to stand out and provide more value to your customers? Let’s build a website that brings them back for more!
Should You Invest in Paid Ads to grow your store?
With the decline of organic reach on social media, it’s time to realise that it’s not just pay to win, it’s pay to play.
So, what kind of paid ads should you use to promote your game store?
Well, Google Shopping Ads are perfect for showcasing your products on search result pages, while Google Search Ads can help your business appear in front of customers who are actively researching where to shop. And don’t forget about Facebook/Meta Ads – they’re great for increasing awareness of your business and events in your local area.
Now, I know what you might be thinking – how much will these ads cost me?
The truth is, it varies depending on your goals and how quickly you want to grow your business. But, a paid ads strategist can help you figure out a solution based on your customer LTV and industry benchmarks. And, by calculating your AOV, you can determine how much you’re willing to spend to acquire a customer who spends that much.
To sum it up, if you’re looking to grow your game store, you need to get found by customers in your local area. And, if you have any questions about paid ads, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I’m here to help with no obligation to pay a fee or get pitched at. Let’s level up your game store together!
Images by rawpixel.com and scop.io
