The Problem: Plenty of People, Not Enough Sales
If you own a shop in Brisbane—whether you’re in the heart of the CBD, a busy strip in Paddington, or a shopping centre in Chermside—you know the frustration of watching people walk right past your front door. You’ve got the stock, you’ve got the lights on, and you’re paying a premium for your location, yet the till isn't ringing as often as it should.
Most marketing advice for retailers is fluff. You’ll hear about "brand awareness" or "engagement," but at the end of the day, those don't pay the rent. You need foot traffic. Specifically, you need people to stop what they’re doing, walk through your door, and open their wallets.
I’ve looked at the data for dozens of local businesses, and the reality is blunt: if your shop is quiet, it’s usually because you’re failing at one of three things: stopping them on the street, being found when they search their phone, or giving them a reason to visit you instead of buying online.
Here is the strategic breakdown of how to actually grow your foot traffic and, more importantly, your profit.
1. Win the Battle on the Footpath
Your shop front is your most expensive billboard. If it’s not working for you 24/7, you are wasting a massive portion of your rent. In a high-traffic area like James St or even a local hub in North Lakes, you have about three seconds to grab someone's attention.
The "Stop and Look" Strategy
Data shows that humans are hard-wired to notice movement and high contrast. If your window display hasn't changed in three months, locals have literally "tuned it out." Their brains treat your shop as part of the background noise.The Cost: $100 - $500 for basic signage/props. The Result: Immediate. You will see people stop the same day you change it. What to do: Use bold, high-contrast signage. Don't just list what you sell; list a problem you solve. Instead of "Shoes," try "The Most Comfortable Walking Shoes in Brisbane."
Sidewalk Signs (A-Frames)
I see so many businesses get this wrong. They put too much text on an A-frame. Nobody stops to read a paragraph while walking. You need three to five words and an arrow.If you want to win more customers from the big chains, your advantage is personality. Use your sidewalk sign to show there are real people inside, not just a corporate machine.
2. Be the First Choice on Google Maps
Let’s be honest: when someone in Brisbane wants a "gift shop near me" or "best coffee in South Brisbane," they aren't looking at the Yellow Pages. They are looking at Google Maps.
If you aren't in the top three results on that map, you don't exist for about 70% of potential customers. This isn't about fancy tech; it's about making sure Google knows you are open and reliable.
Why You’re Losing to Competitors
I’ve seen shops with better products and better prices lose out to inferior competitors simply because the competitor has more reviews. Google likes businesses that people talk about.The Cost: $0 (just your time). The Result: 2 to 4 weeks to see a lift in phone calls and "get directions" clicks. The Strategy: Every single happy customer should be asked to leave a review. Don't be shy. A simple "If you loved the service, it would really help our small business if you left us a Google review" works wonders. More reviews equal more trust, and more trust equals more foot traffic.
3. Use the "Destination" Factor
Convenience is the king of retail, but if you aren't the most convenient option, you have to be the most interesting one. You need to give people a reason to get off the couch and drive to your shop rather than clicking "Buy Now" on a big website.
One of the most effective ways to do this is by tapping into the local community. We’ve seen retailers in suburbs like Bulimba and Morningside significantly boost sales through events. Whether it’s a product launch, a workshop, or a "VIP night," these events create a spike in traffic that usually results in a higher average spend per customer.
The Math of Events
If it costs you $200 in snacks and 3 hours of staff time to host 20 people, and 10 of those people spend an average of $80, you’ve turned a $300 investment into $800 in revenue. More importantly, those 20 people now have a relationship with your shop. They’ll come back.4. Stop the Online Leakage
Many shop owners think the internet is their enemy. It’s not. It’s a tool to get people through your door. A common mistake is having a website that looks like a brochure from 2005.
Your website has one job: to convince the person looking at it to visit your physical store. It needs to load fast, show your address clearly, and work perfectly on a phone. If a customer can't find your opening hours within two seconds of landing on your site, they are going to your competitor.
To effectively win more sales against the online giants, you need to highlight what they can't offer: the ability to touch, feel, and try on the product today. Mention "In-stock today" or "Click and collect in 30 minutes" prominently.
5. The "Loyalty" Myth vs. Reality
Most loyalty programs are a waste of money. Those little cardboard punch cards often get lost or forgotten. If you want people to come back, you need their contact details—specifically their mobile number or email address.
Building a Customer Database
Imagine it’s a rainy Tuesday in Brisbane and the shop is dead. If you have a list of 500 local customers, you can send one message: "Rainy Day Special: 20% off all knitwear today only!" Suddenly, you have a busy afternoon.The Cost: Low (monthly cost for a simple messaging tool). The Result: Instant traffic on demand. The Strategy: Offer a small immediate incentive (like $5 off their current purchase) if they join your VIP list. It’s the cheapest marketing you will ever do.
6. Lighting and Atmosphere: The Hidden Sales Killers
I’ve walked into many Brisbane shops that feel like a cave. If your shop is dim, it looks closed or uninviting. If it smells stale, people leave faster. This sounds basic, but data shows that shoppers stay longer and spend more in well-lit, pleasant environments.
Lighting: Switch to high-quality LEDs. They make your products look better and save you money on the power bill. It’s a win-win. Music: Match the vibe to your customer. If you’re selling high-end jewellery, don't play top 40 radio with loud ads. It kills the mood and the sale.
7. Strategic Partnerships
If you own a boutique clothing store, the hair salon next door is your best friend, not your competition. You share the same customer base.
The Strategy: Place a small stack of beautiful vouchers in their salon (e.g., "$20 off for Salon Customers") and offer to do the same for them. The Cost: Just the cost of printing the cards. Why it works: You are getting a warm introduction to a customer who is already out shopping in your area.
Summary: What to do First
Marketing can feel overwhelming, but you don't need to do everything at once. If you want results this month, here is the order I recommend:
1. Fix your Google Maps listing: Get 5 new reviews this week. Ensure your hours are 100% correct. 2. Refresh your window and A-frame: Make it bold, simple, and focused on a benefit to the customer. 3. Start a basic VIP list: Ask every person who buys something for their email or mobile number. 4. Partner up: Talk to one neighbouring business about a cross-promotion.
Most of what you read about "digital strategy" is rubbish designed to sell you expensive monthly packages. For a local shop, success comes down to being visible when people search and being irresistible when they walk past.
At Local Marketing Group, we don't care about "likes" or "followers." We care about your till ringing. We've helped dozens of Brisbane businesses turn quiet shops into local landmarks by focusing on what actually moves the needle.
If you’re tired of guessing and want a clear plan to get more people through your door, let’s have a straight-talk conversation about your business.
Ready to grow your foot traffic? Contact Local Marketing Group today.