Running a business can be tough, and one of the toughest parts is attracting customers. Older customers more so than younger ones. If you’re having trouble bringing in older clientele, there are a few things you can do to change that. Check out these four tips.
Make Your Business Accessible
Older adults often have mobility impairments that make it difficult for them to get around. So it’s important to make sure your business is located in a convenient spot. If possible, choose a location that’s close to an assisted living facility, or public transportation, or a popular park.
Then, keep in mind that accessibility is not just about physical location. To further make your business accessible to seniors, consider these tips:
- Remove any obstacles in your entryway or lobby so they can easily enter the building
- Install grab bars and a smart medicine cabinet in bathrooms
- Have staff available to help with carrying heavy items or opening doors
- Offer wheelchair-accessible parking spaces close to the entrance (hire line marking contractors like https://carparkmarkings.co.uk to comply with local regulations)
- Use bright lighting throughout the building
- Avoid loud music or other noises that could be jarring
Tailor Marketing Materials
Older adults are more likely to have vision or hearing impairments, so it’s important to make sure your website, print materials, and other marketing collateral are accessible to them.
Use clear fonts and large font sizes, provide alt text for images, and offer transcripts or captions for videos.
You can make sure of this by hiring an accessibility marketing consultant, or by testing your materials with someone in your target demographic.
Offer Discounts and Specials
Older adults are often on a fixed income, so they’re always looking for ways to save money. By offering discounts and specials, you can make your business more attractive to them.
Here are some tips for doing this properly:
- Make sure your staff is aware of the discounts so they can offer them to older customers
- Keep track of what discounts are being used so you can adjust your offerings as needed
- Be flexible with your discounts – offer a percentage off, a dollar amount, or something else
Be Patient and Respectful
Older adults often need more time to make decisions, so it’s important to be patient with them.
Answer their questions thoroughly and without rushing them. Also, always speak to them with respect – avoid using condescending behavior and language or making assumptions about their abilities.
Another way to be patient is to offer flexible payment options. For example, if someone is interested in a service but can’t afford to pay for it all at once, offer a payment plan. This shows that you’re willing to work with them and meet their needs. If you’re in the cannabis industry, Cannabis Payment Processing is exactly what cannabis consumers are looking for.
There’s no reason why you shouldn’t successfully reel in a new demographic and get those additional profits. By following these tips, you can make your business more attractive to older customers and ensure that they have a positive experience when they visit.