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Winning Strategies and Tools: The Ultimate Guide to Point of Sale Marketing

Have you ever found yourself staring at a display of colorful candies while waiting to check out at the grocery store, even though you only came in for milk and bread? Or maybe you tossed a pack of gum onto the conveyor belt at the last minute? That, my friends, is the power of point-of-sale marketing in action.

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Point of Sale Marketing

Point-of-sale marketing, also known as POS marketing, is a strategy brands use to boost sales and capture those last-minute purchases. But this tactic isn't just about impulse buys. It's about maximizing your retail space to create a memorable brand experience for your customers.

Why Point of Sale Marketing Matters

In a world with online shopping and digital ads, brick-and-mortar stores need a competitive edge with an innovative point of sale marketing and POS advertising. While marketing campaigns often center around to attract customers to your store both online and offline, it’s easy to overlook the prime opportunity presented once they're in your store - and even more so, at the point of purchase. It's about transforming that final point of interaction into something engaging and profitable.

Think about it this way: studies have shown that a whopping 70% of all in-store purchases are unplanned. That's right, 70%. People enter your store with a plan, but those colorful POS displays, strategically placed sale advertising, and tempting product placements can easily sway their decisions to what we refer to as an effective point of sale marketing.

And this isn't chump change we're talking about. In 2022, the average person spent $314 every single month on impulse purchases alone. That figure keeps climbing year on year, folks. That's why point of sale marketing matters.

However, it’s not just about those impulse grabs by the register. A well-crafted POS marketing strategy influences the customer journey and shapes brand perception. It’s that last chance to leave a lasting impression and build a relationship beyond the transaction.

Strategies That Turn Heads (Effective point of sale marketing)

The checkout area doesn't have to be a dull experience. Here are some tactics to turn your POS marketing into a sales powerhouse.

1. Master the Art of the Display

There’s a reason why eye-catching displays are marketing gold. They grab your attention when your defenses are down - like right before you're about to pay. Visuals matter.

Research from Mood Media shows that appealing to a customer's senses is crucial for creating memorable connections. Don’t just throw products on a shelf, that goes against an effective point of sale marketing. Use bold colors, interesting textures, and eye-catching digital signage that draws customers in.
Display Type
Pros
Cons
Ideal For
Dump Bins
High visibility, promotes bulk buying
Can appear cluttered, limited product variety
Discounted items, seasonal promotions
Countertop Displays
Impulse purchases, great for small items
Limited space, easy to overlook
Accessories, candy, small impulse buys
Shelf Talkers/ Wobblers
Eye-catching, highlights specific products
Can be easily overlooked if overused
New products, sale items, special promotions
End Caps
High visibility, can accommodate a variety of products
Requires strategic product placement and signage
Featured brands, new releases, cross-promotions
This table comparing various POS display types will help determine which will be the best fit for your individual business needs. Keep in mind that combining different display types can be particularly effective. Strategically placing marketing displays in high-traffic areas can have a significant impact on customer engagement. For example, placing a dump bin filled with discounted items near the entrance can entice customers as they walk in.

2. Play the Discount Game (Strategically Sale Advertising)

Want people to try something new? Discounts and sales are the oldest trick in the book - and for good reason. Nearly 8 out of 10 US shoppers are willing to buy when they think they’re getting a good deal. However, too many discounts can devalue your products and reduce profit margins. Strategically use them to clear out old stock, push new products, or create limited-time offers that ignite a fear of missing out.

Consider offering gift cards as part of your POS marketing strategy. Gift cards not only provide an immediate sales boost but also encourage future purchases and introduce new customers to your brand.

3. Turn the Checkout Into an Experience with QR Codes

QR Codes? Yes, seriously. It’s time to get with the times. Today, customers want instant information and they’re usually staring at their phones in line anyway. Integrate QR code menus, digital coupons, or even interactive elements into your displays. Customers can scan these QR code menus right on the spot to get instant access to information on ingredients, product reviews, or exclusive offers.Customer connection happens when tech meets a clear goal, and the response is invariably strong.

Another powerful way to engage users of today is by using Spotify QR Codes for party playlists. This simple, interactive tool lets your customers discover new artists, playlists, and audio content just by scanning a code with their smartphone. Imagine a clothing store offering a curated playlist that embodies their brand aesthetic. It's about enhancing the shopping experience and making it more enjoyable.

4. Leverage the Power of Free Samples

There's something about getting something for free that gets people excited. Offer free samples of new products or let people try before they buy. Think outside the box - could you offer a virtual try-on experience using augmented reality on their phones? Not only does this create a memorable, tangible interaction with your brand but encourages those impulse buys.

Think about incorporating small accessories into your POS displays. These can be great impulse buys for customers who are already making a purchase. Strategically placing items like phone grips, keychains, or travel-sized toiletries near the checkout can lead to a significant increase in sales.

5. Build Loyalty and Turn One-Time Buyers into Regulars

Did you know that acquiring new customers can be 5 to 25 times more expensive than retaining existing ones? While point-of-sale marketing is great for driving immediate sales, don’t underestimate the power of loyalty programs. Give your cashiers a script or put up signage promoting the program near the register.

Repeat customers are invaluable; they spend more and can even become advocates for your business. If someone is on the fence about signing up for a loyalty program, the checkout is a great time to offer an incentive. For example, offer a discount on their purchase in exchange for signing up.

5. Build Loyalty and Turn One-Time Buyers into Regulars

Did you know that acquiring new customers can be 5 to 25 times more expensive than retaining existing ones? While point-of-sale marketing is great for driving immediate sales, don’t underestimate the power of loyalty programs. Give your cashiers a script or put up signage promoting the program near the register.

Repeat customers are invaluable; they spend more and can even become advocates for your business. If someone is on the fence about signing up for a loyalty program, the checkout is a great time to offer an incentive. For example, offer a discount on their purchase in exchange for signing up.

6. Turn Missed Opportunities into Second Chances: Tackle Cart Abandonment

Okay, let’s face it, we've all been there. You've filled your virtual shopping cart, entered your credit card info... and then, for some unknown reason, closed the tab. Life gets in the way. Luckily for businesses, these lost sales don’t have to be lost forever. Utilize platforms like Wunderkind, to send friendly reminders and tempting offers to recapture those hesitant shoppers. In-store, train employees on subtly reminding customers of their in-cart items or abandoned wish lists.

7. Make “You May Also Like…” Your New Catchphrase

Have you noticed how the big guys do it online? You’re browsing for a new pair of sneakers and suddenly you see "customers who bought this also liked…" and BOOM. you’re sucked into adding a new t-shirt or hat to your order. The good news is, you can implement this strategy offline, too.

Using technology like Vue.ai, retailers can tailor in-person recommendations to each customer. Strategically place impulse buys alongside complementary items. For example, if someone is buying a phone case, why not suggest a matching screen protector or pop socket? These small additions can significantly increase your average transaction value.

Embrace the Future of Retail

Gone are the days when the checkout counter was just a place to pay. It’s a blank canvas for captivating storytelling. Showcase customer reviews. Run promotional videos for upcoming products. The goal is to transform a mundane moment into something dynamic and unforgettable.

Think of the checkout line as the grand finale. This is the opportunity to solidify brand loyalty and guarantee customers keep coming back for more. Digital displays are becoming increasingly popular in retail stores as a way to capture customer attention and convey marketing messages effectively. These digital screens offer dynamic content and can be easily updated to promote new products, sales, or other engaging content.

Conclusion

Point of sale marketing has transcended its humble beginnings. It’s a multi-faceted tool for brands to engage customers during the final stages of their shopping journey. As consumer behavior rapidly evolves in an increasingly digital world, it’s never been more crucial for brick-and-mortar businesses to evolve alongside.

The goal: turn everyday transactions into impactful connections. This is how point-of-sale marketing can not only drive revenue but forge long-lasting relationships in a crowded market.
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