A business’s debut is an exciting event that, sometimes, deserves the same attention as movie premiers. Whether entrepreneurs are launching an online brand, an in-store business, or unique spaces, it’s an event that can bring long-term benefits if they nail it. That’s why a grand opening is more than just a celebration; it’s a strategic marketing move that can generate early interest, expand email lists, and connect with communities.
So, how can businesses host a killer grand opening? Explore this article for 9 spectacular ideas that will turn visitors into paying customers.
Table of Contents
What is a grand opening?
Why should new businesses launch with a grand opening?
9 spectacular grand opening ideas worth trying for new businesses
Rounding up
What does a grand opening mean for brands?
Like how people introduce themselves to new friends, businesses use grand openings to introduce themselves to their community. Previously, it was an event for physical stores, but many brands have moved online. For this reason, grand opening ideas have also evolved to accommodate the virtual world.
Thankfully, online launches offer the same advantages as in-store events. Moreover, don’t think a grand opening is a one-day event. If brands want maximum impact, they must create excitement leading up to launch by building anticipation. And, when it’s time for the debut, they can host in-person events, early access to online stores, or social media countdowns to generate even more excitement.
Why should new businesses launch with a grand opening?
What’s a more powerful marketing tool than launching a business with a bang? Grand openings present a huge boost for broader strategies to reach potential customers. With a well-executed grand opening, businesses can foster relevant connections. But these are not the only benefits. Here are additional benefits brands can enjoy from a grand opening:
- Generating press: Grand openings often attract journalists, which increases the chances of the event getting media coverage.
- Meeting the local community: Special business events easily create a buzz that travels fast through word-of-mouth marketing—a great way to attract even more customers.
- Rewarding early supporters: Grand openings also involve exclusive events or promotions for pre-launch subscribers. It’s a great way to show appreciation for early supporters.
- Growing social media following: Online events, such as social giveaways during grand openings, can boost social media following. The larger the audience businesses have at launch, the better.
- Building an email list: A pre-launch or countdown page can help businesses gather emails. The results? A healthy list for businesses to send event invitations or discount codes.
- Collecting user-generated content and testimonials: Evens and social media contests surrounding the launch can encourage customers to share experiences, providing valuable social proof.
9 spectacular grand opening ideas worth trying for new businesses
Idea 1: Give a gift with purchase
To attract high traffic on the first day, businesses can offer a limited-edition gift with purchase as a grand opening promotion. This strategy is effective for both physical and online stores.
For example, Prostainable, a low-waste refill shop in Los Angeles, celebrated its grand opening by giving reusable hemp totes to the first five customers each day. This gift matched the store’s eco-friendly mission and encouraged more purchases.
Idea 2: Offer the first in-store visitors free products
An even more enticing promotion than a gift with purchase is offering free samples or products to the first few attendees at a grand opening. For instance, Hey Sugar Bakery attracted customers by giving free treats to the first 100 visitors at their event.
Idea 3: Run a contest or giveaway
A popular grand opening idea is to host a contest or giveaway, which is great for both online and physical stores. This strategy can increase followers, expand email lists, generate user content, and encourage content sharing. Brands can use social media and ask followers to perform specific actions to enter the giveaway. Studio Pilates Nashville used this approach to create buzz for its launch, partnering with other local businesses to expand their reach.
Idea 4: Run an in-store event
Physical stores often use this format for their grand openings. However, in-store events don’t have to just involve ribbon-cutting and balloons. Businesses can think outside the box and host events that set them apart while aligning with their brand.
Are entrepreneurs launching a service business? They can offer a free day of quick consultations. What if they are relaunching a home goods business? Owners can host a cocktail party for loyal customers while featuring store products like live cocktail demonstrations using martini shakers for sale. And bookstores might host intimate readings or book signings.
Promoting the event on social media is essential. For example, Buffalo Rouge Brewing effectively used social media to announce its event.
Idea 5: Host a live event online
Don’t want to launch an in-store event? No problem—businesses can also go virtual. During the lockdown, business owners found creative ways to engage customers, and hosting live events was one of the best options. Additionally, limited space or resources can also make in-person events hard to pull off. Businesses can host live online events on platforms like TikTok, Zoom, and YouTube.
Idea 6: Use a countdown to the grand opening
Nothing builds excitement and anticipation more than a countdown. Hence, businesses can generate excitement for their store or online launch with a “coming soon” page featuring a countdown clock. This page is also great for building a following through social media linking. Even better, brands can collect emails by offering promo codes or early access as rewards for signing up.
But businesses shouldn’t build excitement with the countdown alone. They can also engage early followers by sharing behind-the-scenes moments or product sneak peeks. For example, Kaley Cuoco launched her pet brand “Oh Norman!” and filled her social media with countdowns and opening day reminders.
Idea 7: Invite early fans to exclusive events
Offering something exclusive (like an event or benefit) can be an effective strategy for a soft business launch. Instead of a large public event, businesses can encourage email sign-ups or social following by offering a soft opening. What can brands do for soft launches? Try early-access benefits or invite-only events. It could also be promo codes for supporters.
This method allows for early customer feedback and live QA testing of the site before a full launch. If initial customers enjoy a personalized shopping experience at the soft opening, positive word of mouth will spread before the official launch. Retailers can also hold an exclusive grand opening event to showcase the store before it opens to the public.
Creating a landing page similar to the one above can help build an email list in preparation for the launch. This list can then receive invitations for an early preview.
Idea 8: Offer online promo codes
A business’s first sale is a significant milestone. Launching a website or opening a store without initial sales can be discouraging. Plus, the first sale confirms that the business is on the right track. To encourage purchases on the grand opening day, brands can offer a promo code to all site visitors through a homepage banner or social media post. Or, they can provide early followers and subscribers with an exclusive discount.
Idea 9: Leverage timed product drops
A grand opening can be a process instead of a single event. While brands can launch their entire collection or website at once, they can also release items gradually in “product drops” to generate urgency and exclusivity. This approach is particularly effective for limited-edition products. For instance, Kaley Cuoco’s brand, Oh Norman!, released pet products in stages, organizing multiple soft opening events for early subscribers.
Rounding up
Launching a new business, whether it’s the first or the tenth, should always be an exciting event. Entrepreneurs often have an endless workload, so a grand opening event provides a moment to reflect on the journey from the initial success to the most recent achievement.
The best part is sharing this celebration with future customers, which helps start the needed relationship on a high note. Use these 9 creative ideas to create the perfect grand opening strategy and start that new business with a bang.
