Whether you’re selling cars or cigars, one thing’s for sure: Customers want to feel like they’re getting a good deal.
That’s why promotions are critical to your smoke shop marketing plan.
In this blog, we’ll share seven creative tobacco promotion ideas that can help you attract customers and make more sales — plus our top tips for how to implement them.
Tobacco Promotions 101
First, let’s talk about why you need to run regular tobacco promotions. Beyond boosting customer satisfaction, promotions can:
- Encourage shoppers to try new products
- Increase your smoke shop inventory turnover
- Attract new customers to your store
- Increase your average basket size and revenue
Strategic promotions can also help you navigate the complex world of tobacco marketing regulations. You might not be able to run traditional advertising campaigns, but you can get creative with in-store promotions and organic marketing methods to attract and retain customers.
Now, let’s take a look at seven effective tobacco promotion ideas to try in your smoke shop.
1. Launch a Tobacco Loyalty Program
Tobacco loyalty programs are a smoke shop marketing staple. With a loyalty program, you can reward customers every time they shop with you by allowing them to earn rewards points, unlock discounts, and enjoy exclusive perks like gifts or early access to new inventory.
Along with helping you build a loyal customer base, tobacco loyalty programs also encourage shoppers to spend more each time they visit your smoke shop. The more they feel like they’re saving, the more they’ll be willing to spend.
Implementing this tobacco promotion idea might sound intimidating, but a smoke shop point of sale (POS) system with built-in customer loyalty features makes creating, customizing, and managing your program a breeze.
2. Create Product Bundles
Walking into your smoke shop can be intimidating for a new cigar smoker or aspiring vape aficionado, but creating promotional product bundles can make them feel welcome and encourage them to make a purchase.
For example, you might create a cigar smoking starter kit that includes a selection of single cigars, a cutter, and a lighter, or you might offer a vaping essentials kit that includes a basic e-cigarette and an assortment of your most popular e-liquid flavors.
Creating and selling these bundles is easy with the right POS system. Simply look for one that includes built-in tobacco promotion features like kit building.
3. Offer Mix and Match Deals
Want to encourage your repeat customers to explore a wider variety of your smoke shop’s products? Consider offering mix and match deals.
Mix and match deals let shoppers curate custom product bundles and purchase multiple items for a discounted price. For example, customers can purchase any four e-liquid flavors or single cigars for the price of three, allowing them to explore new flavors while saving money.
Along with helping your customers discover their new favorite product, this tobacco promotion idea increases your average basket size and overall revenue — a win-win.
4. Become an SEO Pro
Discounts are only one part of an effective tobacco marketing strategy; you also need ways to spread the word about your smoke shop and attract customers.
Search engine optimization (SEO) is a powerful tool that makes it easier for new customers to find and learn about your business online. Here are three beginner SEO tips to promote your smoke shop:
- Claim your Google Business Profile, and add your open hours, contact information, and a few photos of your shop’s exterior and interior.
- Ask regular customers to review your business online. This will help new customers vet your shop before they visit.
- Create a simple website for your smoke shop that includes an overview of your products and key information like your phone number and address. Later on, you might expand your online presence to sell online.
Creating a solid online presence for your smoke shop will help you stand out, attract new customers, and make more sales.
5. Host In-Store Events
Events are a great way to expand your reach, make extra sales, and build a sense of community among your customer base.
Hosting in-store events is a particularly effective tobacco promotion strategy if you run a cigar lounge or smoking room. Customers can stop by, sample your cigars, and enjoy your event — whether it’s a whiskey and cigar pairing presented by a nearby distillery or live music from a local band.
To make the most of these events and turn attendees into regular shoppers, encourage them to sign up for your loyalty program or offer a discount for their next visit to your smoke shop.
There’s no way around it: Your tobacco promotion options are limited by social media regulations, but don’t write off this valuable tool.
While you can’t take advantage of paid advertising on platforms like Facebook or Instagram, you can still use social media platforms organically to highlight your product selection, showcase your tobacco expertise, and connect with new and returning customers.
Make a post when you’re running a sale or when new inventory hits your shelves to encourage your followers to stop by. Don’t forget to include an eye-catching picture of your smoke shop’s displays!
7. Leverage SMS and Email
Our final tip is to make sure customers know about your tobacco promotions.
Adding SMS and email to your tobacco promotion strategy makes it easier to keep customers in the loop about opportunities to save. Send them a quick text or email to let them know when you’re running a sale, or you can even offer exclusive deals for your SMS and email insiders.
Sending marketing texts and emails might sound intimidating, but your POS system should include SMS and email integration to make it simpler.
Spark More Sales With Cigars POS
You’ve got the right techniques — now all you need is the right tools to bring your tobacco promotion ideas to life.
Cigars POS is an all-in-one POS solution specifically designed for smoke shops. With our software, you can launch a customer loyalty program, schedule and manage mix and match or kit-building promotions, integrate with email and SMS marketing tools, and more.
Plus, you can enjoy better inventory management, smoother checkouts, and more secure age verification.
See Cigars POS in action by scheduling your live, personalized demo today.
