10 bookstore promotion ideas to drive foot traffic and sales

Bookstore owners know these three things are generally true: 

1. Book lovers enjoy the tactile experience of browsing shelves and learning about upcoming bookstore events; 
2. Locally-owned, indie bookstores face serious competition from big-name retailers online and in discount stores; and 
3. Marketing and engaging your customers are crucial to building and maintaining business.

Perhaps your marketing and outreach efforts have included hosting author readings and book signings, supporting local book clubs, or holding toddler storytime sessions. To help you build on great outreaches like these, we’ve compiled a list of fun and creative ideas to help you promote your business, drive foot traffic into your local bookstore, enhance customer loyalty, and boost sales. 

10 fun and creative bookstore promotion ideas 

1. Feature young reader reviews

Here’s a fantastic use for advanced reader copies (ARC) of teen, middle grade, and kids’ books. Start a program where readers ages 7-17 can select a free ARC at your store and review the book before publication. Their reviews could appear in your store blog or as a shelf talker. Kids earn a store credit, gift card, or points in a frequent reader account or reward program for each review they complete.

2. Partner on in-store events

Consider teaming with other retailers in your community to promote exclusive in-person bookstore events. For example, if you feature a book on indoor gardening, you could host a DIY terrarium event with the author and a book signing. What’s more, using discounted or donated supplies from the local garden shop provides significant cross-promotional opportunities.

READ: Low cost marketing ideas for small businesses

3. Throw a “blind date” with a book party

A staple of the Little Free Library movement, blind-date-with-a-book activities are a whimsical and exciting way to stimulate interest in readers of all ages. Valentine’s Day is a traditional time for the event but feel free to try throughout the year. How does it work? Select a number of books and wrap them in plain paper. Attach a card describing the book without giving away the title, author, and too much of the plot. You can even compose the note like an old-fashioned personal ad.

4. Host a game night

Unlike a book club, this host-a-game-night bookstore promotion features games, puzzles, and merchandise that your customers can try–and purchase right in your store. Stock up on specialty items or cross-promote with a local toy shop. For complex games, reach out to local high schools to see if they have club members willing to demonstrate and coach newbies at your event.

5. Offer child-friendly shopping (and crafts)

Painless holiday shopping featuring a craft table for kids and DIY bookmarks or ornaments can be a draw for busy parents trying to shop their way through a holiday gift list. Use holiday storefront decorations to publicize your bookstore and encourage creativity. Work with a local craft store for supplies and ideas–let them promote your event while you feature their items in your store. Keep in mind you may need extra staff to help supervise the kids’ activities. 

6. Feature gift card events

Selecting the perfect book can be a very personal thing. So, one of the best ways for your customers to share the experience they’ve had in your bookstore is to give a gift card to friends, colleagues, or family. Boost traffic and gift card sales with special gift card sales events, like buy a gift card, get a gift card. For instance, you could offer a free $10 gift card for every $50 gift card purchased. The holiday season’s a perfect time to try a gift card promo– just be sure to stock up on gift cards. Clover provides virtual and physical gift card options for greater flexibility and convenience.

READ: Best practices for gift cards

7. Sponsor book drives 

A book drive doesn’t need to be limited to the holidays. In fact, back-to-school season is a perfect time for bookstore promotions that encourage patrons to support local literacy initiatives. You can obtain age-appropriate book lists from public school libraries or the American Booksellers Association that will help you organize store displays.

READ: Back-to-school shopping trends for bookstores

8. Try a read-it-before-you-see-it promotion

You can create excitement at your bookstore whenever popular books are adapted as streaming series or feature films. Feature the book prominently, surrounded by hype materials (likely available from the studio’s publicity team) and literary reviews. Possible tie-ins might include discounted movie tickets and raffles or asking a local restaurant to feature specially-themed menu items. (“Bridgerton” tea party, anyone?)

9. Launch a rewards program

Loyalty and other rewards programs can increase customer engagement and satisfaction. Clover Customer Engagement can help your business show appreciation and encourage repeat business via a mobile app that allows customers to check their rewards balance. In addition to rewards for frequent shoppers, you could extend discounts to educators and non-profit organizations, encouraging them with exclusive bookstore events.

READ: 5 ways to increase customer loyalty 

10. Maximize ROI with Clover

Clover’s robust POS solutions for bookstores enable bookstore owners to accept all major payment types while efficiently managing their operations. During popular events like book signings, Clover’s  cloud-based solutions can help streamline checkout and simplify payment processing, enabling customers to enjoy their experiences more.

READ: How to run a bookstore more efficiently with a retail POS system

Bookstore owners like you can rely on Clover POS solutions to help streamline operations, manage staff, track inventory, and engage customers. Learn more about Clover’s flexible and robust POS systems designed specifically for bookstore owners. Or, contact a Clover Consultant today.

Editorial Team

Insights, Marketing, Retail

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