10 easy ways to promote business along light rail

Posted on 11. Nov, 2009 by Jim McPherson in Featured, News

I’ve been a light rail supporter for a long time.  My job is one block from the Central and McDowell station, so I take light rail a lot to attend meetings or events in downtown Phoenix (and not have to worry about parking).   Because of my uncanny ability to miss a train “by that much,” I sit down and catch up on e-mail at the station while thinking of what tasty Italian dishes are being whipped up at The Old Spaghetti Factory across the street.  I then board and go on my merry way when the next train pulls up.

The facilities folks where I work are happy to include information about the nearby station in our promotional materials and website. And that got me to thinking: what can other establishments do to promote their products or services to light rail riders? Bing… Light Bulb… Top 10 List.

I ran the idea by two of my favorite light rail and downtown advocates, Tony Arranaga and Nick Bastian.  (I could write paragraphs upon paragraphs of all the good that people like Tony and Nick are doing to benefit the community, but I’ll save that for a later day.  Back to this Top 10 thing.)

Returning from some car-free adventure, Tony suggested, “Hey, why don’t you post your list on my blog.”  I replied, “Okay, how do I do that?”  He kindly offered up a lightrailblogger.com username and secret password, along with an enticing, free cuppa joe at Royal Coffee at the Downtown Phoenix Public Market, and the rest is history. Well, not quite.  It will be when you finish reading this.  So without further ado, I bring you…

Jim’s Top 10 List of Free/Low-Cost Things Retailers Can Do Now To Promote Their Business to Light Rail Riders

1. Add nearest light rail stop and map on your website.
2. Add light rail stop on your menu or product card.
3. Add light rail stop on your business card.
4. Add light rail stop on any print ads you do.
5. Add light rail stop on any press release you issue.
6. Use social media to communicate to light rail fans and advocates.
7. Create a light rail special menu item, drink, product, or service.
8. Create visually-appealing signage for your business’s exterior.
9. Monitor light rail hours of operation versus your own.
10. Participate in the Metro Max shopping discount program.

Done!  Now for that cup of coffee…

Tags: Central Avenue, Downtown Phoenix Public Market, McDowell Road, Metro Max, NIck Bastian, Phoenix, Royal at the Market, Spaghetti Factory, TONY ARRANAGA