Grand Opening Pre-sales can make or break your grand opening. It’s the difference between an empty space on day one or a line out the door, buzzing with excited customers.
One franchisee I worked with (see the story below) set a record for highest pre-sales, and they didn’t do it with thousands of dollars on digital ads, they did it with simple, intentional behaviors that added value and built trust.
Whether you’re launching a gym, med spa, pet boutique, home services, beverage brand, or retail shop, one thing is clear—nailing your pre-sales strategy is essential to building momentum that lasts.
We’re kicking off a Grand Opening Blog Series where we will break down the four areas almost all franchise brands get stuck: pre-sales, community marketing, social media, and timelines.
Part 1 of the series tackles the strategies, tools, and timelines that help you dominate your pre-sales. (Spoiler: It’s simpler than you think.)
WHY GRAND OPENING PRE-SALES MATTER
Your pre-sales campaign creates revenue, which will keep your franchisees (and you!) happy. But it’s also about creating anticipation, building relationships, and proving your value before you even open.
When done right, pre-sales can:
· Build brand awareness in your local market
· Validate your business model to franchisees and customers
· Start day one with a loyal customer base ready to buy
· Create recurring revenue for franchisees right out of the gate
· Generate momentum and confidence for the franchisee
And when franchisees are looking for more control over their openings, the secret lies in teaching them how to execute a well-crafted presale.
3 STEPS TO PRE-SALE MOMENTUM
1️⃣ Identify Your Target Audience
Who’s your ideal customer and what does she care about most? Understanding her motivations allows you to craft a message that hits home. Then go where she goes – online, in the community, to micro-influencers, and with local partnerships.
2️⃣ Create an Irresistible Offer
Think: exclusive deals, limited-time memberships, free trials, or value adds that speak directly to their needs. What’s the one thing that would make her say, “I need this right now”?
3️⃣ Build Your Guest List
Collect names, emails, phone numbers, and ZIP codes through digital ads, social media campaigns, and with a lead capture tool when you are in the community. ZIP codes are a great piece of information to look at where your audience lives, then spend more time in areas they visit to attract even more likeminded guests. Tip: For social media lead collection, we like ManyChat (the best tool for capturing leads on social!). And for in-market events, we like using QR codes.
BUT LET'S LOOK AT A REAL-LIFE EXAMPLE
One franchisee I worked with in middle America set the grand opening record for highest pre-sales, and here’s how they did it:
They rented a booth at the local mall during winter to interact with families and fitness enthusiasts. Their setup was simple but incredibly effective. It was a branded step-and-repeat backdrop and he brought oversized boxing gloves. They invited passersby to try on the gloves, pose for a photo, and take part in the fun.
Here’s the genius part:
They collected names, emails, phone numbers, and ZIP codes to send participants their photos
They tagged each participant on social media when posting the photos, encouraging them to share the posts in their Instagram Stories
Overnight, everyone in the community was talking about the upcoming grand opening, and their guest list grew exponentially
He even brought cool retail items to sell on-site and soon everyone was wearing the brand name even before they opened
He focused first on creating on an experience that people wanted to talk about over and over again and it naturally led to high lead collection.
It goes to show how simple, repeatable behaviors can drive massive results.
The strategy wasn’t flashy or expensive. It was intentional. By focusing on building connections, creating awareness, and amplifying the excitement through social sharing, this franchisee built momentum that extended far beyond opening day. And because it worked so well, it became a repeatable framework for other locations to follow.
Phase 2: Building Engagement in the Community Then, when the weather warmed up, he held pop-up workouts at the apartment complexes and coffee shops his target audience visited. So, he built his list in winter, then engaged them in the spring with a sample of the workout and what’s to come, he documented it all and shared on social media, and absolutely crushed the pre-sale at the highest level in company history.
Note: he wasn’t spending thousands of dollars on ads, he was creating VALUE for his audience in his community, and they became OBSESSED with him and the workout that they told everyone they knew.
TAILORING PRE-SALES TO YOUR BUSINESS MODEL
Whether you’re offering memberships, services, products, or experiences, pre-sales can work.
Our Grand Opening Bundle includes four 1:1, one-hour strategy calls, where we tailor recommendations to your specific business model. One of these calls is exclusively for your go-to market strategy and presale offer.
We have experience crafting compelling offers in:
· Membership-Based: Gyms, wellness studios, and health services
· Service-Based: Salons, spas, and med spas, home services
· Product-Based: Retail, food, beverage, or pet products
· Virtual Business: Online services, coaching, and digital products
REMEMBER: TIMING IS EVERYTHING
For most businesses, 90 days is the sweet spot. For others, 45 days can still drive results. In our Grand Opening Bundle, we’ll help you map out the perfect timeline to maximize every opportunity. Read more about the Bundle
HOW THE GRAND OPENING BUNDLE HELPS
Imagine spending just one hour with us, and walk away with…
Pre-sale strategies tailored to your business model
Go-to-market positioning for maximum impact
Expert advice to fill your location with excited customers
The timeline for when franchisees start using this offer in the marketplace
The timeline for when the digital ads highlight the offer
Conversion tips for customers to buy before you’re open
Designed for brands with five or less locations, the Grand Opening Bundle is built to help you identify and close gaps in your strategy, no matter your industry. And if you're a brand with more locations, and more priorities to tackle than just grand opening, our Platinum Partnership is the right lane for you!
READY TO BUILD MOMENTUM?
Let’s talk. Email our Brand Director Halle O'Neill at Halle@themomentumbrands.com to schedule a call with me and lock in your spot for 2025. The time is now. We have the plan. You have the brand. Together, you'll experience momentum like you've never seen.
BB
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