Turn-Key Social Media Solution Benefits Busy Retailers

More than half of shoppers (56%) interact with their grocery store on one or more digital platforms, using social media and the store website to peruse the digital circular, find special offers, and build their grocery lists. With Facebook the site most frequented by shoppers, at 89%, many independent retailers use the platform to engage with their shoppers.

But running a grocery store leaves little time to create social media posts, let alone create a strategy to ensure the right mix of brand promotion and meeting shoppers' online needs. If your store needs help with social media, AR Marketing is at the ready.

A Red Oval Partner since 2018, AR Marketing is passionate about positioning positive brand association around independents who foster goodwill and bring economic vitality to their communities, like so many IGA retailers do. They created IGA Social, a social media management program exclusively for IGA retailers, to give IGA members access to a creative agency built by and for independent retailers so they can do what they do best: serve their customers.

We spoke with AR Marketing Senior Director Wendy Ladas about IGA Social and how it can help busy IGA retailers engage with their shoppers online.

What is IGA Social?

IGA Social is a simple, turn-key solution specifically curated for IGA retailers. We post topic-based content with IGA branding on your social media pages that will drive impressions and maintain a presence on Facebook and/or Instagram.

Do you recommend different services based on whether a retailer has one store or a multi-store group?

Yes. Every store is different, whether the retailer has one or 30 stores. Plus, each audience is different — how they interact with the store online, what they want out of their social media updates from the store, etc. So we create a marketing mix that uniquely fits each IGA operator’s circumstances, which can include one or all of the following channels:

• Social Media
• Digital Ads
• Email Newsletter
• Text Messages
• Direct Mail
• Local Listing Management
• Streaming Ads (OTT/CTV)
• Website & SEO Audits
• Photography
• Videography
• Creative Services

Why is the independent sector important to your business?

Independent retailers are our bread and butter; our experience was built upon working with independents across the country and engaging in our clients’ success stories.

We know how to make social and digital media meet these vital goals for our grocers:

1. Increase foot traffic to stores
2. Efficiently promote the highest opportunity to view sale prices and products
3. Provide promotional recommendations for events that engage and encourage customers to buy and therefore cultivate loyalty

What can IGA retailers expect from this partnership? Discounts, offers, education, etc.

The typical IGA Social program gives IGA stores these services for Facebook and Instagram:

• Up to 7 topic-based posts per week including the weekly ad
• Monthly reporting of page and post performance

We can also boost and deliver strategic targeting for all social ad campaigns upon request.

In addition, we have a Social Plus package for or stores who need fully custom content and a dedicated social media manager.

Who should IGA members contact if they have questions or want to sign up?

Wendy Ladas | Wendy@a-rmarketing.com | 419.427.2772 x76