In the historic district of Varina, as part of the charming town of Fuquay Varina. You’ll find yourself visiting a secret garden filled with a surprisingly delightful collection of flowers, unique modern vessels for plants and flowers, wreaths that will make your door win best on the block! 

About Flowers on Broad Street

Flowers on Broad Street was founded by Donna Pittman, an incredible floral designer with a deep love for gardening. The philosophy of this Flower Shop is to source flowers that must look gracefully “just picked,” blooms are gathered from around the world ~ California, Holland, South America, and most importantly from our local growers in Fuquay Varina, Clayton, and Cary. Organic and farm fresh is the Flowers on Broad Street favorite look. Flowers are designed in a garden-style which sometimes embraces nature’s beautiful imperfections.

Selecting their new florist software 

When Flowers on Broad Street started in business they were part of the wire services and didn’t have a website of their own. As the business started to grow they considered it was time to have an eCommerce so their customers can purchase online. In the end this would serve two purposes because it was also a great way of acquiring new customers that we’re searching for flowers in their area. 

Flowers on Broad Street did some research about solutions for migrating their store. They needed to get out of the wire services fees and they wanted a system that was very user friendly and that would make the daily operations of the store a smoother process. After much research, they decided to choose Floranext software and they’ve been really happy ever since. Flowers on Broad Street loves how easy it is to manage their flower shop and website, the seamless and fast experience of taking an order.

How they rank number #1 in their area?

The key to success in an eCommerce website is having a good online presence. This flower shop as soon as it was created they started to work on their SEO. Their secret to rank as number #1 in their area is maintaining an excellent reputation on the internet. Flowers on broad street are constantly working on gathering reviews from their customers and creating content that matches and shows their flower shop style and branding. This way they can ensure to stay top of mind of their customers and feed the search engines, so they can show up first on search results. 

We discussed with Flowers on Broad Street about what’s the most important thing in a florist website and they shared with us that having beautiful and current floral and plant selections it’s what keeps customers engaged and coming back to their eCommerce. They truly believe that adding content and flower designs that are up to trend is what makes an online flower shop thrive and succeed. This should be combined with excellent customer service which is what makes the flower shop a reliable place. 

Advice for other Florists 

The best advice Flowers on broad street can share with us for building a good online presence is to show and always maintain the unique style and branding of your flower shop and to constantly create content to show your customers what’s new in your store.

Showing off your work to the world wide web is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to get more clients.

When you have the most beautiful images of your floral arrangements, you want to display them all over social media.  The downside, though, is that it’s incredibly easy to have someone else using your florist images.

On the other hand, it’s just as easy for you to use someone else’s image as your own, whether you intend to or not. We’ve all retweeted an image or posted an image that we didn’t create ourselves on Instagram, right? Image sharing is a huge part of social media today.

In fact, according to Buffer, tweets with images get retweet 150% more than tweets without whereas Facebook post with images gets 2.3 times more engagement than those without.

Understanding the rules and regulations that surround image sharing, fair use, and the copyright is the best way to protect yourself and your business from copyright fraud. Let’s get into it.

Understanding image copyright

Image copyright is a little bit complicated. Technically, you don’t need to Copyright an image because the one you’re producing it, it is automatically copyright to the original poster. However, unless the image is registered with the appropriate Copyright office, anyone will be free to use and share the image without legal penalty. Only once the image has an official Copyright status can you take legal action against others who use your florist images.

Understanding fair use policy

According to Stanford University, fair use is, “any copying of copyrighted material done for a limited and “transformative” purpose, such as to comment upon, criticize, or parody a copyrighted work.” Once again, this is a loophole that others may tout to use images that are not their own and do so without permission from the creator.

Others can get away with fair use when they are using a portion of a piece of work for reference or parody. Because users are unlikely to share a portion of an image or manipulate it enough to make it a “parody,” fair use rights are not usually touted in legal conversations as they pertain to image copyrights.

Understanding social media Copyright rules

Different social media platforms have different rules for sharing images. In order to protect yourself and others from Copyright infringement, be sure to look over the rules and regulations carefully. Many platforms already have many terms of service in place that are meant to protect publishers and users alike. You can read them below:

• Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/help/1020633957973118?helpref=hc_global_nav
• Twitter – https://support.twitter.com/articles/15795#
• Instagram – https://help.instagram.com/126382350847838
• LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/legal/copyright-policy
• Pinterest – https://policy.pinterest.com/en/copyright
• YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/yt/about/copyright/#support-and-troubleshooting

How to Copyright your florist images

If you wish to take the extra step to Copyright your images with the appropriate office, you can easily do so online. In the United States, you can Copyright an image with the U.S. Copyright Office through the website copyright.gov. It currently costs $35 to register a single image and you will have to submit a copy of the image with your application.

If you want to protect your florist images from Copyright fraud, you should rely on more than the automatic Copyright that comes with an image that you’ve created. While users are not allowed to replicate the image without your permission, you will not be able to enforce this in a court of law and it could lead to a messy online situation that you don’t want any part of.

An easy solution to prevent that your images are stolen is to watermark them with your Flower Shop name or logo this way it will be more complicated for people to steal your creative work, it’s not 100% effective but at least is more complicated for them to steal your job that way. 

Now that you understand what Copyright images are and how to Copyright your own florist images, you can ensure that your images are 100% your own while simultaneously protecting yourself and others from Copyright infringement. 

Businesses around the world are now using this newest social media platform to market their products and services.

The social media app TikTok has taken the world by a storm. Yet, it’s not just teens who love this app.  If you’re looking for marketing opportunities for your flower shop, then you’ll need the 101 on how to use TikTok for florists. Keep reading to learn more.

@merriamzine

How to add sunshine ☀️ in rainy days #germanweather #sunshine #flowerarranging #bouquet #learntoknow #learntok #howtotiktok

♬ How You Like That – Black

What is TikTok?

TikTok is the hottest new social media app with more than 1.5 billion downloads on the App Store and Google Play. It has more than 500 million active monthly users, which means you could reach a large part of your audience if they’re on the platform.

TikTok consists of 15 to 60-second user-recorded videos. You can edit in the app and integrate your videos with other major social media players. While the largest demographic of TikTok users are between 16 and 24, TikTok has continually transformed over the last two years. Because it allows brands to engage with users, it’s the perfect way to creatively market and reaches new and current customers where they are.

Using TikTok for florists

You may wonder how you can take advantage of this social media craze. After all, what you may know of TikTok likely consists of Gen Z dance challenges and influencers. How do flowers fit into that? The following steps can help you get on the platform in actionable ways.

@cloverandstem

Flower arrangement how to! Final product! #fyp #fypage #fyppage #fypシ #fypg #flowers #flowerarrangement #flowerarranging #howto

♬ original sound – cloverandstem

1. Create an account

Remember, the hardest part of doing something unknown is getting started. Even if you don’t run a large florist shop, you can still use TikTok effectively for marketing. TikTok has become a popular platform because you don’t need to have a large following to go viral. The algorithm works differently than a lot of other social media sites. As long as you have entertaining and fun content, then you can gain views. Don’t think too hard – just sign up!

2. Use the hashtag #florist to study the platform

When you join a new social media platform, you may not know what you’re doing immediately. That’s okay! But you certainly don’t want to look like you don’t know what you are doing. Study what other creators are doing on the existing #florist tag. It can help you brainstorm which direction your content should go and help you get a feel for your own TikTok style.

3. Create fun content that aligns with your brand

After you’ve created your own account and studied other content, it’s time to make your own videos! Don’t get too caught up on what this is. TikTok videos aren’t known for their fake smiles or squeaky-clean editing. They’re meant to be fun, interesting, and quirky. Even if you create a tutorial, don’t be afraid to show a little bit of personality. Animals and children are also more likely to appear in viral videos, so don’t be afraid to incorporate kids or pets into your videos if they happen to hang around your shop. 

Final thoughts

TikTok for florists is a fun and exciting way to get our flower shop out there. Because this platform is based around community engagement and hashtags, you can use the #florist tag to stay current and align your content with any existing trends in the industry. Sign up and have fun!

In the Florist Industry, competition has gotten more prominent, and profits have gotten smaller. While this isn’t the end of your floral business, building your brand with new marketing strategies will help you reach your target audience.

Whether you are looking to add on to your business or build your brand from the ground up, it is essential to take the appropriate steps to make it happen.

As a business owner and florist, your products are already fantastic and pleasing to the eye. These can be used to market both offline to regular customers or online through targeted marketing campaigns. You want your brand strategies to fit your brand and help you reach your preferred customer. Building a brand takes some work and creativity, but here are some tips to help get your florist brand strategy started.

Your Website is a Showcase of Your Work

Many will find your business through Google or other search engines. Due to this, you will need your website to have the proper contact details along with company information. You’ll also want your website to highlight your talent and products professionally.

One way to do this is to have a gallery of arrangements you have done. This can be from events or special holiday arrangements you have made that can showcase your talents. Also, make standard arrangements, bouquets, and baskets to potential customers can browse and order if something appeals to them.

Be Adaptable in Your Strategy

As a florist, your business will change with the seasons and the needs of your customers. You probably won’t need as many roses during Thanksgiving as you would around Valentine’s Day. As you build your brand, make sure your strategies are planned around these seasons and holidays. You can do this by creating a content calendar, email marketing, updating images on your website to reflect these seasonal changes, and even blog posts.

Not all Social Networks are Equal

As tempting as it will be to pen up a new page or account for every social network, it may be best to focus on ones that will be more beneficial to your work as a florist. Plus, maintaining all those social networks will be difficult. Try ones that offer more visual appeal like Facebook and Instagram.

In-Store Strategy

While your online presence needs to be top-notch, so does your offline presence. This means your in-store brand strategy. This can be creating beautiful showcases, unique floral arrangements to hang throughout the store, or even images of events to help give customers ideas and inspiration.

When it comes to your florist brand strategy, remember to keep it personalized. This can be capturing customer data to offer them discounts on birthdays or anniversaries. You can also use this data to build your brand through targeted email marketing campaigns as special reminders. Customers today enjoy a personalized shopping experience, and as a florist, your brand strategy is ideal for this.

Google Reviews is a great tool to build your brand reputation and to rank in search engines. Floranext is excited to announce a great new feature for our florist website software – Google Reviews integration. Floranext is always working hard to improve our system. Here is what you should know:

Google Reviews improves local search ranking.

By activating this new feature you will increase your local search ranking as your business is going to show up more frequently when customer’s in your area are searching for flowers. This will increase your online exposure and drive local SEO to your Floral Business.

Increase trust and credibility

Having several positive reviews will influence your brand trust for new customers that are looking to know more about your brand. These reviews will let them know that you’re a reliable business to buy flowers from. Reviews will give you also essential feedback about your customer’s experience so you can improve procedures.

Influence purchase decisions

When you start receiving more reviews you will see an improvement in click-through rates because you’re going to look more reliable for potential customers and in the end, this will translate into sales. 

Google reviews must be a key part of your digital marketing strategy. It will help increase your visibility, build trust with consumers, and convert more easily with potential customers.

Once activated, with this new Floranext feature, your floral business will see over time an increase in traffic both to its website as well as to its physical location.

How to activate Google Reviews? 

Contact our Support Team to help you activate this new feature on your florist website.

Keep an eye out for some exciting new Floranext software features coming up!

Flower Sales have bloomed during the lockdown. As millions of flower-aficionados nationwide have discovered, flowers are an excellent way to brighten up your day during seemingly dismal times.

Soaring Sales

As a matter of fact, flower sales have soared as a direct result of COVID-19. On Mother’s Day alone, 2020 has seen an aggregate spending increase of $100 million dollars nationwide. It seems as if flower lovers everywhere are realizing that despite the cancellations – love, empathy, compassion, caring, and thoughtfulness are not canceled.

From making exciting new contributions in the garden to adding much-needed greenery around the house, homeowners everywhere are experiencing a revitalization in their passion for all-things petal related, so this is a time to engage with your customers and remind them you’re there. 

Social Media Presence

Influencers and everyday Instagram users alike are making the most out of each and every post as a result of the shutdown. Can you guess what is among one of the most popular hashtags?

You guessed it! With over 184 million posts on Instagram alone, flowers are among the most trend-worthy topics to post about. Influencers have a heavy hand in the mix as well, sporting flower delivery companies, vase merchants, and even eco-friendly soils!  The 200, 300, and even 800% increases that flower companies have experienced are in no small part to the efforts of these influencers.

Why Flowers?

During difficult and isolated times, flowers are one of the best ways of people to show that they care. Here are just a few examples of situations where individuals have been sending increasingly high rates of floral arrangements:

• A close friend or loved one in a nursing home
• Mother’s Day during travel restrictions
• To a neighbor in need as they experience loss or grief
• To a family member just to show that you care

With so many great occasions to send love and regards, it is no wonder why millions of people worldwide are participating in the trend.

Closing Remarks

Florists, have you caught onto the flower-frenzy orders yet? If not, it’s never too late to start remembering your customers that you are still there!

If you’re a florist, you may use a floral wire service a system has existed since 1910 when the Florist Telegraph Delivery Service was created. Is now the time to switch and start saving money?

Wire services promise they will send orders to your flower shop and magically earn you more. Buyer beware – nothing in this world comes for free. After signing binding contracts you will get hit by expensive fees. 

Here are all the reasons why NOW is the time to switch from wire services and be independent with your own website and expand your business.

Floral wire services = cookie-cutter websites

When you’re paying to have a wire service market for you, your customers will defer to their website or a cookie-cutter website attached to you.

Websites are now essential for all businesses (especially small businesses) to survive and thrive. Websites make you competitive and allow them to communicate effectively about your brand, products, and services. Having a personalized florist website gives your customers access to custom arrangements, products, and information about your floral business.

Are you earning 100% of every order? 

When you work with wire services they get a percentage of your order, this fee depends on the wire service your working with but, with an independent florist website you’re going to get 100% of the money for the order, this is a great way of increasing your profit because nobody is going to take the percentage away from you. 

Are you tired of wire service hidden costs? 

Wire services often have hidden costs like membership fees, advertising fees, and floral product fees. If you switch from a wire service to an independent florist website, you can save money, increase your revenue, and have more flexibility to brand yourself the way that you want to.

Some wire services want to control your customer reviews

While many wire services want your reviews on their website, you’ve worked hard to build that relationship with your customers. Your website should direct your reviews to Google so your website can gain a better ranking and visibility. 

Wire services charge YOU to market THEIR brand

When you utilize a wire service, one of the fees that you pay is an advertising fee. You’re paying these sites to gather orders for you when you could be spending that money to market for yourself (and do a better job of it!). When the wire services markets for you on your behalf, they’re not telling anyone about your business specifically. They’re vaguely selling flowers in a way that appeals to their entire network. When you take over marketing for your audience, you can capture your customers’ attention, build a brand, and turn them into loyal customers.  

Why switch to an independent floral solution?

• Save money – and earn 100% of every order
• No hidden fees
• Unique website – stand out with a distinctive brand
• Own your customers – no one else marketing flowers to them
• Flexible solutions – run your business your way

As a small business, you deserve the ability to develop your own brand and customers. Many people in your community will support a local flower shop and love the idea of contributing to the livelihood of someone they know.

Wire services have restrictions and fees that can minimize your ability to run your business the way you want to. For instance, membership and other fees (advertising, floral product, etc.) will come out of the product filled payments owed to you. You’ll receive either a check or a bill at the end of the month.

However, if your filling products did not cover all your fees, then you can expect a bill. Especially if you’re just getting started, wire services can restrict a flower shop’s ability to run the way they need to.

A local flower shop can survive and thrive without Wire Service’s help. Don’t let them impose restrictions or fees when you can develop your own brand and improve your Google ranking to appeal to customers.

Be Independent, run your flower shop your way!

Your florist website is a key part of your business, it’s crucial for you to have your website up to date and with all the features your customers are looking for nowadays. Here we present the 6 things every florist website should have in 2020:

Designer’s Choice. 

When customers go to your store they can decide whether they’d like to get an arrangement that’s already made or ask the designers to create something beautiful. You must have the same option enabled on your florist website, that’s how Designer’s Choice works. Having this option will give the customer the choice to send a unique design created just for them.

Subscription Flowers.

We all know that subscriptions are the perfect way of having things that you need constantly without the troubles of ordering them every time you need them. Subscription flowers are the perfect way to deliver fresh beautiful flowers to your constant customers. You can set up and personalize this experience specifically for your flower shop needs but it’s a must feature to have on your florist website. 

Close-Up Product Images

One of the main things customers look at a florist website is a detailed image, they love to see every color and flower used so they can be sure of how it would look when delivered. Having a close-up image feature of your products is crucial to convince your client to purchase.

Florist Checkout

Having your florist website with the right software will make your life easier and the customer experience a lot more pleasant. If you use a software that is specifically designed for florists the set up of the checkout, deliveries, and even card messages options will be instantly integrated and make your customer’s journey easier. Adding things to non-florists software, that can lead to creating a confusing customer experience and lose sales. 

Marketing Reminders

One key feature for your customers is the ability to remind them of the special occasions in which they bought flowers before. This must need feature will send email notifications that will remind them with 15 days in advance of the flowers they bought last year for a special occasion such an anniversary or a birthday. 

Google Reviews

Ranking in a good place with google is crucial so your customers can find your business. Whenever customers make a purchase, ask them to review your business in google so you can obtain good reviews and rank higher in the search engine for new and potential customers to see. 

We’re sure these features will help you keep your florist website up to date with the trends that customers are looking for. Be sure to evaluate your website to see which ones you already have in place and which ones you need to apply as soon as possible.

Did Mother’s Day 2020 survive Covid-19? For most flower shops, the answer is a big YES! 

A huge congratulations on making it through the most unusual holiday ever. Here are the results of our annual Mother’s Day Floral Industry Survey. 

A big thank you to everyone who participated in our annual survey. Once again we received a strong response from our readers and members.

Results were based on 245 retail florists surveyed by Floranext between May 15 and May 19. 

Were you open for Mother’s Day?

91% Yes 

9% No

Was this Mother’s Day …. (better, same, worse) than expected?

84% Better

9% Same

7% Worse

What percentage of orders (approximately) came from your website?

What Percentage of orders (approximately) came from Phone calls?

An average of 41% of the orders was made by phone. 

Were you able to get the flowers needed?

49.1% of Florists did get the flowers they needed but with some troubles.

39% of Florists got flowers without problems. 

11.9% of Florists couldn’t get the flowers they needed. 

What were your top-selling products?

87.3% Arranged Flowers

10.9% Hand Tied Bouquet

What was your most popular gift item?

44.7% Candy/Chocolates

39.1% Other Gift

14.4% Balloon

1.9% Stuffed Animal

What was your Average Ticket sold?

The Average Ticket was $75 USD. 

When did your floral business start receiving Mother’s Day orders?

47% Last Week of April

37% First Week of May

16% Mother’s Day Week

Where is your floral business located?

85% United States

8% International

7%  Canada

Florists, was this holiday successful? What would you consider to implement that next year? Do you have any feedback on your 2020 sales season? Your fellow florists would love to hear about it—please feel free to share in the comment section below.