Okay, here’s my take on sharing my experience with setting up “new age store free tarot card readings”, just like I’d tell it to a friend over coffee.
Alright folks, so I had this wild idea, right? I wanted to boost traffic to my new age store and thought, “What’s more ‘new age’ than free tarot readings?” Seemed like a no-brainer, but man, did I underestimate the amount of work involved. So, here’s how it all went down.
Phase 1: Planning & Prep – More Like Panic & Procrastination
- First, I figured I needed a reader. I mean, duh. I put out feelers with friends, checked local metaphysical groups, and even threw up a post on Craigslist. Eventually, I found this awesome lady named Willow. She seemed legit – had a good vibe and a stack of credentials.
- Next up: the space. My store’s not huge, so I had to rearrange things. I cleared out a corner, set up a small table, and got a comfy chair for Willow and her clients. Added some candles and incense for ambiance – gotta set the mood, you know?
- Then came the scheduling. I decided to do readings on Saturdays from 1 PM to 4 PM. Limited slots to keep things manageable. I used a simple online booking system – nothing fancy, just something that could take names and times.
Phase 2: Promotion – Screaming into the Void (Almost)
- Social media blitz! I spammed my Facebook, Instagram, and even tried TikTok (that was a disaster). Created some eye-catching graphics with Canva – lots of stars, moons, and mystical fonts.
- Email marketing. Sent out a blast to my subscribers announcing the free readings. Highlighted Willow’s experience and the potential benefits of a tarot session.
- In-store signage. Put up posters and flyers in my shop window and around the counter. Made sure they were bright and attention-grabbing.
Phase 3: The Launch – Controlled Chaos
Saturday arrived, and I was a nervous wreck. Would anyone even show up? Turns out, people were interested! We had a steady stream of clients throughout the afternoon. Willow was a rockstar, delivering insightful and compassionate readings. I mostly stayed out of the way, but kept an eye on things, making sure everyone was comfortable.
Phase 4: The Aftermath – Lessons Learned & Tweaks Made
- Time management is key. 15-minute readings were barely enough. We had to bump it up to 20 minutes and add a 5-minute buffer between clients to avoid burnout.
- Managing expectations. Some people came in expecting miracles. We had to make it clear that tarot is for guidance, not fortune-telling.
- Gotta protect Willow. Some people can be real energy vampires. I made sure she took breaks and had a designated “safe space” to recharge.
- Marketing matters. TikTok still sucks for me, but the targeted Facebook ads worked wonders.
The Result?
Honestly, it was a lot of work, but totally worth it! Foot traffic increased, sales went up (people bought crystals and books after their readings), and I built a stronger connection with my community. Plus, I got a free tarot reading myself! Would I do it again? Absolutely. Just with a few more boundaries and a better scheduling system. Maybe next time, I’ll even charge a small fee for extended readings. Baby steps, right?