You know that feeling when you walk through downtown Colorado Springs and it’s just… quiet? Like, eerily quiet for a city center that should be buzzing with activity? If you’re a business owner down there, you’ve probably felt that pit in your stomach watching potential customers walk by without stopping. Trust me, Iget it. But here’s the thing – downtown Colorado Springs is actually experiencing some pretty exciting momentum right now, and if you know how to tap into it, you could see some serious improvements in your foot traffic.
I’ve been working with businesses throughout Colorado Springs for years, helping them understand how local search and foot traffic really work together. And let me tell you, 2025 is shaping up to be a game-changer for downtown businesses that get their strategy right.
What’s Really Happening Downtown Right Now
First, let’s talk about the elephant in the room – foot traffic in downtown Colorado Springs has actually been picking up! We’re seeing way more activity in 2025 compared to previous years. That’s not just feel-good marketing speak; that’s real data from the city’s tracking systems.
The city has installed 26 sensors all over downtown to collect detailed foot and vehicle traffic data. Yeah, they’re literally counting every step and every car that moves through downtown. This isn’t some guesswork anymore – planners are making decisions based on actual usage patterns, which means the improvements they’re making are targeted and effective.
But here’s where it gets interesting for you as a business owner. The “Elevate Downtown” master plan, created with feedback from over 2,000 residents, is focusing on exactly what brings people downtown and keeps them there.
We’re talking about adding those everyday things that give people real reasons to come downtown and stick around.
The Missing Pieces That Are Finally Getting Fixed
You want to know what’s wild? Downtown Colorado Springs currently has only one public restroom. One. Can you imagine trying to spend a day shopping or dining downtown when you’re constantly worried about finding a bathroom? The master plan identifies this as the most universally supported improvement, and honestly, it’s about time.
But it goes way beyond restrooms. The plan really pushes for bringing grocery stores, pharmacies, and gyms downtown – those everyday spots that get people visiting daily and keep the foot traffic flowing. Think about it: if someone can grab groceries, pick up a prescription, and hit the gym all within a few blocks, they’re going to be downtown way more often. And when they’re there, they’re likely to grab lunch, stop for coffee, or browse that interesting shop they keep walking past.
The walking areas are getting a big makeover too. If you’ve ever tried to cross some of the busy streets downtown, you know it can feel like you’re taking your life in your hands. The master plan is tackling safer street crossings and better walking paths, plus they’re fixing ADA accessibility issues and making sidewalks wider.
How Smart Business Owners Are Getting Ahead of This
While the city’s making these big changes to the area, the businesses that are really doing well aren’t just sitting around waiting. They’re being proactive about their Colorado Springs local SEO and making sure they show up when people search for downtown businesses.
Here’s what I’ve seen work consistently:
Optimize Your Google Business Profile Like Your Life Depends On It
Seriously, this is where most downtown businesses are dropping the ball. Your Google Business Profile is often the first thing people see when they’re deciding whether to visit your place. Make sure your hours are accurate, your photos are current and appealing, and you’re actively collecting and responding to reviews.
Ican’t tell you how many times I’ve seen businesses lose potential customers because their Google listing said they were open when they were actually closed, or because their photos made the place look dated or uninviting. Google Maps optimization isn’t just nice to have anymore – it’s absolutely key for foot traffic.
Create Content That Connects Downtown to Your Business
Start a blog section on your website and write about downtown events, partnerships with other local businesses, or how the downtown improvements affect your customers. When someone searches for “downtown Colorado Springs restaurants” or “things to do downtown Colorado Springs,” you want your business showing up in those results.
Partner With Other Downtown Businesses
This one’s huge, and it’s something Ialways recommend to my clients. Cross-promote with neighboring businesses. If you’re a restaurant, partner with the bookstore down the street for a “dinner and book club” night. If you’re a retail shop, team up with the coffee shop next door for a “shop and sip” promotion.
Use Local Events and Programming to Your Advantage
The master plan includes arts and culture improvements as a big part of the downtown approach. Cultural events and cool programs really get people interested and coming back, so make sure you’re plugged into what’s happening. Sponsor events, participate in downtown festivals, or create your own events that bring people to your spot.
Make Your Business Part of the Downtown Experience
Don’t just be another shop or restaurant – be part of what makes downtown special. This could mean anything from creating Instagram-worthy spots in your business to offering services that complement other downtown activities.
The Problems You’re Probably Facing (And How to Fix Them)
Problem #1: People Drive Downtown But Don’t Stop
Isee this all the time. The traffic data shows cars moving through downtown, but they’re not stopping and parking. Usually, this happens because businesses aren’t giving people a really good reason to stop.
Solution: Create “destination moments” in your business. This could be a signature item, a unique experience, or even just amazing customer service that people talk about. Make sure these unique selling points are front and center in your online presence and marketing.
Problem #2: Foot Traffic Isn’t Converting to Sales
You’re seeing people walk by, maybe even come in and look around, but they’re not buying. This often comes down to the experience once they’re inside.
Solution: Train your staff to engage with browsers without being pushy. Create clear pathways through your space, make sure your pricing is visible, and consider offering small, low-commitment purchases that can lead to bigger sales later.
Problem #3: Inconsistent Traffic Throughout the Week
Maybe you’re busy on weekends but dead during the week, or you have good lunch traffic but nothing in the evenings.
Solution: Use your Google Business Profile insights to understand when people are searching for businesses like yours, then create specific promotions or programming for those slower times. Maybe it’s a weekday happy hour, a Tuesday trivia night, or a “lunch and learn” series for downtown workers.
What the Data Says About Downtown’s Future
Here’s something that should get you excited: the plan really backs building up, not just out, with projects like the 28-story One-Vela residential high-rise. More people living downtown means more built-in customers for retail shops and restaurants. Having more people living close together downtown creates more steady foot traffic, and it helps keep green spaces nice in other areas.
This isn’t just about bringing in tourists or weekend visitors – we’re talking about creating a real downtown community where people live, work, and play. That’s the kind of environment where businesses thrive long-term.
Regulatory Stuff You Should Know About
If you’re planning any changes to your storefront or outdoor seating areas, make sure you know the ins and outs of Colorado Springs’ downtown development rules. The city has specific rules for things like signage, outdoor displays, and how you use the sidewalk. These are all designed to keep downtown looking good and make sure everyone walking around stays safe.
Also, if you’re considering any kind of outdoor programming or events, you’ll need to work with the city’s special events permitting process. The good news is that the city is generally supportive of activities that bring more people downtown, but you want to make sure you’re following the proper procedures.
Industry Trends That Are Changing Everything
The biggest trend I’m seeing is the shift toward “experiential retail” and “destination dining.” People aren’t just shopping or eating out anymore – they want an experience they can’t get online or in the suburbs. Downtown Colorado Springs is perfectly set up for this trend because of its unique character and how easy it is to walk everywhere.
Another big trend is how online and offline experiences are blending together. Customers might find your business online, visit in person, then share their experience on social media, which brings in more customers. This means your digital presence and your physical presence need to connect smoothly.
Making It All Work Together
Look, getting more foot traffic isn’t just about getting warm bodies through your door – it’s about building a solid system that brings the right customers to your business over and over again. The changes happening downtown are creating amazing opportunities, but you need to be ready to jump on them.
Start with the basics: make sure your online presence accurately represents your business and makes it easy for people to find and visit you. Then focus on creating experiences that give people reasons to come back and bring their friends.
The sensor data the city is collecting shows that downtown foot traffic is already increasing, but that doesn’t automatically mean more sales for your business. You have to be smart about connecting with that foot traffic and turning those passersby into paying customers.
Your Next Steps
If you’re serious about getting more foot traffic to your downtown Colorado Springs business, here’s what I’d recommend you do this week:
First, audit your Google Business Profile. Make sure everything is accurate and up-to-date, and look at your insights to understand when people are searching for businesses like yours. If you need help with this, you can always reach out to us at Casey’s SEO – we’re experts at getting local businesses found online, both in regular search results and on Google Maps.
Second, take a walk around downtown and really look at it from a customer’s perspective. Where are the pain points? Where are the opportunities? What would make you want to spend more time downtown?
Third, start building relationships with other downtown business owners. The businesses that really crush it downtown are the ones that work together to create a fun, inviting place everyone wants to visit.
Finally, be patient but persistent. The improvements happening downtown are going to take a bit of time to fully show up, but the businesses that get themselves ready now are going to be the ones that benefit most when foot traffic really takes off.
Downtown Colorado Springs has incredible potential, and with the right strategy, your business can be a big part of its success story. The key is to start now, be consistent, and focus on creating real value for the people who choose to spend their time and money downtown.
If you want to chat more about how to make this work for your specific business, feel free to give us a call at 719-639-8238 or email casey@caseysseo.com. We’re right here in Colorado Springs at 8110 Portsmouth Ct, and we’d love to help you make the most of downtown’s growing momentum.
