We also need media on our side (maybe send them some presentations about bitcoin), even we should try to teach about bitcoin in the schools etc.
It's long and complicate process but only in this way people can become positive about bitcoin, confident and start using it.
Eventually, bitcoin will become mainstream, many people will use it on daily basis and we will see also price increase etc.
If we don't help bitcoin nothing will happen.
Yes spreading the awareness and advantages of bitcoin to merchants would help for bitcoin getting accepted in many business. That will simply give people some idea to get bitcoin and to use in those business.
But many merchants are easily not getting convinced compared to the common people. This is the fact the merchants needs to risk more amounts than a buyer comparatively.