Summer is heating up… but businesses are not. The increase in temperatures sadly does not always mean an increase in revenue, as many businesses historically experience slower seasons during the summer months. In order to avoid this slow down, it is necessary to think of creative ways to market your products or services to prevent seasonal slowdowns. By engaging customers in-person and through social media, you are keeping your brand at the forefront of their mind. This is essential to ensure success this summer, and we at Straight Forward Media are here to provide the best marketing tips and tricks that are especially effective in the heat.
When you think of summer, what is the first thought that comes into your mind? Maybe it’s Fourth of July fireworks, ocean waves, or a Father’s Day barbeque. Summer is full of holidays, so use this to your advantage to run special sales or promotions. For instance, hold a sale throughout Memorial Day, Fourth of July, or Labor Day weekend. This will encourage purchases during the summer months and keep people interested in your products. Although the holidays mentioned above are celebrated more on the national scale, find smaller things to celebrate during the summer to differentiate yourself from your competitors. Depending on what kind of business you are, these discounts may look a little different. However, if applicable, maybe hold a promotion on the hottest day of the summer on swimwear, or products that can cool you off. Look into unique events that occur in the summer months to provide additional discounts for your customers and entice them to shop your brand; maybe all red, white and blue clothing is discounted on Flag Day. Furthermore, making a product available in the summer months only encourages immediate purchases. Limited time offers create a sense of urgency, and are effective in increasing customer traffic in the summer.
What better time than the summer to go outside? Community events that go on in the summertime, including fundraisers, fairs, and local outdoor gatherings, are great places to connect with potential customers. By giving out different types of coupons at these events, you are encouraging individuals to shop at your business. This is also an opportunity to foster relationships with new people to widen your customer base.
Next we have social media. According to DataReportal’s Digital 2021 Global Overview Report, there were 4.33 billion social media users around the world at the start of 2021, equating to more than 55% of the total global population. These numbers continue to grow, as over 9 in 10 internet users use social media each month. These statistics validate why social media marketing is crucial today in order to engage with customers. Ways to do this include photo contests, tagging friends on posts in giveaways, and holding collaborations with other businesses and in conjunction with events.
If you are a small, local business, this next tip will be especially helpful to you. To create more of a relationship with the community, offer area-specific discounts to locals. This will show individuals that they are appreciated by local businesses, and will in turn generate revenue.
The heat does not need to mean slower business. If you take our advice and hold promotions, sales, and discounts throughout the summer, you may be able to bring in record levels of revenue. Be creative, have fun, and apply the strategies that will be most effective for you.