Make hay while the sun shines, or so the saying goes; the same can be said for your marketing. It can be all too easy to take your foot off the pedal in summer with a false perception that it is a quieter period. However, there are still huge opportunities to make the most of with the right plan
If you’re a business owner or marketer looking for fresh ways to invigorate your promotional efforts during the sunny season, you’ve come to the right place. This blog post is all about using the power of summer to boost your brand’s visibility, generate more leads, and increase sales.
Here are 7 tips to help:
Capitalise On Seasonal Trends
The first rule of effective marketing is to stay relevant. Adjust your campaigns to reflect what your audience is thinking about – in this case, summer. This could mean incorporating beach-themed visuals in your social media posts, offering seasonal discounts, or launching products that cater to the summer lifestyle.
Use Social Media
Summer is a time when people love sharing their experiences on social media. Encourage user-generated content by hosting contests or giveaways that prompt your followers to share photos of themselves using your product or service during their summer activities. If you’re selling a day out or an experience, encourage people to share their images or videos for the day and give them a hashtag to use or encourage them to tag your business page – you could even incentivise it with a competition for the best images.
Tell A Story
Storytelling in marketing can shape your brand’s perception, captivate your audience, and ultimately drive sales. It is the process of using a narrative to connect your brand with customers, focusing on linking your values to those of your customers. As summer approaches, integrate your products and services into a narrative that resonates with your target audience. The narrative could be rooted in actual experiences or based on your brand’s goals and values. The purpose is not just to sell a product or service but to build strong relationships with customers. It allows businesses to communicate their brand’s personality and establish an emotional connection with their audience. This can significantly increase customer loyalty and promote long-term engagement. People love a good story; it’s human nature. So, whether you’re promoting a summer festival, a beach resort or a countryside retreat, weave a compelling story around it to captivate your audience and boost your summer marketing strategy.
Host Summer Events
Whether it’s a virtual webinar or an outdoor networking event, hosting a summer event can be a great way to engage with your audience and generate leads. Use this opportunity to showcase your offerings and provide value to your attendees. If you’re selling a day out or an attraction, consider putting on themed events or competitions to encourage people to buy tickets.
Refresh Your Website
Give your website a ‘summer makeover’. Update images, banners, and product listings to reflect the season. This will not only keep your site looking fresh but also signal to customers that your business is active and up-to-date. With people likely to spend more time outdoors, it’s crucial that all your online touchpoints are mobile-friendly. From your website to your email campaigns, ensure everything is optimised for a seamless mobile experience.
Local SEO
Summer is a prime time for local businesses. Optimise your online presence for local search to ensure you’re visible to customers in your area who are looking for the products or services you offer. Google Trends can help you discover what people are talking about now.