8 Summer strategies
approx 3 minute read
Plan now. Your future self will thank you
Spring has sprung. The warmth of summer beckons.
Plan ahead now, and bask in the rewards by the time summer rolls around.
Here are 8 marketing strategies to try this summer.
Some are great for retailers, others are ideal for tradespeople.
Browse them all and choose the one(s) best you.
1. ‘Summer-ify’ your eCommerce website
The start of summer is a splendid time to freshen up your eCommerce website. Warmer, brighter days have a hugely positive effect on people’s moods. Capitalise on these good vibes by updating your website with summery graphics, featuring a summer sale, and using summer themed emojis in your email subject lines and social media posts.
Once your eCommerce website has a new summer wardrobe, you’ll want to show if off, right? Channel more summertime surfers to your website with pay-per-click (PPC) advertising. Your advert will be shown to potential buyers, just as they’re searching for the products you sell, but you only pay when a user is placed on your website.
2. Make local connections
If the idea of networking brings you out in a cold sweat, we have good news for you. It doesn’t have to be awkward. Or boring. Networking can take many guises.
Consider hosting a summer BBQ and inviting people from the local community. Form partnerships with other businesses and organise an event in a local wine bar or cafe on a mid-week evening. Or hold a summer-themed workshop or class, such as gardening, outdoor yoga, or DIY crafts.
These ideas will not only help you make new connections and attract potential customers, but also position your business as a valuable resource within the community. Plus. You might just have some fun.
Networking essentials:
3. Get people talking about you
In a good way of course. We’re not encouraging tawdry gossip here! Local referrals are essential for tradespeople. In fact, many rely solely on this marketing strategy to generate new business. Try hanging a banner outside of the premises you’re working on so passers-by can see who’s responsible for the excellent handiwork. Whilst you’re there, drop some flyers into the surrounding houses too.
For people who’d rather talk about you online, make sure you request Google Reviews from happy customers. We have a clever solution for monitoring, tracking and responding to all online reviews, called SEO Console.
Referral essentials:
4. Up your ‘gram game
People love to share. Their jolly exploits on social media that is. Food. Not so much. Create a fun Instagram-worthy feature for your followers to engage with and… BOOM! Your brand will be shared across social media without you having to do anything. If you have room, then giant deckchairs are a popular selfie setting. Or, if space is limited, try a selfie-frame or a cut-out figure to create a fun scene.
Instagram essentials:
5. #win
Oh. And people also love free stuff. Why not get some summer themed branded merch to give away in a social media competition? Custom t-shirts, baseball caps and water bottles would all look great with your logo or slogan on. Entries can be exchanged for likes and follows to grow your social media reach.
Competition essentials:
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6. Take it alfresco
Warmer, sunny days will draw more people outside. If you’re a retailer or own a hospitality venue, now’s a great time to invest in some outdoor signage to capitalise on this higher footfall. Advertise a special summer menu, alfresco events, or simply raise brand awareness in your local area.
Outdoor essentials:
7. Wish you were here!
Channel some summer holiday vibes by sending travel-style postcards or mailers to your customers and potential clients. They could showcase your work, products or venue. Include a special offer or voucher code to increase engagement and keep track of your ROI. Make it stand out from other post by using a special finish, like gold or silver foil, or have fun with an unusual design. A flyer disguised as a mini picnic basket, anyone? Or a booklet that looks like a travel catalogue.
Direct mail essentials:
8. “Things to do near me”
People will be looking for things to do on sunny weekends, light evenings and during the school holidays. If your business lends itself to putting on events or hosting activities, use this to your advantage in the summer months with some local SEO. Tailor some of your content to include recommendations for local summer activities and attractions. This can help attract local audiences searching for things to do in their area during the summer months.
Local SEO essentials: