Leaf-peeping, candle apple-dipping, pumpkin carving—fall is an unusually busy season, and that’s assuming you’ve already done the back-to-school frenzy and requisite yard cleanup. Marketing initiatives for your business should also be included in this flurry of autumnal activity. Fall is its own New Years of sorts, a chance to freshen up your business, reassess your goals for the coming year, and draw potential clients in with new and engaging tactics. Before your head starts spinning thinking of all the things you’ve got to do before the year is up, read on for some helpful tips to get the fall rolling.
Represent your business at a fall festival.
As the air grows crisper and the leaves start to turn, chances are there’s a local harvest fair or Oktoberfest happening in your area. Inquire about renting a booth, or getting on the list of sponsors. Think on-theme, branded swag to bring along to events, such as hats, scarves, beer steins, or Thermoses. Maybe visitors to your booth get a coupon or score a special deal the next time they’re in-store! If it’s too late to get involved this year, it’s never too early to inquire for the next!
Seize the day.
The next big holiday is Halloween, followed by Thanksgiving, but there are plenty of small ones in between, and hilarious ones at that (National Greasy Food Day, anyone?). But did you know you can make your own holiday? You bet! Think Milestone Monday, where you invite your customers to share milestones they’re proud of on your social platforms; or Dazzle Day (for health and beauty businesses in particular), where clients can post selfies showcasing their new look, courtesy of your services; or maybe #DayOffFromSweets, on which dentists and orthodontists can offer incentives for sugar-free resolutions. There is no official process for declaring your own holiday: if you announce it, the people will celebrate.
Think greener pastures.
Green might be the opposite of what you’re thinking amidst orange and red-hued foliage, but the colder months are a great time to reassess your energy costs. Going carbon neutral may seem like a daunting task, but there are small ways you can make the planet a greener place, and save a bit of money in the process. Ditch plastic bags for paper, keep reusable coffee mugs in the office, and switch to online forms and documents. Don’t forget to post about it and ask for suggestions! Poll customers and clients on social media about the ways in which they’re turned their homes a brighter shade of green.
Get a “gotta-have-it.”
What is the “Pumpkin Spice Latte” of your business? The signature Starbucks drink has become synonymous with fall, so much so that customers plan their fall-themed excursions and social media posts around it. Does your business have a signature product? What gets your clients excited for a visit? Think of a product or service you offer that’s uniquely *you*, and talk it up!
It’s beginning to look a lot like…
We know it sounds crazy, but it’s never too early to start thinking about the big end-of-year holidays. Do you have a plan for your Christmas, Hanukkah, or New Year’s marketing campaigns? Let’s face it, you’ll be too busy once the holiday season hits, so it’s best to start planning now. When your holiday marketing efforts roll out, you’ll appear prepared and polished. Check your numbers from last year to see what worked, and what you could improve upon.
Running a business is a non-stop thrill ride, and fall can feel like the final sprint before the big year-end finish line. It’s important to plan ahead for the coming year, but don’t forget to have fun! Fall inspires some of the best food, photo ops, and festivals out there, and incorporating the season into your marketing efforts is a great way to stay current and get people interacting with your business. So grab your scarf, roll out the plaid carpet, and jump in that big pile of leaves! Just don’t forget to snap a selfie.
Need help with your upcoming marketing initiatives? We’ve got you covered. Call us: (978) 239-9715 or email wendy@med-marketers.com.