Fun in the Sun:
Three Fun and Effective Summertime Marketing Ideas
Valentine J. Brkich
Well, it seems like just yesterday that we were saying goodbye to Old Man Winter and getting ready for spring. (I wonder why there’s no “Young Woman Spring” or something similar. Such are the strange musings of a writer.) Now, here we are at the end of June and getting ready to celebrate the Fourth of July. Time sure does fly! Unless, that is, you’re stuck in traffic or in a staff meeting.
If you’re a business owner, summertime can be one of the best times to get a little creative with your marketing. The weather’s warm, people are out and about, and folks are just happier in general (funny what a little Vitamin D will do for ya). The key is to have fun and make sure your customers are having fun, too.
That said, here are three fun and effective ways to market your business during the summer:
1. Host a Summertime Contest
Face it, people love a little friendly competition, especially when prizes are involved. So why not give your customers a fun summer challenge to engage in? Host a photo contest where customers photograph themselves using your product, then ask them to share it and tag you on Instagram. You might also consider hosting a weekly trivia night at your business or collaborating with other local businesses on a scavenger hunt.
Not only are these fun activities, but they also encourage engagement, inspire user-generated content, and boost your brand’s visibility via social media. Offering free wine doesn’t hurt either. But that’s just my two cents.
2. Take Your Brand Outdoors
You were stuck indoors all winter and likely for most of spring. Summertime is the perfect time to get out from behind the counter and engage with your customers in the great outdoors! One easy way to spread your brand is to sponsor a local summer event, like a concert or a craft festival. You could also set up a booth at your local farmers’ market or even put a table outside your brick-and-mortar. Or what about hosting a customer appreciation picnic in the local park? (With hot dogs and beer, of course.)
These types of marketing ideas are great because they create memorable experiences and let you meet potential customers face-to-face. They also let you work on your summer tan (just be sure to apply sunscreen).
3. Hold a “Summer Survival Kit” Giveaway
Who doesn’t love a giveaway? Bundle a bunch of your products and services, and then let people enter to win it by posting a fun summer photo on their social media. If possible, try to make the products fit a summer theme. For example, a coffee shop might include an iced-coffee package and an insulated travel mug. A grocery store might offer things like sunscreen, iced tea, and insect repellent. The key is to be generous and incentivize your customers to participate.
This type of giveaway is effective because it grabs the attention of both current and potential customers. Also, here in the U.S., we like stuff. Just look around your house. (Why do you think I have an annual yard sale?)
Bonus Tip!
Since most of these summer marketing ideas involve social media, be sure to ask your customers to use a unique hashtag like #SummerFunAt[YourBusinessName] or #SummertimeAt[YourBusinessName]. That way, you can easily track engagement and continue to build a community around your business.
So, there you have it! Three creative ways to make the most out of your summertime marketing and have a little fun at the same time. Hopefully, come fall, you’ll be reaping the benefits of your extra efforts!
But let’s not mention the “F” word anymore. Now’s the time for food, fireworks, and fun! Heaven knows we deserve it.