The leaves are turning and the smell of pumpkin spice lattes is in the air…what is your small business doing to take advantage of all fall’s low-hanging marketing fruit? If you haven’t given much thought to your autumnal marketing efforts we’ve got a few easy ideas to get you started.
5. Spread Fall’s Flavors
If you’re anything like us, just the above mention of pumpkin spice coffee got you salivating for more. If there’s any way you can tie your business or product to favorite fall flavors like pumpkin, cranberry, cinnamon or apple now’s the time to do it! Create promotional items with samples of your “Autumn Blend” if you’re already in the food industry or perhaps head somewhere crowded like a park to hand out apple-spice muffins with a coupon attached. You don’t have to sell food to market with it – people love tasty treats regardless of your business model.
4. Get Outdoors
This marketing strategy works particularly well if your small business is insular and rarely exposed to the public or companies you wish to sell to. Host a 5K walk in a charity’s name or perhaps organize a small festival or meet-and-greet for your area in a pretty locale. Make the event something kids can come to, say, a pick-your-own pumpkin patch, and you’ll be building loyalty before you know it. Be sure to give out branded promotional items at your event or at least provide custom promotional bags as takeaways for attendees so they remember who put the whole thing on.
3. Make Something Useful
Promotional giveaways don’t have to be boring or pointless! Have a local printer create a heavily-branded leaf-looking calendar and map for your state to send out as direct mail or consider having custom bags printed with your business name on one side and a fun Halloween image on the other – your clients’ kids can use them for trick or treating! Once you think outside the box and give your target audience something they’ll appreciate you’ll be well on your way to raising brand awareness and building trust.
2. Get Sporty
Fall is one of the busiest seasons for sports, from football (both college and NFL) to baseball. You likely live in an area where one or two teams are dominant – take advantage of this existing loyalty and tie your brand to a team! Have “Go Team” T-shirts made to hand out at tailgates or give your customers reusable tote bags emblazoned with your logo alongside the team’s when they make a purchase with you. True fans have a hard time throwing away good gear.
1. Look Towards the Holidays
It may seem like autumn just arrived but it’s only a few weeks until the holidays are upon us all in full force. Start holiday marketing planning now – have seasonal paper bags printed or work up some company Christmas cards – just don’t wait until the last minute. Quality marketing partners like The Bag Ladies are busiest when the holidays roll around so order what you need now to avoid the rush.
Fall is the best time of the year to market your brand and build your business. A bit of planning and an investment in promotions now will pay off big in the coming months…customers are already looking to start holiday shopping so make sure your brand is high in their minds by promoting today.
