Do you remember the day last winter, when you decided it was time for the snow and cold to disappear? My day of declaration was early February, while I was scraping the ice off my windshield, in the dark at 5 pm, as the wind was whipping snow down my collar. It was then that I repeated my annual statement to myself. It went something like this:
“Enough of the cold, I can’t take it another day. Bring on the sun and the heat. I promise not to complain about it, not even on the hottest day of summer.” The joy of summer! Beautiful sunshine, extra long daytime, hot weather, outdoor enjoyment and a great excuse for a summertime promotion for your business! What promotions do you have planned for your business this summer? SUMMER SPECIAL OF THE WEEK – Why not feature a new product every week during the summer? Something that is sure to attract potential customers to come inside. Promote your weekly special on Facebook and Twitter. Maybe it’s a featured item at a discounted price. What about a doorprize draw for an instore coupon? Or a deep discount on a specific product or service? To ensure success, keep it simple, change it up weekly and promote, promote, promote.
SIDEWALK SALE – Great excuse to go outdoors. But do more that just drag out a table and display a few items. Make it SUMMER SPECTACULAR!! Promote freebies for the kiddies and draws and giveaways for the adults. Shoppers equate sidewalk sales to shopping for bargains. Don’t disappoint! Get creative! This is a time to impress and build your word of mouth advertising and repeat business down the road.
EMPLOYEE GIVEBACK – Summer is a great time to reward your hard working crew. If you have a small employee base or department, here are some ideas sure to add some smiles.
Markdown Monday – Add an extra 10% markdown on staff purchases every Monday for the summer.
Timbit Tuesday – Yes, very Canadian, but timbits are hard to resist.
Walking Wednesday – Send your front line (or as they call themselves “stuck inside”) staff for an out of office errand and cover for them while they are gone.
Themed Thursday – Make every Thursday a THEME day at your business. Allow staff to plan this idea now and launch it the first Thursday of summer. This will help your staff stay motivated, engaged and involved.
4:30 Friday – Everyone likes to cut out a little early on Friday. How about having a draw every Friday choosing an employee that can leave ½ hour early (with pay).
FESTIVALS/PARKS/OFFSITE EVENTS/TRADESHOWS - Can your business participate in special events in your community that are outside and away from your permanent location? This attracts a new source of traffic in a new venue and customers that may have never considered visiting your business at its permanent location. You’ll be surprised how many people ask, “Where are you located?” (And you thought everyone knew this). Have lots of handouts available directing them to your permanent location.
Spring is here, summer is near. And on that 30 degrees celcius day with a humidex of 38, remember my mid winter chant, and enjoy the heat!
Wishing you hours of sunshine!
Barb Bruce – service@myradius.ca 705-927-5953
Need some summer promotional ideas? Contact me, I’d be happy to chat with you!
(p.s. my new website will be launching within the week – keep watching for details)
