It’s official: We’re in the dog days of summer.
Literally and figuratively:
Who can relate to the latter?
Which is why so many people go on vacation during this time.
But, this doesn’t mean your marketing should also be MIA.
In fact, the best kind of marketing is the kind that keeps working while you’re lying on the beach or hiking in the mountains!
If you do not have a year-round marketing plan in place and business is slooooowww, here are three ideas to implement now.
3 Ways to Generate Business During the Dog Days of Summer
1. Create a summer special to drive short-term sales
This is a limited time offer and needs to be significant enough to get people’s attention AND move them to action. It can be a coupon, BOGO or a special package. It doesn’t have to be a price discount, but instead, add something extra.
EXAMPLE: If someone books a marketing strategy session with me between Memorial Day and Labor Day, I add an extra hour to the package they can use anytime during that period.
2. Host a summer-themed event to bring people to YOU or your location
Just because it seems like everyone is out of town, that is not actually the case…and you won’t be competing with a lot of other events during the summer, which may increase your attendance. This can be a one-time event – such as a workshop or happy hour reception – or it can be a weekly/monthly event depending on your business.
EXAMPLE: One of my clients, a local restaurant, is hosting themed events during June, July and August with drink specials, contests and live music.
3. Book a summer speaking gig to get in front of prospects
Giving a presentation for an organization, trade association or chamber of commerce is a great way to demonstrate your expertise to potential customers.
EXAMPLE: I’m teaching an educational session July 15 at the Texas Association of Builders annual conference, which ties into my experience of working with homebuilders and developers.
If your marketing needs more help to beat the dog days of summer, let’s talk.