Spring has offically arrived and warmer weather is on the way. Color has returned to the landscape, days are longer and outdoor activities are on the rise. College students are preparing for final exams and the little ones are counting down the days until the final bell rings for the year.
They say that April showers bring May flowers, but I like to push the envelope. Instead of focusing on one month filled with flowers, why not really excite your customers and give them an entire summer of fun! I am excited just writing about it and thrilled to share a few tips on how you can launch a summer social media campaign of your own that will entice your customers to stop by for a visit and make a purchase.
Did you know that after Christmas, summer is the time of the year when consumers spend the most? Holidays, children off school, summer discounts combined with the hot weather and generally more positive outlook on things makes everyone a little more willing to loosen the purse strings.
Tip #1: Find a way to connect the season in with your product.
- Create a laid back feel to your posts
- Add some sunshine to your pictures
- Feature a product in a fun summer setting (the beach, a little league game, camping)
- Remind your customers you are there for them on a rainy day
- Post summer photos of your employees. Show your fun side and show your customers you are just like them.
- Try a social media photo contest. Ask your followers to take fun summer shots using your product and post.
Tip #2: Sponsor a summer community event or a local little league team
- We have found that having a business’ name associated with something else rather than just a product is a great brand boost; especially if you share pictures of the events.
- Sponsorships tend to be seen by the customers, shareholders and staff members as philanthropic, charitable and beneficial for both the company and the benefactor.
- Get your business that extra bit of exposure and show people that you care.
Tip #3: Take advantage of what is right in front of you
- Summer Holidays- Memorial Day, Flag Day, Fathers Day, 4th of July, Labor Day
- Try a Christmas in July campaign that embraces the typical holiday Shop now! or 2 hours left! CTAs, activating customers via limited-time holiday windows is a natural way to increase urgency.
Tip #4: Be an inspiring force
- Depending on your product, use it to start inspiring people to think about outdoor summertime fun
- Ask your customers to share some of their favorite summertime activities and use them to inspire you.
Tip #5: Take your customers on a summer vacation
- People spend all winter yearning for spring, and dreaming about summer, so connect to that.
Try some vacation trivia to engage your customers or ask customers to share their favorite destinations and create a collage for social media
Tip #6: Here Comes the Bride
Did you know that June, August and September are the biggest months in the wedding industry? Just because you are not in the typical bridal industry, doesn’t mean you can’t get in the game. Think about it, Bridal showers, bachelor/ette parties, ceremonies, receptions, honeymoons – a vast amount of services and purchases for the bridal party and guests are required, from floral to travel arrangements.
- Run a contest for local couples getting married and offer a gift certificate
- Try Marry-Me- Monday’s on social media and maybe feature wedding pictures of your employees
The most important tip I can offer is have fun with whatever you choose to do. It is all about embracing the lighter feel of spring and summer and showing your customers how much you have in common.
These tips are meant to opens up some creative possibilities for your ecommerce business.
Final thought: Because people tend to be outdoors and on-the-go when the weather gets warm so make sure your mobile site is performing at its best. Winter is in the rear-view mirror, so take a chance and start offering your customers the promise of summer!