3 tips to make your next seasonal promotion a smashing success

As the owner of a small business or franchise, it’s part of your job to think of new and creative ways to drive customers to your operation. After all, the more clients you serve, the more money you can make. However, generating buzz isn’t always easy.

If you’re tired of your lobby looking like a ghost town, consider participating in some kind of seasonal promotion. Now that spring is here, you have a golden opportunity to reach your community in a creative way. Here are three simple tips that will help you get started.

Appeal to people’s emotions. A seasonal promotion needs to be something that people will get out of bed for. If your main attraction is a coupon book, don’t expect a major turn out. People want to be entertained. Host a concert with live acts, challenge clients to a karaoke competition or offer a master class on one or multiple aspects of running a business. If you can incorporate any of the senses (ie: sight, sound, taste or touch) into your promotion, it’s more likely to make an impact.

Partner with local businesses. Hosting a promotion on your own can be both costly and time-consuming. Get fellow business owners involved and support one another in your efforts. Whether that means teaming up and providing each other with different services like catering and entertainment or pooling your finances, you’re better off in a group.

Offer a coupon or discount for another time. Don’t forget to have some kind of gift, coupon or promotional offer that you can give to people who turn out. It doesn’t have to be extraordinary, but it should be of at least $25 value. For example, if you’re a quick lube owner, you could offer a free oil change. If you own a gym, you might want to offer a free personal training consultation.

These simple insights should give you a strong foundation for hosting a seasonal promotion. Take a leap of faith and have fun!