Summer is on its way here in Wyoming, which means an increase in local activity and tourist season. People are looking to get out and enjoy the beautiful summer weather. This uptake in activity can mean an uptake in customers. Is your business ready? If not, here are five tips to help you prepare for the coming season.
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Offer seasonal incentives: If you want your customers to engage with your business this summer (or anytime, really), you need to incentivize them to do so. For example, if you want to get more customers into your retail location, offer a monthly freebie, like a free sticker or water bottle for everyone that comes in during July. Or, offer summer-specific specials—like a discount on summer items or a two-for-one special on your summer menu—to get people excited to do business with you during the summer months. Even a well timed postcard with a coupon or discount can increase your customer engagement and be an incentive to come visit your store.
- Host an event for your customers: As summer approaches, many of those people are finally ready to get out and attend community events. So, why not host an event this summer? It’ll give you a great opportunity to market your business, connect with customers and drive sales this summer. The kind of event you host will depend on your business and your customers—but whatever you decide, make sure it grabs people’s attention and entices them to attend. For example, if you own a restaurant, you might host a summer tasting event where customers can sample dishes on your new menu. You can even celebrate your business’ “birthday.” An open house can be a great option for all business types as well. Throw in some live music, specialty cocktails or a gift card giveaway to make it extra-memorable. A fun banner or colorful flyer can be a great addition to your marketing and really draw people in. People are ready to get out and have fun this summer—hosting an event is the perfect way to engage with your customers.
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Spruce up your space: Whether you have a brick-and-mortar space or operate entirely online, get your business—and your customers—in a summer mood with new decor or a fresh color scheme. For example, you can add summer-inspired animations to your social posts, install a colorful window graphic (complete with your favorite summer hues!) in your store window or incorporate summer illustrations into a sidewalk sign. Even just a small change can make a big impact for your customers.
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Target seasonal visitors: Wyoming attracts tourists in the warm-weather months, you have the opportunity to connect with an entirely new customer base during the summer season—make a plan to target them. Let’s say you own a bakery or coffee shop. Reach out to local inns and ask if they’d be willing to include your baked goods or use your house coffee blend as part of their continental breakfast. Drop off your product with a tabletop sign or stack of business cards so customers know where they can get more of those amazing pastries or a midday caffeine fix. Or, maybe you own a service-based business, like a doggie daycare. Connect with dog-friendly hotels and pet shops in the area and ask them to include your brochure in their welcome packets or display your flyers at their check-out counter. Is there a particular attraction or event in town that draws in tourists—like WYO Rodeo or Yellowstone National Park? Reach out to the Chamber of Commerce and ask if they have any partnership opportunities that would get your business in front of their patrons. Maybe you can purchase ad space in the local guidebook, or find out where to offer free samples.
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Take advantage of outdoor events: With the warm temperatures and long hours of sunshine, summer offers the perfect backdrop for outdoor events. And if you want your business to thrive this summer, those outdoor events offer the perfect place to connect with potential customers. Research any outdoor events in your area where you think your customers might be—and then figure out a way to get involved. Think: farmer’s markets, craft fairs, music festivals and parades. Whether you demo your newest ice cream flavor at a nearby art fair or set up a booth at the local flea market, participating in summer events is a great way to build local awareness and boost business.