Editorial, tips and tools »

Keeping business sales flourishing during the deserts slow summer season takes imagination, cleverness and fortitude. I have seen many AZ-based businesses get dangerously close to going out of business due to the lack of summer sales. I have also seen numerous AZ-based businesses increase summer sales when they have exercised the right marketing strategies and plan. Personally, I prefer to thrive, as I am sure you will agree with me. Here are five marketing strategies that are sure to help your business generate new customers and sales this summer.

This summer you need to personally connect with your customers and the community in a way that will make them loyal to you and your business. You may be wondering how do I do that? The answer is simple; you need to differentiate yourself from other businesses in your industry. Check out these four cost-effective branding strategies that are sure to boost your summer business.

1. Play Mind Games. Truly know who your best customers are. Learn your customer demographics, such as income, gender and age. You need a serious fix on what will propel people to buy, so you can gear your messages around their lifestyle, way of thinking and personal belief system. Figure out what offers you can make that meets your customers’ needs, and you’re on the right track.
2. Bring on the Celebrities. Expert or third-party endorsements can mean a movie star, banker or a tech wizard. If you have invested in characterizing target customers, coming up with personalities who will fuel buzz should be a snap. The hard part may be getting access. You might need special marketing to reach them. Having a celebrity wear or try your products can boost your company’s image and sales revenue.
3. Be In The Spotlight. Your business needs to in front of your customers 24/7. Wherever your customer looks, your business needs to be right there! This includes advertising, press, and business and community functions. Find community events, large social gatherings, industry seminars, business mixers or annual trade shows that attract your top-of-the-line customers. Then invest into getting high-quality marketing materials- such as a snazzy booth or a unique tri-fold business card. If you want to take things one step further, sign up for marketing coaching and pay them to come up with a summer public relations campaign that will draw attention to your business.

   I know it’s hot and the last thing we want to do is go mingle with a bunch of perspiring business owners in 107 degree heat- but marketing your business is a vital factor to achieving success. No matter what you opt for, remember that your goal is to help your business standout for all the rest.

4. Throw a Party. A Party is a great way to build relationships with your customers, fellow business owners, local charities and the community. Why not host a party that raised money for a charity. In turn you have now created a newsworthy event, which helps your business generate free press, and it helps your community.
5. Go Pro. There are so many ways that hiring a marketing professional can help your business. One of the most powerful things a pro can do to help you is get your business FREE press and media coverage that can boost business. Yes, I did say FREE! Marketing and Media is the expertise and passion of most pros. They eat sleep and breath marketing. Why not let them say up all hours of the night figuring out what it will take to start getting your customers buy from and talking about your business brand. That way, you can do what you do best, and that is lead and run your business.

To get customers to take notice your business this summer, you must stay focused. Don’t squander time and resources by broadcasting mixed messages on marketing that doesn’t work. Make sure your marketing material has a recognizable identity, with a consistent logo, style and tag lines. Be sure that your advertising campaign is clever and published in the right media outlets. Be sure that your press releases are newsworthy and will catch the attention of the media. Lastly, don’t give up! Remember consistency is key with marketing. Do all this, and I am confident you will have a prosperous summer.

Popularity: 40% [?]