BBB Business Tip: 10 fall campaign ideas for small businesses
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Consumer shopping habits have changed frequently over the past three years, and businesses are taking advantage of the market changes.
To keep that momentum going through the third quarter, you'll want to develop fun, attention-grabbing fall campaigns to encourage your customers to return for more.
As a small business owner, you know how important it is to keep your marketing efforts fresh and engaging as you build your brand and expand your reach. The exciting news is that there are plenty of fun, creative ways to increase your brand awareness this fall.
Here are 10 fall campaign ideas to help you capture customers’ attention:
1. Fall photo campaign
A fall photo campaign is an excellent opportunity to engage your audience with your brand. It can also help you boost your local and broader audiences. Therefore, it's an effective strategy for businesses with brick-and-mortar locations and a strict e-commerce presence.
You'll want to encourage your audience to send you their best fall photos, including costumes, scenery, and other fall themes, and then feature your favorites on social media, your website, and other marketing materials.
This marketing campaign can be a simple, fun way to encourage your customers to engage, but you can also take it up by offering prizes for the best photos.
2. Bid summer farewell with special savings
Kick off the fall season by offering discounts on your most popular summer-only items. This is a great way to announce that summer is officially over and that fall is coming. Consider using local online marketplaces to boost sales.
3. Celebrate fall with a game day
Another effective way to boost your customer engagement is by launching a fun, interactive campaign encouraging them to get involved. Let your audience vote on which items you should discount during the fall. You will increase your sales, loyalty, and exposure by interacting with your customers.
4. Back to school
Back-to-school campaigns are an easy and effective way to kick off the fall season. Owning a brick-and-mortar shop will also encourage community members to shop locally and support small businesses.
You can take this campaign up by raising money or collecting school supplies for families and students in need.
5. Catch up on the go
Many people are returning to school or work during the fall, so offering free shipping or curbside pickup is a great way to encourage them to try your online shopping experience. As customers become familiar with the convenience of your website, they will be more likely to purchase something from your brand regularly.
6. Host a can-do promotion
The fall season is all about giving and food! So, why not hold a unique canned food drive encouraging your audience to donate for a special in-store discount? Not only is this a great way for you to attract customers to the shop, but it's a great way to give back to your local community as well.
7. Bag it!
Another fun way to build brand awareness and help the environment is to encourage your audience to shop with reusable bags that feature your company's logo. You can even offer them a discount when they shop with your bags.
8. Fall fashion sweepstakes
There is nothing sweeter than a fashion sweepstakes that encourages your audience to dress up and decorate their home in your brand. When they participate in the sweepstakes by modeling your merchandise, they can be entered into a drawing to win gift certificates or other prizes. Research best practices for collaborating with influencers and content creators.
9. Fall flash sales
Another great way to encourage returning customers to shop with you again is by offering limited-time discounts, promotions, and giveaways such as flash sales. This is a great way to drive sales and encourage your audience to join your loyalty programs so that they can "stay in the know" and never miss sale announcements.
10. Fall fundraising
Get your audience involved with your brand by starting an initiative to collect funds for an organization in need. Collecting charity funds is a great way to build a loyal audience and foster a sense of community.
Keep your brand fresh and engaging in the fall
Fall is a great time of year to build awareness for your brand. Whether you are trying to increase sales or build community, fall is the perfect time to get creative with your marketing efforts. Look into customer referral programs as a means to stay engaging and interactive.
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BBB of Southern Piedmont and Western N.C. contributed this article.
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