How To Boost Summer Revenue
The summer of 2021 is still wonky, isn’t it? Some old customers are still not darkening your doors—for whatever reason. They may have grown comfortable with online services. Perhaps they are still feeling cautious. They may have turned to another business during the hiatus…for whatever reason, you need them back!
Word of mouth is huge...
Wooing old customers may be the most cost-effective campaign for boosting sales in this post-Covid environment. Word of mouth marketing is huge, people, huge. The more you can get folks to talk about you—in a good way, of course, the more you are going to increase revenue. Just how is it done?
First of all, boost your marketing budget. As little as 10% can make a difference. Bring in a temp or hire a freelancer to lure customers while you are busy with existing customers. Paying by the hour is cheap compared to benefits and salary, so you can bring in an influencer. Run a summer social media campaign. Have you ever heard of a closet FaceBook live event? Forbes suggests you hold one: Announce a special 2-hour sale for your company FaceBook group. Consider hosting a FaceBook contest. Attract people who are attached to their phones and get them attached to you. The advertising is free, freer than air. You can also plan a special event and have some flyers designed and printed. Be visible. Be heard.
Target area businesses or groups. Hosting a special event for an area business is multitasking at its finest. Employees are sure to come, and some will be new customers. Businesses appreciate every perk you offer their employees, so it’s a win/win situation. Attract some local talent. There’s a lot of hidden talent in Blue Springs, and you can bet that someone at an area business knows one or two of these people. They will enjoy the spotlight and bring customers with them.
Touch your customers in a tangible way. Letters are not a relic of the past. They should be a very current treat—they are especially appreciated in this high-tech age. Write notes to old customers. A letter doesn’t have to be salesy, and you don’t have to write it yourself. Jut realize, no one is too old to appreciate mail.
Become friends with area businesses. Partner with a complementary business for mutual benefit. Hosting a sales event? Invite a local bakery to make the treats and let them use your event for their own marketing. Work together to start a summer loyalty program. Customers earn points for shopping with either or both of your businesses, and pool funds for a great incentive.
Broaden your merchandise. This is a good time to try out a new product. When you bring in something edgy or unusual, you attract attention. Since many of your usual products may be scarce, Business Know-How suggests a new product or service increases your company value, which translates to more business and added revenue.
You are encouraged to embrace the summer of 2021 and make up for lost revenue during the pandemic. It requires a little ingenuity and you may want a few extra fingers on board, but it’s doable. It is definitely doable.