As more pandemic restrictions are being lifted, we’re getting word from a multitude of businesses in varying verticals that they are seeing a large influx of customers and clients. And we couldn’t be happier for these organizations!

We’re entering Memorial Day weekend with a renewed sense of optimism for what the summer months might hold and a different vantage point on consumer behaviors and how they have evolved. As vaccination rates continue to rise, people are once again exploring and searches for travel, home services, personal finance and more are on the uptick.

In April, searches for “getaways near me” grew globally by more than 100% year-over-year as have search terms including the word “trendy.” In addition, image searches for “luxury modern” have grown by more than 300% globally year-over-year (can anyone say home makeover?!). The point being that, for many companies, business is booming. As a result, less emphasis needs to be placed on marketing initiatives to drive new leads, but rather to maintain business and maintain their brand in the community.

This week, we’ve provided a list of 8 marketing ideas to implement while business is booming to set yourself up for (even more!) future success.

1.Socialize (on social!)

Social media platforms and the advertisements placed within them are bountiful and show minimal signs of slowing down in the future. Facebook, Instagram, SnapChat, Pinterest and TikTok are just a few social media platforms that encourage consumer engagement through captivating content.

2. Create valuable content

Working to produce and distribute content of high quality that in turn builds trust and establishes value in a brand is a long-term marketing play that will pay dividends. The creation of a blog is a relatively easy entry point into the world of content marketing.

Does your business or the products you sell have a unique origin story? Consumers want to hear about it! Creating captivating and inspiring content grabs the attention of consumers and ultimately gains your organization more business.

3. Create a contest or a giveaway

The urge to participate in sweepstakes and to find a bargain is a staple of US retail shopping culture. These shopping habits are something your organization can capitalize on.

Special deals, promotions and sweepstakes are powerful marketing tools as they spur consumer involvement with a company’s product or service, raise brand awareness, speak to an organization’s confidence in their brand and are (in general) low cost/low effort.

4. Support your community

For leading corporations in the Capital Region, working to improve our community is a must. Organizations and individuals alike understand the power and the impact community assistance can make. Now, largely due to the pandemic, people are even more aware of what is happening in their community and aware of the businesses that are stepping in and stepping up to offer assistance.

5. Start a podcast!

According to recent data released by Edison Research, there are over 1.5 million podcast shows and more than 34 million episodes available to download (as of October 2020).

The power of podcasts has been growing steadily over the course of the past few years. The strategy is extremely versatile and above all, educational. Podcasts allow brands to communicate their message and mission directly to consumers in an engaging, easily digestible manner.

Looking to reach a younger audience? Podcasts may be for you. Check out a few stats below:

Age of monthly podcast listeners versus US population:

• 12-34: 48% (vs 37%)
• 35-54: 32% (vs 40%)
• 55+: 20% (vs 23%)

6. Encourage happy customers to share their experience

Today, the Internet and social media channels have changed the way reputations spread. However, we want to stress the fact that it does pay to keep on top of what customers are saying about you online. According to Harvard Business School, every 1-star increase in a Yelp rating leads to a 5-9% increase in revenue. Positive reviews are fantastic for your reputation and your company’s bottom line.

We challenge you to reflect upon your company’s digital footprint and use these prosperous times to your advantage!

7. Create a newsletter

Creating a newsletter that would be subsequently emailed or shared via another platform to your customers would help to increase brand visibility, adds another touch point in the consumer buying journey (remember, 6-8 touches before a sale is made), drives quality prospects to your company’s website and perhaps above all, is an invaluable communication tool to announce new deals and new products or services. Email newsletter still has a valuable role within a cohesive marketing strategy!

8. Experiment with video creation and other brand assets

Since more than 50 percent of consumers prefer video content over blogs, social, and emails, video content should be a huge piece of your 2021 marketing strategy.

While creating professionally produced video content is fantastic and adds to your organization’s bank of marketing collateral and assets, creating one-off, fun videos via your iPhone can be just as valuable. Are you a travel destination who just put in a new pool in time for summer travelers? Take a video of the finished product and share it on social media! Short Facebook and Instagram stories are effective for businesses who wish to reach a large demographic of consumers.

In Conclusion

We know that time may be tight as business grows. However, now is the time to create marketing assets that can be used for the months and years ahead to attract new and returning customers alike.

We wish you all a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend and look forward to a summer of new adventures and possibilities!

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