Summer in Rhode Island is a booming time for many businesses. With tourism at the beach and a plethora of outdoor activities to take part in, local RI businesses tend to have killer sales. However, when summer ends they find themselves trying to keep up with the seasonal momentum, and many have to make cuts.

One of the most common things we hear from our local Rhode Island clients is whether or not they should cut their marketing budgets. It breaks our BusySeed hearts because your off season is when you need marketing efforts the most, and this is why.

#1 Out of Sight, Out of Mind

When summer ends everyone seems to go back to their daily lives. No more weekend trips to the beach, no perusing the shops in Newport or grabbing a bite to eat outside in Narragansett. People tend to stay in their own communities and slip into an “out of sight, out of mind” mentality, which is why your marketing efforts in the off season are more important than ever.

Take the off season to try out new deals and get your summer customers back through your doors. Using your social media page to showcase new specials, autumn themed cocktails and discounts will help get your business back on your demographics mind.

#2 Stay Present with Ads

Facebook Ads are the perfect tool to use during your slow season. Although many businesses run ads all summer long, they often forget about them when autumn hits. Now is the time to push your ads towards old customers who may have forgotten you stayed open this time of year.

Try creating a special social media offer to ring in the new season. Utilize current images of your store or restaurant and give your target audience a gentle reminder that you are still open and have deals that are worth traveling for.

#3 Utilize Seasonal Dates

As we start to move towards the holidays, customers will start to think about shopping. Use your social media platforms to drive that holiday traffic. Restaurants can promote gift cards or holiday specials, and retail stores can start promoting “Black Friday” deals, along with “Small Business Saturday” and our favorite “Cyber Monday”.

Start creating a plan now, so that when Halloween ends, you are ready to create a buzz for your local Rhode Island business on social. Always remember to be creative, and keep your target audience in mind.
Your social media following is still out there, so use the tools your platforms have to offer and get back in the game and competing with your summertime sales!

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