Whew! It’s hard to believe summer is halfway over and it’s time to start thinking about back-to-school. It’s not too soon to consider promotions you can run as part of the back-to-school season to make the most of the sales surge that usually accompanies it. While big-box stores often dominate back-to-school shopping, small businesses have a unique opportunity to engage the local community and boost sales through creative promotions and word-of-mouth marketing.
Even if you’re not a traditional “back-to-school” business, you can have some fun and get people talking about you with a creative campaign, in much the same way we’ll be seeing pumpkin spice everything in another six weeks.
Ideas for Back-to-School Promotions
1. Themed Bundles and Discounts
Instead of generic discounts, curate themed bundles that cater to specific back-to-school needs. For example, a clothing boutique could offer a “First Day of School Outfit” bundle at a discounted price, or a bookstore could create a “Study Buddy” bundle with notebooks, pens, and highlighters. If you don’t offer traditional back-to-school items, you can bundle things together like “Mama’s helper” service or “You Got Through Summer” celebrations and events.
2. Partner with Local Schools
Reach out to schools and offer to sponsor a school event, donate a prize for a raffle, or provide a discount for teachers and staff. This not only builds goodwill but also exposes your business to a wider audience of potential customers.
3. Host a Back-to-School Event
Organize a fun event at your organization, such as a scavenger hunt, a craft workshop, or a “welcome the new teachers” night. This creates excitement and encourages families to visit your business.
4. Run a Social Media Contest
Engage your audience on social media by running a contest related to back-to-school. Ask customers to share photos of their children’s first day of school outfits, their favorite school supplies, or their back-to-school routines. Offer a prize to the winner, such as a gift card or a free product.
5. Create a Referral Program
Encourage your existing customers to spread the word about your business by offering a referral program for bringing in friends or family.
6. Collaborate with Other Businesses
Partner with other local businesses to offer joint promotions or discounts. For example, a coffee shop could partner with a bakery to offer a special back-to-school breakfast deal.
7. Highlight Local Pride
Incorporate Alameda-specific elements into your marketing materials, such as showcasing our beautiful waterscapes or highlighting which Alameda schools your employees attended. This creates a sense of community and appeals to local shoppers who want to support our city’s businesses.
8. Give Back to the Community
Partner with a local charity or nonprofit that supports education or children’s needs. Donate a portion of your back-to-school sales to the charity, or host a fundraising event at your store. This not only helps a good cause but also enhances your business’s reputation.
By implementing these creative marketing ideas, you can capitalize on the back-to-school season and create a lasting impact on Alameda. Remember, the key is to think outside the box, engage your customers, and offer unique experiences that set you apart from the competition, even if you’re not a traditional back-to-school merchant.
