Holidays and special events are great ways for small businesses to increase brand awareness and reach new customers. By participating in holiday events, small businesses can get their name in front of many people, and they can also show off their products or services in a fun and festive atmosphere. Knowing which holidays speak to your customers is the first step, but what you do next makes all the difference.
Holidays & Events
This approach to marketing is nothing new. Think Black Friday. How many of you begin thinking about what special you will be offering on Black Friday? When do you begin thinking about it? The mass of media exposure and storylines, and the boasting of holiday specials start well before the actual holiday. One of the strategies for businesses to consider is having an event calendar laid out. Know what is happening in your community and when. And then knowing how this aligns with your goals and values is next. There are many different holidays and events small businesses can participate in, such as:
Local Festivals and Fairs
These events are a great way to reach people in your community. You can set up a booth at the festival or fair and sell your products or services, or you can simply hand out flyers or samples. Remember to review all the different calendars in your area to see if there is more than one being held on the same day or weekend. That way you can decide which is a better fit for your business and your goals.
National or International Holidays
These events are a great way to reach a wider audience. You can participate in online or in-person events, or you can create your own holiday-themed marketing campaign. Below you will find tips and reminders of how to embrace these holidays successfully.
Special Events
These events are often held by businesses or organizations to celebrate a particular occasion. You can participate in these events by sponsoring them or by donating products or services. Be sure to add these to your calendar of holidays and events for the year.
No matter what type of holiday event you choose to participate in, it’s important to make sure that your marketing is on point. You should create eye-catching visuals, write compelling copy, and use relevant hashtags to help people find your content. You should also make sure that your website is up-to-date and that your social media profiles are active.
By participating in these types of marketing campaigns, small businesses can increase brand awareness, reach new customers, and boost sales. So, if you’re looking for a way to get your business noticed, be sure to check out the many different holiday events that are available.
Working Example – Cinco de Mayo
Let’s use Cinco de Mayo, the Mexican holiday to work through an example of how small businesses can use special days to market and expand their brand.
Understanding the Holiday
Cinco de Mayo is a Mexican holiday that commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. While the holiday is not as widely celebrated in Mexico as it is in the United States, it has become a major marketing opportunity for businesses of all sizes. Small businesses can use Cinco de Mayo to their advantage by creating marketing campaigns that resonate with their target audience.
Pre-planning Your Message
Here are a few pieces for small businesses to consider before using special holidays to market their products or services on Cinco de Mayo:
Do your research
Before you start planning your Cinco de Mayo marketing campaign, it’s important to do your research and understand the holiday. What is the history of Cinco de Mayo? Do you know the traditions associated with the holiday? By standing the holiday, you can create a marketing campaign that is more likely to resonate with your target audience.
Use relevant keywords
When you’re creating your Cinco de Mayo marketing materials, be sure to use relevant keywords. This will help people who are searching for Cinco de Mayo-related information find your content. Some relevant keywords to use include:
- Cinco de Mayo
- Mexican food
- Mexican culture
- Mariachi music
- Tequila
- Margaritas
- Nachos
- Tacos
- Burritos
Create visually appealing content
Cinco de Mayo is a visual holiday, so it’s important to create content that is visually appealing. This could include photos of Mexican food, traditional Mexican clothing, or Mexican landmarks. You can also create graphics or videos that celebrate Cinco de Mayo.
Use social media
Social media is a great way to reach a large audience with your Cinco de Mayo marketing campaign. Share photos and videos of your products or services and use relevant hashtags to help people find your content. You can also run contests and giveaways on social media to encourage people to engage with your brand.
Partner with other businesses
Partnering with other businesses is a great way to reach a wider audience and increase brand awareness. You could partner with a local restaurant to offer a special Cinco de Mayo menu, or you could partner with a Mexican cultural organization to host a Cinco de Mayo event.
Get involved in the community
One of the best ways to market your business on Cinco de Mayo is to get involved in the community. You could volunteer at a local Mexican cultural event, or you could donate a portion of your proceeds to a Mexican charity. By getting involved in the community, you’ll show your support for Mexican culture, and you’ll also make a positive impact on your local area.
Things to Consider
Here are some additional tips for small businesses looking to market their products or services on Cinco de Mayo:
- Be authentic ~ When you’re marketing your business on Cinco de Mayo, it’s important to be authentic. Don’t try to be something you’re not. If you’re not Mexican, don’t try to market your business as being “authentically Mexican.” Instead, focus on the things that make your business unique and special.
- Be respectful ~ Cinco de Mayo is a holiday that celebrates Mexican culture. When you’re marketing your business on Cinco de Mayo, it’s important to be respectful of Mexican culture. Avoid using stereotypes or offensive language. Instead, focus on celebrating the rich and diverse culture of Mexico.
- Have fun! ~ Cinco de Mayo is a time to celebrate Mexican culture and have fun. When you’re marketing your business on Cinco de Mayo, don’t be afraid to have fun. Let your personality shine through and let people know that you’re excited to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.
Conclusion
Small businesses can achieve significant brand recognition and make new customer connections by engaging in holiday events. Being a part of such festivities creates an excellent opportunity to introduce their products or services to a broader audience and showcase their offerings with festive vibes. Don’t miss this chance to make your business known to many!
Recap: Utilizing Holiday Events to Increase Brand Awareness for Small Businesses
Here are some additional tips for small businesses looking to utilize holiday events to increase brand awareness:
- Start planning early ~ The best holiday events book up quickly, so it’s important to start planning early. This will give you enough time to secure a spot, create your marketing materials, and get your ducks in a row.
- Be creative ~ Don’t just set up a booth and sell your products or services. Get creative and come up with ways to make your booth stand out from the crowd. You could host a contest, give away samples, or offer free demonstrations.
- Get involved in the community ~ Don’t just focus on selling your products or services. Get involved in the community and show your support for local causes. This will help you build relationships with potential customers and make a positive impact on your community.
- Have fun ~ Holiday events are a time to celebrate, so make sure you have fun! Let your personality shine through and let people know that you’re excited to be there.
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