Grow Your Sales Beyond Q4

Q4 is the busiest season for most B2C businesses, but what about the rest of the year? How do you stay afloat for the other 3 quarters of the year? For small to medium-sized businesses, it can be a real challenge to stand out in today's crowded marketplace. One of the best ways to capture the attention of your target audience year round is to tap into the cultural zeitgeist and align your marketing campaigns and LTO (limited time offer) products with key holidays and events throughout the year.

While the holiday season is undoubtedly the busiest time of year for most businesses, there are plenty of other opportunities to leverage seasonal events to create product campaigns that resonate with your customers. From Valentine's Day to Independence Day, there are plenty of holidays and events that can help you build brand awareness, increase annual sales and create loyal repeat customers. 

Let’s explore how small to medium-sized businesses can utilise a seasonal calendar to include holidays beyond the Q4 rush. Not only will we give you some key events to look out for but we’ll even give you suggestions of how you can take full advantage of these time frames.  

Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is a great opportunity for businesses in the retail, hospitality, and food industries to drive more sales and create socially shareable content through branded LTOs. Consider creating Valentine's Day promotions, seasonal products or discounts that are specifically targeted at couples. For example, a restaurant might offer a special Valentine's Day menu, while a retail store might offer a discount on jewellery or other romantic gifts, and a cafe or bakery could offer Valentine’s Day themed baked goods. 

Helping partners give a great gift, leads directly to free user generated content. With effective branding on these items, this is an opportunity to be shared on Instagram and Facebook stories by the person on the receiving end of the gift. Their friends and family now know about your business and niche products. 

Spring Break

Spring Break is a popular time for families to travel, or spend quality time together. Businesses in the travel and hospitality industry can take advantage of this by offering special packages or discounts. Consider partnering with local attractions or events to create a more comprehensive Spring Break experience for your customers. As for businesses trying to bring in more locals that have some time off, consider creating activity based campaigns. Families will be spending quality time together during this time, give them a reason to spend time together at your establishment or with your product. 

Saint Patrick's Day

Saint Patrick's Day is a popular holiday that's celebrated around the world. Businesses in the food and beverage industry can create themed promotions or events, such as green beer or Irish-inspired menu items. Retail stores can also create themed merchandise, such as T-shirts or hats. This is a super easy holiday to participate in and ripe for social proof from your consumer base. 

Easter

Easter is a religious holiday, but it's also a popular time for families to gather and exchange gifts. Businesses in the food, retail, and hospitality industries can take advantage of this by creating Easter-themed promotions or events. Surprise bags, Easter eggs, and bunny themed products are a great way to execute on this holiday. Restaurants might offer an Easter brunch, while a retail store might offer a discount on Easter gifts. Another great move would be partnering with other local businesses to sponsor an Easter Egg hunt. While at the event families could play games, take pictures, win prizes, all of which can be effectively branded to benefit you and your colleagues. 

Mother's Day and Father's Day

Mother's Day and Father's Day are both opportunities for businesses to create promotions or events that cater to families. Restaurants might offer special Mother's Day or Father's Day menus, while retail stores might offer discounts on gifts for parents.These holidays are often spent showing appreciation for your loved ones, and spending quality time. Things like DIY activities and personalised gifts are other great examples of ways to capitalise on these holidays. If you really want to get creative, you could offer a free promotional item to anyone that buys a $50 holiday gift card to your business. 

Canada Day or Independence Day

Canada Day and Independence Day are both national holidays that offer opportunities for businesses to create promotions or events that celebrate the country. For example, a restaurant might offer a special menu that features Canadian or American cuisine, while a retail store might create merchandise that features patriotic designs. The branding for these holidays is simple. A great creative approach would be to offer a discount to any customer shopping in the colours of the flag. 

Halloween

Halloween is a popular holiday that's celebrated by people of all ages. Businesses in the food, retail, and hospitality industries can take advantage of this by creating themed promotions or events. Incorporating costumes or candy into your business is a great way to show the spirit of the holiday and encourage social sharing. Offer a discount to individuals showing up in costume, gift candy away with each purchase that day, create products based around common Halloween costumes. The possibilities are endless. 

Long Weekends

Long weekends, such as Memorial Day or Labor Day, offer opportunities for businesses in the travel and hospitality industry to create promotions or events that cater to travelers. For example, a hotel might offer a long weekend package that includes activities or events, while a restaurant might offer a discount on meals. Family themed attractions like a themed photo booth or activities on location are a great way to get people in the door. 

In conclusion, small to medium-sized businesses should utilise a seasonal calendar to include holidays beyond the Q4 rush. By aligning your marketing campaigns with key holidays and events throughout the year, you can increase brand awareness, build customer loyalty, and ultimately, drive sales. Whether you're in the food, retail, or hospitality industry, there are plenty of opportunities to create themed promotions or products.