The fall is the time when small business owners see a spike in sales. Business owners want to get as much done before the end of the year. Also, the fall is packed with holidays that make people want to buy and shop. So whether you are a business to business company or a business to consumer company, you want to capitalize on what people already are doing in October, November, and December. Using your social media is the best way to turn those “I think I should …” into “I have to buy now.” TrafficBox and other digital marketing companies are available to assist you to maximize your use of social media during this critical time. Here are some proven tips for you.
1. Pictures
Change your cover photo to reflect the season. You want to use a background that represents harvest, changing colors of leaves, pumpkins, and cornucopias. Your online presence should reflect the current season your business is experiencing. Showing an updated and current online presence will build up the credibility for your business in the eyes of the consumers. If you are a service-based business, this will be enough to attract your audience. However, if you are a product-based business, you might want to go one more step and have a picture of your products against a fall background or showcase a blend that is geared for fall sales, such as pumpkin spice or apple pie. You might want to pick the ones with a fall label already on them.
2. Hashtags
You can find out what is trending online easily enough. Use those hashtags in your social media marketing. For example, October is breast cancer awareness month. You will be able to find a hashtag about breast cancer. Find a way that naturally uses breast cancer in your posts. It has to sound natural. Otherwise, it will work against you and your products. You also might want to offer a special for those fighting cancer and use that hashtag for service-based companies. You can find the right trending hashtag that will fit your business. Craft social media posts with the relevant hashtags a couple times a week to increase the reach of your messages. You could also make a special hashtag for your business that’s relevant each year the holiday season approaches. It will help keep the conversation going.
3. Blogs
Whenever you write blogs, you should remember that people search for other things besides the normal keywords for your business. For example, if you are an auto repair shop, people will naturally search for best car repair, but, in the fall, they also are searching for pumpkin recipes, harvest festivals and holiday decorating. So, a car repair shop might want to do a blog on fixing your car to attend the fall festival or fixing a car to take a drive to see the fall foliage in Vermont. These will link both the repairs and the season, which is what you want. Then, you are likely to double the number of people finding you online. Using seasonal topics and traditions to engage your audience in a timely and relevant way can humanize your business and help customers connect with you in a whole new way.
4. Shares
Whenever you post, you want people to like it, share it and comment on it. You have to do your part too. If you want people to know your business and engage with you on social media, you should share posts relating to the season. For example, if someone posts a great pumpkin pie recipe, you should share it and keep the conversation going. Engaging your customers on topics they are discussing will show that your company is knowledgeable about what people are saying and doing during this season. During the fall season, if you are a company that services heating and air conditioning, you might want to provide tips to prepare your home for the winter. A jewelry company might want to share a post on what to wear to the fall festival. When you keep up with trends, you will allow customers to see you as someone who issues credible information. This will encourage customers to engage and search out information from your business.
5. Pinterest
The colors in the season are so picturesque. You should use them for Pinterest. Create a board that highlights the colors of the season and your products or services. During the holiday season, people are searching Pinterest for a specific holiday or seasonal ideas, tips and gifts. This is a great opportunity for you to develop a special holiday Pinterest board to increase your reach and visibility online.
6. Contests
Contests are a great way of reaching out to customers. Radio stations do this all the time. They give away cash for paying bills or holiday spending. You should jump on the bandwagon but promote your contest through social media. Create a special Facebook tab for your contest to capture data to analyze and develop social media strategy. Make a contest that requires users to enter an e-mail address, to help build up your e-mail list. You will want to let subscribers know about future contests, promotions, and announcements. You want your giveaway to match your company and the season. If you are a resort, you would want to give away a free night stay for the fall. If you provide beauty products, you would want to give away a gift basket with fall essentials. If you fix cars, a free oil change to get your car ready for that fall trip.
7. Events
Create an event that is fall-themed. For example, you might want to have your own fall festival or harvest party. This will get people in your door if you have a brick and mortar location. You need to promote the party through social media. However, you also can do a social media party if your company is service-based or online without a storefront. You create a Facebook party and get people to attend at a certain time or a Google Hangout.
