clear pvc bag:Summer 2013: What Your Marketing Goals Should Focus On

Many companies, particularly small businesses, neglect to plan far enough ahead when it comes to marketing. Of course, there’s a time and place for spur-of-the-moment branding opportunities and social media makes it easier than ever to spread news quickly. But long term, promotional marketing has a longer lead time than social content and you’ve got to be forward-thinking to stay ahead.

Here is a short list of things you should be thinking about this summer as you put the wheels of your 2013 marketing plan in motion…

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF BACK TO SCHOOL

Believe it or not, back to school shopping will start sooner rather than later. If you plan on reaping the benefits of the intense shopping weekends between August and September, now’s the time to formulate a plan. Get your order in for your custom printed bags and start talking to local magazines about running ads. Media placement, especially print media, needs significant lead time to get everything perfect.

eventPLAN AN EVENT

In most places, summer is too hot to enjoy being outdoors for long periods of time, but as the season winds down temperatures will cool off and timing will be right for a customer appreciation event. Whether you plan on having a family-themed cookout, sponsoring a charity 5K, or even an employee team building event. Pick a date now so everyone can put it on their calendars and start ordering promotional items like bags, coupons, and t-shirts now to ensure enough time for production.

CONSIDER YOUR BUSINESS’ NEEDS

If your business services the meetings industry, fall is likely to be your high season. Likewise if you’re in the travel industry or even retail production, fall season will be upon you shortly. Now’s the time to prepare your operations to handle the influx of business a few months will bring, so take steps to market to your core customers, line up business, and get started right away planning the next few months.

dealsSNAP UP SUMMER DEALS

Summer is the slowest season for most industries so there are tons of great deals to be had. Seek out suppliers who may offer you a discount for buying when business is slow, and at the very least use the summer as the time to negotiate on a deal to be hammered out further down the road. From promotional bags to airfare to food products, there are a lot of special offers to be had when you’ll work the summer hours no one else will.