3-Part Fall Marketing Approach to Harvest Business
Build an autumn marketing strategy to fall for.
Seasons change every year, but it seems like the switch from summer to fall is always a special surprise. The weather is brisk, the colors are beautiful, and the food is rich and sweetly spiced. Whether it’s really that exciting or fall is just a season that has good PR is up for debate. Either way, it presents a unique opportunity for your fall marketing to shine.
With its rich colors and full flavors, fall is the perfect time to market your business to your customers. Much like celebrating holidays and special events, your customers see the change of seasons as a reason to do something special, and you should, too.
So, you’ve looked at the calendar and autumn is upon us. Just because the weather is getting a little cooler doesn’t mean you can’t warm up your marketing. Even though it might still feel like summer outside right now, it’s the best time to retool your fall marketing strategy. You’ve got questions, and we’ve got the perfect 3-part guide on how to design a crisp fall marketing campaign for your business.
Plan
When should I start fall marketing?
Fall marketing does require some planning. At the beginning of the year, you might’ve created a marketing calendar, or an overview of events you want to use to market your business to your clients. This tool can be leveraged for many different purposes, and is extremely handy for not only planning your seasonal marketing strategy, but making any needed adjustments as well.
If you didn’t make one at the beginning of the year, don’t panic! Right now’s also a great time to start. In addition to helping you map out your fall marketing strategy, creating a marketing calendar now for Q4 will be great practice for next year.
Here are a few elements to add to your marketing calendar:
- Direct mail campaigns
- Social media strategies
- Email blasts
- Special offers
- Blog posts
- And more
Making a plan and creating a calendar will not only help you streamline your fall marketing strategy but also help you adjust to any new developments without running into roadblocks.
Design
How should I design my fall marketing?
Fall marketing campaigns are a fantastic opportunity to stand out with your marketing materials. Alongside your brand-approved assets, you can have fun with colors, fonts, and layouts to celebrate the season with eye-catching fall marketing materials.
Design goes beyond what’s printed on the material. It can also include the material itself. Here are just a few options that can give your fall marketing ideas that extra oomph:
Finishing and Coating:
The look and feel of your printed marketing can be almost as important as its content. Think about the first impression you want your customer to have when they pick up and hold your fall marketing. Is it glossy or matte? Are you interested in the luxury of a soft-touch coating? Do you want those colors to pop with some UV protection? Don’t be afraid to venture from how your materials normally feel with your fall marketing.
Format:
Radio and TV commercials are one thing, but nothing beats the effectiveness of direct mail when it comes to your fall marketing ideas. It’s proven that consumers react positively to tangible marketing, and you can use this to your advantage for your fall marketing with a format that has an extremely high return on investment. Combine your direct mail with trackable QR codes, targeted data, and eye-catching design, and your business will grow even as the leaves change.
Size and Shape:
When you think of an envelope, you have a fairly clear picture of what it might look like. So it would make sense that a marketing piece that deviates from the norm would be particularly eye-catching to your recipients. Go for something a little larger or smaller than what you might ordinarily go for. Switch from landscape to portrait. Or perhaps a fun shape like a pumpkin or a maple leaf. Seasonal marketing is ephemeral, so it’s the perfect time to try something new.
If you’re looking for some design inspiration, check out the many free templates offered on your Xpressdocs storefront. Your brand identity is unique, so it’s understandable that your fall marketing is going to be, too.
Content
What should I do for my fall marketing?
You’ve got your fall marketing perfectly planned with an outstanding design, now it’s time to decide what sort of content to add. Your options are endless, and what you choose will ultimately need to complement your brand. Here are a few fall marketing content ideas to get started:
Expert Advice
You’re an expert in your field, now’s a great time to make sure your future customers know that, too. Write a blurb about something your customers might have questions about. Offer tips that relate to your expertise, like how to winterize your home, how to properly clean a common household item, or lawn care techniques. Sharing your knowledge will build trust with your customers and let them know you know your stuff.
Year-End Roundup
The last quarter of the year is a great time to look back and appreciate the victories and growth of your business. Don’t be afraid to broadcast those wins. You deserve them! Ask for referrals and showcase those glowing reviews. Post pictures from a successful event. Mention new products or services you’ve introduced. A year has passed, and you have a lot to show for it. Take a look back and share your year-end triumphs with your customers.
Recipes
Food is an essential part of the seasons, so break out the pumpkin spice (if that’s your thing) and share some goodies with your customers with your fall marketing content. Provide a recipe for the perfect pie, stew, or cocktail to celebrate the richness of autumn.
Suppose food’s not your thing, you can still participate in this content strategy. Share a recipe for a particularly effective detergent, glass cleaner, or weed spray. Sharing something that your customers can refer back to will encourage them to keep your marketing and share it with friends and family.
Offers
Who doesn’t love a great deal? Creating a sale or an offer for your fall marketing content is the ideal way to introduce new customers to your business and create a relationship with your brand. In addition, it will also encourage returning customers to utilize your products or services again. Try a discount on an HVAC tune-up or a bulk rate on a repeat cleaning appointment. You can even try a partnership with another local business in a mutually beneficial relationship.
Get creative with your fall marketing. Your content should be tailored to your business, so keep your brand in mind and celebrate the beauty of the changing seasons.
Here are some key takeaways:
When should I start fall marketing?
No time like the present! Create your marketing calendar and start planning your fall marketing with all your channels as soon as you can. Adjust where you need to and analyze your fall marketing campaigns’ performance.
How should I design my fall marketing?
Stand out with seasonal colors, interesting fonts, and new layouts alongside your brand-approved assets. You can even redesign the finish, format, or shape. If you get stuck, check out the seasonal templates on your XD storefront.
What should I do for my fall marketing?
You have a ton of options! Start with sharing expert advice, doing a year-end roundup of achievements and satisfied customers, providing some recipes, or offering a special promotion.
Xpressdocs has over 20 years of experience with brand management and direct mail campaigns. We’re here to help you succeed with an innovative branded storefront, ready access to brand-approved assets, and fast turnaround times. Contact us today to learn more!