Monthly marketing ideas
A whole new year. And it’s time to decide what you’re going to do with it. With days like Motivation and Inspiration Day (Jan. 2nd), and National CanDo Day (Jan. 4th), there are plenty of days to celebrate and focus on getting things done this month. Starting with New Year’s Day (Jan. 1st), people start talking about the New Year’s resolutions they’ve made, and marketers everywhere will be talking about planning an entire year’s worth of marketing now. And I’m no exception. Yes, marketing takes time and effort. And, you’ll have a greater chance of success if you use an online marketing calendar to plan your marketing strategy in advance. But it doesn’t have to be difficult. The most important thing to remember is that your marketing plan is a living document. (Tweet this!) Right now, it needs to be a basic roadmap for where you want to go and
Let the holidays begin! While some of us are inspired and energized by the “big” holiday season, others are stressed and overwhelmed by it. Whichever you are, use it to your advantage. Sharing thoughts and worries about the season makes you and your business more relatable to customers who may or may not know you personally. Sharing the joy and the chaos of the season with your readers lets them know that you’re in it together and that you’ll make it through, and make it great, together. While you’re busy with the hustle and bustle with friends, family, and your community all celebrating the big holidays of Hannukah (Dec. 18-26th), Christmas (Dec. 25th), and Kwanzaa (Dec. 26-Jan. 1st), don’t forget to have some fun with the smaller holidays too! And, you know I’m not going to leave you hanging. Here’s a quick list of December holidays, newsletter ideas, and subject
November. Wow. Such an odd month really. It’s like all things point to Thanksgiving this month and yet, Thanksgiving (Nov. 24th) doesn’t even seem to get its proper dues anymore because we immediately rush into the Christmas season with Black Friday (Nov. 25th) and Small Business Saturday (Nov. 26th). And while we may have a moment of “thanks,” while gathered together to share a meal and join in conversation, it seems like that’s all the “thanks” there is. With that said, I’m actually not going to tell you that you should “thank” your customers in your November newsletter. Everybody does it, so it’s become a bit cliché. This is fine if you’re celebrating Cliché Day (Nov. 3rd), but otherwise, I like to try to be original and stand out from the crowd as much as possible — and you should too. That’s why, this month, I suggest you embrace World
Just as fall is my favorite season, October is my favorite month. I love October. Not just because I get to over-decorate the house, play dress-up as an adult, and buy way too much candy without judgment. Nor do I love it because of National Pumpkin Spice Day (Oct. 1st) or National Cinnamon Roll Day (Oct. 4th) — although those are both good reasons to love October. I love it because the first snows fall and then melt away, because of Indian Summer days and cold nights with breezes that nip at your nose, and because everyone is getting ready to hunker down for winter. I love October because here in the Northern Hemisphere, it is nature’s last hurrah before winter sets in. So, when you start working on your marketing for October, think about how this time of year makes you feel and how you can help your readers
It happened just last night. The crickets changed their song. You know what I’m talking about; that ever-so-subtle shift in nature that says, “Yes, it’s hot right now, but autumn is coming… soon.” This, of course, makes me start thinking about the many things on my “to-do” list that I haven’t gotten done yet. Of course, there are the “must-dos” such as resealing the deck and taking the snowblower in for maintenance. But fall makes me think more about the stuff I’d like to do, or that I’ve been meaning to do. I mean, it’s Sourdough September; I should really get my starter going, so I can bake my own bread this winter. And while I’m thinking about things I haven’t managed to get done, I should probably get to work on making those candles I’ve been meaning to create since last year. After all, it is World Candle Month.
Now that we’re in the Dog Days of Summer (July 3rd – August 11th), temperatures are rising and tempers often rise as well. It seems like everyone gets a little irritable during the hottest days of the summer. That’s why I think of August as the month to take care — take care of myself, my family, and my community. August is American Adventures Month so if you’re into adventure, this is a great time to take care of yourself by getting out there and trying something new. If you prefer something more mellow, and indoors, it’s also American Artist Appreciation Month, so think about taking some time to visit a local art gallery and take care of yourself while supporting, and caring for, your community. Personally, I like to start the month by organizing something simple on each day of National Simplify Your Life Week (August 1st-7th). It could