8 Marketing Tips for Your Seasonal Business

When you have a seasonal business, you’re counting on a smaller part of the year to generate a lot of your income. The right plan can help you make the most of the season and be prepared for possible problems that could come up.

What seasonal marketing ideas and seasonal business ideas do you have? Lots of companies see an increase in business during a peak season, so you’ll want to make sure yours stands out. These eight tips can help make this year a successful one for you.

1. Line Up Seasonal Employees Ahead of Time

You may need to add staff to help with the rush. Start recruiting and hiring seasonal employees early so you have the people you need ready to go when the busy period starts. 

High school and college students are often good options for employees in seasonal businesses such as pumpkin patches, pick-your-own farms and Christmas tree vendors as well as for retail businesses that see a holiday surge.

2. Get an Early Start

People might complain when they see wrapping paper and decorations for sale at big retailers in August, but those stores wouldn’t be selling it year after year if no one was buying. Some people love to get their seasonal shopping done early so they can relax and enjoy the time of year. Make it easy for them to buy some of the things they need from you.

3. Consider Flash Sales

These last-minute sales can be good options for days when the weather isn’t great and shoppers are more likely to stay home. 

Draw traffic to your brick-and-mortar store, tree farm or pumpkin patch with sales that you email to your regular customers and promote on social media.

4. Stretch the Season

If the winter holidays are your big season, how can you extend your most profitable period? A great seasonal business idea is to try promotions tied to Thanksgiving, the Super Bowl or Valentine's Day to keep your business front of mind with your customers.

5. Gather Information From Your Customers

Make it easier to connect with your customers all year. Offer a discount if they provide their email, mailing address or follow your business on Facebook or Instagram. That way, you can promote your products throughout the year and grow a more stable income stream.

6. Expand Agritourism

Maybe a farm stand can supplement your farm business. You could add seasonal gifts to the stand — you might even want to partner with local artists and craftspeople and give them an opportunity to sell their goods for a percent of the profits.

Also, can you grow your agribusiness into other areas? You may want to consider a pumpkin patch, hayrides, a corn maze, a petting zoo, pick-your-own apples or berries, harvest suppers or opportunities to feed the animals to draw more customers.

7. Offer Gift Wrapping

Buying a gift and getting it wrapped checks two things off your customer’s to-do list. Free or inexpensive gift wrapping can be a nice value to add to your business.

8. Think About the Presentation

How can you tie in your merchandise to a season or gift? Maybe you can brand products in seasonal flavors or colors, create gift baskets with assortments of your items or partner with another local business to offer packages. 

Does the creative you’ve picked work for your customers and brand? After you’ve decided on design, be sure to share your options in your marketing materials and on social media.

Protect Your Seasonal Business

When you have more shoppers and more employees, you’re at higher risk for a costly problem or accident. Touch base with a Farm Bureau agent before the season starts and make sure you have the business insurance you need to keep your company protected in the busy season and year-round.