The cooler temperatures of autumn herald sweater weather and seasonal fall flavors in the coffee shops and grocery stores, but it should also encourage a review of your company’s autumn marketing strategy. It’s not too late in the year to try something new –something that will breathe new life into your marketing communications efforts. Then you can end the year with a strong profit margin and a clear direction as you head into 2022.
We’ve developed a new way to do this with the acronym, SPICE. In other words, it’s time to SPICE up your marketing this fall to create a delicious, memorable impact for your products and services!
SPICE can be just what you need for an effective marketing communication recipe. What does our special blend of SPICE stand for? Seasonal, Press, Informing, Community and Engagement.
S is for SEASONAL
Fall is here and the winter holidays approach. How does that affect your marketing strategy? If you have not already thought about it, now is the time. What can you do to celebrate autumn and/or the winter holidays? Can you offer a special deal, a bonus gift, a holiday version of a current product, or something different to customers?
P is for PRESS
Believe it or not, the news and/or trade media is always seeking important stories from businesses like yours. The way to get the attention of reporters and editors is with a press release, which is a written announcement of your news. And if you think your company isn’t making news, think again. Here’s some of the most popular reasons companies send news releases. Are any of these familiar for your company? They can be your next press release!
- Announcing changes: new products or services, leadership and staff, expansions, locations, new website, etc.
- Making charitable contributions
- Winning an award, or earning a certification or patent
- Promoting an upcoming special event
- Milestones (anniversaries, millionth customers, etc.)
- How current events are affecting your business
I is for INFORMING
To inform is to make sure that everyone in your audiences—from your prospects to your most valued customers—have all the information they need about your products and services. That means keeping your audiences up-to-date with the latest news and product information through the communication channels you (hopefully!) have in place. In other words, you should have regular updates as part of your company’s marketing strategy. This includes..
- Refreshed website content with the latest information available
- Updated and optimized on-page and off-page SEO (search engine optimization) so you can be found more easily!
- Social Media and “Postable” image-driven entries (on a regular basis)
- Blogs (minimum one a month)
- E-Newsletters
- Case Studies
Keep your audiences current and you’ll keep your audiences INFORMED.
C is for COMMUNITY
Look around you. Who can your company help with an act of generosity in time, talent, or treasure? How can your company make a difference in your community? Partnering with a nonprofit can show your company’s corporate responsibility, which surveys show is important to seventy percent of consumers. And remember that the holiday season is coming up now, which is a great time to help those in need.
E IS FOR ENGAGEMENT
Spring, summer, winter or fall, your marketing efforts will only be effective if they ENGAGE. Not only should your marketing communication reach out and convert new prospects, but they should also engage those invested in your company’s success, like your employees and clients. What can you do for them? Is there a way you can involve your employees in your community efforts? Is there something special you can do for your clients around the holidays, like offering a gift, an experience, or some other special treat? Now is the time to plan your marketing strategy.
So is it time to SPICE up your marketing? If we can help with any of the suggestions given in this blog, please give us a call. At JJR Marketing, we are experts at evaluating your current marketing strategy and transforming your efforts into solid results. With SPICE!