Autumn is a time of transition. Three big things should be changing right now: temperatures, leaves, and your marketing strategy. We’ve put together some of our favorite recommendations for getting your digital presence ready for fall.
Decorating Your Socials for Fall
Decorating for the season ahead isn’t limited to wreaths or spooky yard ornamentation. The easiest fall-centric update you can make is to your social media. Begin by replacing your cover photo and profile picture with updated imagery. This can be your company logo over an autumnal background, a new staff photo, or a shot of the exterior of your building. If you have a brick and mortar location, consider staging a photoshoot for each season of the year. Not only will this keep imagery of your facility current as new buildings and renovations are completed, but it will also ensure that you’re not posting outdated content.
Perform an Audit
While audits may not sound fun, they’re immensely important to your digital presence. At the beginning of each new season, you should comb through your website and all social media profiles to identify any out-of-date information. Something as simple as a disconnected phone number could cost you thousands if left up for an extended period of time.
After you’re done pulling down outdated photos and old business addresses, make a wish list of what you’d like to improve in the weeks ahead. If your site is full of old, low quality images, for example, hiring a photographer may be a high priority for you. On the other hand, if you notice that your blog has not been updated since 2014, setting aside time to write a few posts should jump to the top of your list.
Celebrations and Events
With the holidays ahead, there’s no shortage of causes for celebration. Whether you’re planning a Thanksgiving lunch or a monster mash, be sure to heavily document any company parties for sharing on socials. You can also host autumnal events and specials for clients. Be sure to advertise these online and keep your staff up to date on everything that’s coming up. Whatever your goal, create an up-to-date landing page where all traffic will be directed.
Community
Fall is a great time of year to get involved with your local community. With both back-to-school and football season to look forward to, small businesses have myriad opportunities to support youth organizations. Look into sponsoring a team or game to get the word out about your company. You can also loan out space to local charitable groups or encourage your social media followers to attend their meetings.
Remember that your staff is like a family and try giving back to them this fall. Consider providing a company-sponsored photoshoot for Christmas cards – all staff members can bring their spouses, children, and pets, and they’ll have a keepsake image to share with family and friends. You can also take this opportunity to express your thankfulness for each person via spotlights in the company newsletter or shout outs in team meetings.
Charitable Efforts
Autumn is also an excellent time to focus on charitable efforts. Set aside a day for your entire team to sort cans at a food bank or participate in a walk/run fundraiser. If you’d like something with a lower time commitment, consider hosting a can drive or coat donation at your business – it’s a great way to give back to the community, and it also ensures that locals know that your team is generous and trustworthy.
Have Fun This Fall
Remember, there’s no shame in embracing pumpkin spice lattes, corn mazes, haunted houses, and gingerbread everything – in fact, many companies have made significant financial gains by doing just that. As you create your fall-themed content, remember that authentic enjoyment and connection are what resonates the most with your audience. Don’t be afraid to look a little silly or try something new. You’ll be glad you did.
Webconsuls is a full service marketing agency headquartered in Nashville, TN.
