Summer holidays offer a brilliant opportunity for businesses in Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland to capitalise on increased foot traffic, local events, and a generally more relaxed atmosphere.
The summer months see an influx of tourists exploring the picturesque landscapes and historic sites of Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland. Read on to understand how you can optimise these business opportunities to make the most of this season!
Embrace Local Events
Summer is packed with festivals, fairs, and community events. These are perfect opportunities for businesses to increase their visibility and attract new customers, whilst getting involved with the community spirit. Consider sponsoring local events or setting up a stall to showcase your products or services. Engage with event attendees through interactive activities or special offers. Additionally, decorating your venue for themed events will attract new customers and boost the general aesthetic!
Visit the below websites to discover some of the upcoming events across the county:
Alternatively, summer is also a good time to show your business’s commitment to the local community by participating in or organising community service events. Whether it’s a beach cleanup, a charity fundraiser, or a local sports event, engaging with the community can boost your business’s reputation.
Boost Your Online Presence
With many people researching their holiday destinations online, having a strong digital presence is crucial. Ensure your website is up-to-date, mobile-friendly, and optimised for local SEO. Regularly update your social media channels with engaging content, including promotions, behind-the-scenes looks, and customer testimonials. Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews, as these can significantly influence potential visitors.
Host Summer-Themed Promotions
Create summer-themed promotions that resonate with both locals and tourists. Limited time offers, flash sales, discounts, and loyalty programmes can drive foot traffic and sales. For example, a cafe or coffee shop could provide a discount on iced coffees, smoothies or other cold drinks on hot days. Retail stores could offer back to school bundles or summer wardrobe sales on summer clothing and accessories to help customers refresh their wardrobes. Ensure your promotions are well-publicised through your marketing channels to get the word out there and spread awareness.
Collaborate with other local Businesses
Collaborating with other local businesses can create mutually beneficial opportunities. Partner with nearby attractions, hotels, or tour operators to offer combined packages. For example, a bed and breakfast could team up with a local restaurant to offer a “Stay and Dine” package. A local retailer could partner with a tourist attraction, such as a Tour Bus, to offer a discount to those with tickets. These types of collaborations not only enhance customer experience but also broaden your customer base and increase the likelihood of tourists returning time and time again to a welcome and positive atmosphere.
Prepare for Weather Variability
It’s important to remember that the British summer can be unpredictable, so it’s essential to have plans in place for different weather conditions. Offer both indoor and outdoor seating if you run a hospitality business, and consider having contingency plans for outdoor events. Promoting weather-appropriate products or services can also help. For example, a store could highlight raincoats and umbrellas on wet days and accessories for sunny days during heatwaves.
In conclusion, the summer holidays offer a golden opportunity for businesses in Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland to thrive. By embracing the tourist influx, leveraging local events, enhancing your online presence, hosting summer-themed promotions, collaborating with local businesses, and preparing for weather variability, you can optimise your business opportunities and enjoy a successful summer season.
If you’re not sure where to start, we recommend you sign up to Your Business Boost, a fully funded business support programme designed to help those in Retail, Hospitality and Leisure achieve their business goals! With support and masterclasses on marketing, HR and sales, you’ll be ready to face the Summer Holidays and optimise business opportunities!
