Back to School: Boosting Business at the Start of the Academic Year

It’s hard to believe that summer is already winding down. Kids are heading back to school, and summer work schedules are ending. Which means it’s the perfect time to ramp up marketing efforts for your business.

Summer’s end means significantly less vacation travel, which means clients are more likely to commit to recurring classes and memberships. Summer camps are over, which means parents are looking for new after-school activities for their kids. In short, they’re eager to consume the very thing that you provide.

Here are a few things you can do to boost client acquisition right now:

Get on the Back-to-School Sale Train

With so many ‘marketing holidays’ (Think President’s Day Sale or Labor Day Sale) consumers are well-trained in the art of sale-shopping. They’re willing to wait for those special retail weekends when they know discounts will be widespread. Put your business right in the middle of this by offering a limited-time discount on memberships, retail, or classes for new clients. Turn them into loyal long-term clients, and you’ll more than make up for that initial discount.

Roll Out New Class Offerings

Focus on the new. New school year, new season, new classes. Your clients may be feeling a little down about the end of summer (I know I always do) and a new class may be just the thing to perk them up. In addition to re-energizing your existing clients, new classes generate interest from new clients. It’s a win-win.

Re-engage Existing Clients Who Went Quiet

Chances are you had at least a few clients who were regulars through the Spring and then significantly dropped off attendance starting in June. This is your big chance to get them back again. It’s common for people to take a summer break and then get back to their habits in the fall. Make sure they remember that your business is the place to be.

Adjust Your Schedule For the Season

Summer schedules tend to be different from the rest of the year–especially for parents and kids. While a 10 am kids’ swim class on a Tuesday is a great option over the summer, it’s not the best time slot for that class once the school year begins. Think about when your clients are most likely to use your services. Early in the morning before work and evening classes are likely going to be the most attended.

With a little effort, the end of summer can be a new beginning for your business. And you deserve an A for that.