July is here, and so are the sunny days, beach vibes, and endless opportunities to grow your small business. Whether you're sipping on Del’s Lemonade or soaking up the sun at Narragansett Beach, we've got the latest scoop to keep your business shining as bright as the summer sun. Let’s dive in!

In Today’s Email:

What to Know:

Hot Consumer Facts 🌡️

Staycation Nation! 🏖️ Rhode Islanders are loving their local getaways this summer. With 72% of residents planning staycations, there’s a booming demand for local experiences. Consider partnering with other local businesses to create unique staycation packages or promotions.

Eco-friendly Shopping Bags, Please! 🌱 A whopping 85% of Rhode Island consumers are opting for reusable shopping bags. Stock up on branded eco-friendly bags and promote your green initiatives to attract these environmentally conscious shoppers.

Locally Made is All the Rage! 🛍️ Support for local products is skyrocketing, with 68% of shoppers preferring goods made in Rhode Island. Highlight the local aspect of your products and services to capture this loyal customer base.

Jenny Hoyos’ Steps to Viral Shorts

In Episode 580 of the My First Million podcast, Jenny Hoyos spills the beans on creating viral short-form videos that rack up millions of views.

Here's the lowdown on her top tips:

Build Charisma: Jenny's secret sauce? Personal growth and charisma. She’s into stand-up comedy and recording her daily antics to boost her confidence and camera presence. Let’s say you own a cozy coffee shop in Providence: start by filming your daily routine, from brewing that perfect cup to chatting with regulars. The more you practice, the more charismatic you’ll become on camera!

Create Engaging Hooks: The magic starts in the first few seconds. Jenny swears by a killer hook that grabs attention right off the bat. Imagine kicking off a video with, “Ever wondered what goes into our secret coffee blend?” Boom – instant curiosity!

Four Criteria for a Great Idea:

• Novelty: Show them something fresh and exciting. Maybe reveal a new seasonal drink.

• Uncertainty: Keep a bit of suspense in the mix. For instance, “Will our new drink be a hit or a miss?”

• Knowledge Gaps: Share info they didn’t know they needed. “Did you know our beans are sourced from a family farm in Colombia?”

• Complexity: Add layers to keep them intrigued. “Watch as we create our complex caramel swirl from scratch.”

Make It Personal: Jenny suggests weaving in personal stories and experiences. Share a snippet about why you started your coffee shop or introduce your star barista who always has a smile for customers.

Master the First Frame: The first frame should be visually captivating and hint at what’s coming. How about starting with a close-up of your signature latte art? Instant eye candy!

Use the “But & Therefore” Rule: This storytelling trick is all about flow. “We wanted to create the best latte in Rhode Island, but finding the perfect blend was tough. Therefore, we partnered with farmers to get it just right.”

Build the Stakes: Show what’s at risk or why the outcome matters. “If we don’t get the caramel just right, our new drink won’t make it to the menu!”

Craft a Strong Close: A powerful ending is key. “Taste our new caramel swirl latte today and let us know what you think! Your feedback shapes our menu.”

Analyze Metrics: Keep an eye on your video stats. How many people watched till the end? Which videos got the most likes? This data helps you fine-tune your future content.

Study Outliers and Trends: Look at successful videos and trends to see what’s clicking. Maybe you notice latte art videos are trending. Adapt those insights to create your own twist on popular content.

Latest Hey Rhody Weekly Episode:

What’s Trending:

Trending Content on Social Media

Ready to catch the latest digital marketing waves? From the hottest social media crazes to game-changing marketing trends, we’ve got all the insider info to keep your marketing strategy fresh and fabulous. Buckle up and dive into the coolest trends setting the digital world on fire!

Rhode Island Foodie Finds 🍔📸

Get in on the #RIFoodieFinds frenzy! Snap those mouth-watering pics of your culinary creations or quirky food products. Engage with local food bloggers and influencers to make sure your drool-worthy posts don’t go unnoticed. Who knows? Your dish might just be the next big thing!

Behind-the-Scenes Stories 🎥

People love a peek behind the curtain! Share behind-the-scenes glimpses on Instagram and Facebook. Show off your team hustling, your creative process, or a typical day in the life of your biz. Keep it real – authenticity is the secret sauce!

Summer Giveaways 🎁

Who can resist a good giveaway? Partner up with other local legends for a summer giveaway bonanza. It’s the perfect recipe for growing your follower count and getting the community buzzing about your brand.

Leverage Customer Reviews & Testimonials 🌟

Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews on Google, Yelp, or your social media pages. Share these testimonials on your website and social channels to build credibility and attract new customers. Happy customers are your best advocates!

Create Engaging Content 🎥

From blog posts and videos to infographics and podcasts, create content that provides value to your customers. Share your expertise, tell your story, and entertain your audience. Engaging content keeps people coming back for more.

What to Use:

What is Emotional Marketing?

Emotional marketing is all about connecting with your audience on a deeper, emotional level. It’s about making your customers feel something – joy, nostalgia, excitement, trust, or even a bit of FOMO (fear of missing out). By tapping into emotions, you create memorable experiences that foster loyalty and engagement.

How Rhode Island Small Businesses Can Use It:

Restaurants 🍝

• Tell Your Story: Share the history of your restaurant, your culinary journey, or the inspiration behind your signature dishes. People love a good story, especially when it’s served with a side of delicious food.

• Customer Spotlights: Feature loyal customers and their favorite dishes. Sharing their stories creates a sense of community and belonging.

• Seasonal and Local Flavors: Emphasize the local ingredients and seasonal dishes. This not only supports local farmers but also evokes a sense of pride and connection to Rhode Island.

Hospitality 🏨

• Welcome with Warmth: Create a welcoming atmosphere with personalized greetings and small touches like handwritten notes or local treats in guest rooms. Make every guest feel like they’re coming home.

• Share Guest Stories: Highlight memorable guest experiences and special moments. This not only showcases your hospitality but also encourages others to create their own memories with you.

• Experience Over Stay: Promote unique experiences like local tours, cultural events, or special packages that offer more than just a place to sleep.

Museums 🖼️

• Interactive Exhibits: Create exhibits that tell compelling stories or evoke strong emotions. Use multimedia, interactive displays, and personal narratives to make history and art come alive.

• Behind-the-Scenes Access: Offer sneak peeks behind the scenes, whether it’s the restoration of a painting or the setup of a new exhibit. This insider access creates excitement and a personal connection.

• Community Engagement: Host events, workshops, and lectures that resonate with local history and culture. Encourage visitors to share their own stories and connections to the exhibits.

General Tips for All Businesses:

• Use Compelling Visuals: High-quality photos and videos that capture genuine emotions and experiences can create a strong emotional impact.

• Craft Engaging Narratives: Whether it’s through social media posts, blogs, or newsletters, tell stories that resonate with your audience’s values and aspirations.

• Create a Sense of Belonging: Foster a community around your brand. Engage with your audience, respond to comments, and make them feel valued.

• Inspire Nostalgia: Tap into fond memories and nostalgic feelings. For example, a vintage-themed event or a retro product line can evoke warm, fuzzy feelings.

• Show Empathy and Authenticity: Be genuine and show that you care about your customers and community. Whether it’s supporting local causes or simply listening to customer feedback, authenticity builds trust and loyalty.

How Strong Branding and Web Design Can Boost Your Business

A compelling logo and a well-designed website are essential for any business looking to make a lasting impression. These elements not only make your brand memorable and recognizable but also establish trust and enhance user experience. A professional logo signifies quality and reliability, while a user-friendly website helps build strong relationships with your online community. Together, they create a cohesive brand identity that attracts and retains customers, driving traffic, boosting conversions, and fostering long-term growth. Read more for marketing professional Erin Susan Murphy’s best practices.

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What to Try:

Fun Summer Marketing Ideas 🌞

1.  Cool Down with a Freebie 🥤❄️

• Idea: Give away free cold drinks or ice cream with purchases.

• Why It Works: Who can resist a free cool treat on a hot day?

• How To: Promote on social media and in-store.

• Impact: Attracts foot traffic and boosts sales.

2.  Beach Pop-Up Shops 🏖️🛍️

• Idea: Set up a pop-up shop at popular beach spots.

• Why It Works: It captures the foot traffic of summer beachgoers.

• How To: Partner with other local businesses for a mini-market vibe.

• Impact: Increases sales and brand exposure in high-traffic areas.

3. Seaside Selfie Contest 📸🌊

• Idea: Encourage customers to take selfies at local beaches with your product.

• Why It Works: Rhode Island's stunning coastlines are a social media goldmine!

• How To: Create a unique hashtag, for example, #RISummerSelfies, and offer a prize for the best photo.

• Impact: Boosts brand visibility and user-generated content.

4. Summer Festival Sponsorships 🎉☀️

• Idea: Sponsor local summer festivals and fairs.

• Why It Works: Direct engagement with the community.

• How To: Offer freebies or samples at your booth.

• Impact: Strengthens community ties and brand loyalty.

5. Rhode Island Summer Scavenger Hunt 🗺️🔍

• Idea: Organize a scavenger hunt with clues leading to your store.

• Why It Works: Fun, engaging, and interactive for families.

• How To: Use social media to release clues and updates.

• Impact: Drives traffic and creates buzz.

That’s a wrap for now! Keep your business cool, your strategies hot, and enjoy this beautiful Rhody summer. Until next month, keep hustling and shining!