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It’s September, the month when pumpkin spice invades everything – so why not spice up your marketing, too? Grab a latte, and let’s brew up some fresh ideas to keep your brand hot this season!

In Today’s Email:

What to Know:

How to Keep The Social In Your Media

To build authentic and lasting relationships with customers, businesses should focus on consistent and genuine engagement through social media. By prioritizing long-term connections over transactional interactions, brands can establish trust and credibility. This can be achieved by actively participating in networking groups, maintaining regular communication, and following through on commitments.

Additionally, leveraging digital assets like behind-the-scenes content and personalized interactions humanizes the brand and deepens customer connections. Consistency in posting, engaging with the audience, and using storytelling through videos or tailored content reinforces brand values, making the brand more relatable and trustworthy. Over time, these efforts help turn potential clients into loyal customers.

 Read more on Kowalczyk’s latest MRKT blog on HeyRhody.com.

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Need-to-Know Generational Consumer Trends

Understanding the unique shopping habits of different generations can help Rhode Island small businesses connect with their target audience more effectively. Whether you're catering to the reliable Baby Boomers, the practical Gen X, the luxury-loving Millennials, or the ethically driven Gen Z, here’s how you can adapt your strategies to meet their needs.

Baby Boomers (Born 1946-1964)

• Value quality and trustworthiness.

• Prefer products that are durable and offer good value.

• Respond well to loyalty programs and clear communication.

• Focus on excellent customer service and personal relationships.

• Emphasize tradition and reliability in your branding.

Gen X (Born 1965-1980)

• Seek convenience, flexibility, and good value.

• Appreciate practical solutions and are thorough researchers.

• Prefer flexible options like easy returns and loyalty programs.

• Retail: Balance quality and affordability with transparent pricing.

• Restaurants: Offer family-friendly options and convenient takeout/delivery services.

Millennials (Born 1981-1996)

• Biggest online spenders, often seeking luxury and high-quality products.

• Value premium experiences and items that enhance their lifestyle.

• Retail: Curate exclusive products and highlight quality in marketing.

• Restaurants: Offer artisanal menus, exclusive dining experiences, and events like tasting nights.

• Ensure a strong online presence with easy purchasing options and quick delivery.

Gen Z (Born 1997-2012)

• Focus on ethics, sustainability, and inclusivity.

• Expect brands to embody social and environmental responsibility.

• Retail: Highlight ethical sourcing, sustainability, and inclusive representation.

• Restaurants: Offer plant-based or locally sourced options and promote environmental consciousness.

• Engage with Gen Z on social media, showing authenticity and transparency.

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What to Use:

Social Media Content Ideas for Your Next Post 💡

Navigating social media can be tricky, but with the right content strategy, your small biz can shine. Here’s a quick guide to making the most of different content types:

Text-based posts: Ideal for quick updates, thought leadership, and questions.

Examples:

• Share industry news - A local bakery could post about upcoming food festivals in Rhode Island, inviting customers to visit their booth.

• Thought leadership - A small consultancy could share tips on navigating the Rhode Island business climate.

• Ask questions - A boutique might ask customers which new fashion trends they’d like to see in the store.

Short-form videos: Effective for engaging viewers with trends and behind-the-scenes content.

Examples:

• Trending audio - A local cafe could use popular sounds on TikTok to showcase their latest coffee creations.

• Repurpose content - A yoga studio might edit a previous class recording into short clips for Instagram Reels.

• Day in the life - A craft brewery could film a behind-the-scenes look at their brewing process.

Photo posts: Personal selfies or product sneak peeks can boost engagement.

Examples:

• Selfies - A realtor could share a friendly photo in front of a new listing.

• Product sneak peeks - A jewelry store might post a close-up of a new piece before it hits the shelves.

• Collages - A florist could showcase different flower arrangements in a vibrant, eye-catching collage.

Carousels: Great for storytelling and step-by-step guides.

Examples:

• Tutorials - A local DIY shop could create a step-by-step guide on building a birdhouse.

• Roundups - A Rhode Island travel agency might share a carousel of the best weekend getaways in the state.

• Customer spotlights - A fitness studio could highlight transformations and testimonials from clients.

Long-form videos: Useful for tutorials, interviews, and repurposing webinars.

Examples:

• How-to - A woodworking shop could post a detailed tutorial on making a custom shelf.

• Behind-the-scenes - A family-owned restaurant might film a day in their kitchen, showing how they prepare for the dinner rush.

• Video podcasts - A local entrepreneur could start a series interviewing Rhode Island business leaders about their journeys.

Link Posts: Drive traffic by sharing blog articles, news, or resources.

Examples:

• Pinterest - A home decor store could use Pinterest to share decorating tips with links to products.

• Comments - A local bookstore might post a link to a new release in the comments of a Facebook post about reading trends.

• Link in bio - An art gallery could use a link-in-bio tool on Instagram to guide followers to a virtual tour.

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What to Try:

September Marketing Ideas 🍂

September offers numerous opportunities for small businesses to leverage marketing campaigns around various holidays and observances. Here’s a breakdown of marketing ideas for September:

Back to School (Throughout September)

• Marketing Focus: Target parents, students, and educators with products and services relevant to the school season.

• Strategies:

  • Product Bundles: Create back-to-school kits or bundles.

  • Content Marketing: Blog posts, videos, or social media tips on preparing for the new school year.

  • Collaborations: Partner with local schools or educational influencers for promotions or giveaways.

National Grandparents Day (September 8)

• Marketing Focus: Celebrate grandparents with family-oriented products and experiences.

• Strategies:

  • Gift Ideas: Promote products that make ideal gifts for grandparents.

  • Storytelling: Encourage customers to share stories or photos of their grandparents on social media.

  • Special Offers: Provide discounts on items that appeal to older adults or multi-generational experiences.

Patriot Day (September 11)

• Marketing Focus: A day of remembrance and honoring those who serve.

• Strategies:

  • Community Engagement: Partner with local organizations for charity events or volunteer opportunities.

  • Social Media Content: Share respectful and thoughtful posts to honor the day.

  • Sales with a Cause: Consider donating a portion of proceeds to relevant charities or causes.

Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 - October 15)

• Marketing Focus: Celebrate Hispanic culture and contributions.

• Strategies:

  • Cultural Promotions: Highlight products or services from Hispanic-owned businesses.

  • Events & Content: Host or promote events that celebrate Hispanic culture.

  • Social Media: Share content that educates and celebrates the history and achievements of Hispanic communities.

National Cheeseburger Day (September 18, 2024)

• Marketing Focus: Ideal for food businesses to promote their best-selling burgers.

• Strategies:

  • Discounts & Combos: Offer discounts or special combo deals on cheeseburgers.

  • Social Media: Run a poll or survey asking customers to vote for their favorite cheeseburger toppings.

  • User-Generated Content: Encourage customers to share their burger photos with a specific hashtag.

First Day of Fall (September 23)

• Marketing Focus: Transition to fall-themed products and marketing campaigns.

• Strategies:

  • Seasonal Products: Launch or promote fall collections, such as autumn-themed home decor, clothing, or food items.

  • Email Campaigns: Send a "Welcome Fall" email with special offers.

  • Social Media: Share fall-related content, such as tips for home decoration or seasonal recipes.

International Coffee Day (September 29)

• Marketing Focus: Celebrate coffee culture, especially if your business is in the food and beverage industry.

• Strategies:

  • Special Promotions: Offer discounts or free coffee on this day.

  • Collaborations: Partner with local coffee shops for cross-promotions.

  • Social Media Campaign: Run a hashtag campaign encouraging customers to share their favorite coffee moments.

National Small Business Week (September 22-28, 2024)

• Marketing Focus: Celebrate and promote local small businesses.

• Strategies:

  • Special Events: Host events or workshops that engage the local community.

  • Collaborations: Partner with other small businesses for joint promotions.

  • Social Media: Share your small business story, and encourage customers to support local businesses.

National Pancake Day (September 26, 2024)

• Marketing Focus: A light-hearted day perfect for engaging with customers through fun promotions.

• Strategies:

  • Special Menu Items: If relevant, offer a special pancake menu or discounts on pancakes.

  • Social Media Contests: Run a contest where customers share photos of their pancakes to win prizes.

  • Charity Tie-In: Consider a charitable donation for every pancake order.

General Marketing Tips for September:

• Leverage Seasonal Changes: As summer transitions to fall, adjust your marketing themes to reflect the new season. Think about autumn colors, cozy vibes, and seasonal products.

• Use Email Marketing: September is a great time to kick off email campaigns that introduce new products or remind customers about upcoming holidays and offers.

• Social Media Engagement: Engage with followers by asking questions, running polls, or sharing user-generated content. This will help build community and increase brand visibility.

By aligning your marketing efforts with these September holidays and observances, small businesses can create timely, relevant campaigns that resonate with their target audience and drive sales.

And there you have it, folks – your September marketing toolkit, all wrapped up and ready to roll. Go forth and conquer those social feeds like the legends you are! If you need us, we’ll be over here, cheering you on with a pumpkin spice latte in hand. 🎃📱