The Top 10 Marketing Mistakes Small Businesses Make (And How to Fix Them!)

Promoting your business seasonally doesn’t have to mean expensive campaigns or time-consuming events. With a bit of creativity and strategic timing, you can boost visibility year-round—and many of these ideas are free or low-cost. Here's how to make a big impact in your community every season, without the heavy lift. 1. Create Seasonal Social Media Posts Use quick and timely posts tied to holidays, weather changes, or local events. A simple “Happy First Day of Spring” message with a relevant photo or special offer goes a long way. Plan ahead with a seasonal content calendar so you’re not scrambling. Chamber Bonus: The Beavercreek Chamber can help amplify your seasonal posts by sharing them on their social media platforms. Just tag them or send your promo content over! 2. Participate in Local Seasonal Events From summer festivals to holiday markets, these events are perfect for setting up a booth, distributing flyers, or just networking. Even a small presence makes a big impression. Pro Tip: Use the Chamber’s event calendar to stay in the loop or sponsor an event to get your name in front of hundreds of locals. 3. Decorate Your Space (Physically or Virtually) Dress up your storefront, office, or website to reflect the season. Even subtle seasonal accents show customers you’re engaged and timely. A cozy winter window display or bright summer vibes can attract foot traffic and shares on social media. 4. Offer Limited-Time Seasonal Deals People love a good deal—especially when there’s urgency. Offer a “Spring Refresh” package, “Back-to-School” special, or “Holiday Happy Hour” discount that runs for a short time. 5. Collaborate with Other Local Businesses Partner with a neighboring business for a joint seasonal promotion. For example, a salon and café might offer a “Pamper & Perk” summer deal. It’s a win-win that doubles your exposure. Chamber Bonus: Use the member directory to find potential partners or connect at Chamber networking events . 6. Host a Seasonal Giveaway Run a quick contest on social media like “Share your favorite fall photo and tag us to win!” Prizes can be as simple as a $20 gift card. You’ll grow engagement and attract new followers. 7. Send a Seasonal Email Newsletter Use free tools like Mailchimp to send a quarterly update with seasonal tips, offers, or upcoming events. Keep it short and valuable to stay top of mind. 8. Attend (or Teach) a Seasonal Workshop Spring cleaning tips? Holiday budgeting? Fall wellness? Use your expertise in a relevant workshop hosted by the Chamber or a local partner. Chamber Bonus: The Beavercreek Chamber offers workshops and speaking opportunities —great for showcasing your knowledge and building credibility. 9. Tap Into the Chamber’s Multi-Media Studio Create quick seasonal videos or podcasts with professional quality using the Chamber’s multi-media studio . A short “Holiday Tips from the Pros” or “Summer Must-Haves” video adds polish without the price tag. 10. Apply for the Business Development Grant While not specific to a season, if you have a promotional idea that needs a little funding boost—like signage for a holiday event or materials for a summer campaign—apply for the Chamber’s Business Development Grant (up to $8,000 annually!). Applications open June 1. Final Thoughts Promoting your small business seasonally doesn’t have to drain your budget or your time. The key is to stay consistent, be relevant to the season, and tap into existing resources—like those offered through your Beavercreek Chamber membership. Whether it's a simple post, a fun collab, or a community event, these seasonal touches show your business is active, thoughtful, and rooted in the community. Frequently Asked Questions Q: I don’t have a storefront—can I still promote seasonally? Absolutely! Digital decorations (like themed email headers or website banners), online giveaways, and virtual events are all great seasonal tools for service-based or home-based businesses. Q: How far in advance should I plan for a season? Try to plan 4–6 weeks ahead. For major holidays (like Christmas or back-to-school), consider starting even earlier to maximize exposure. Q: What if I don’t have a marketing team? You don’t need one! Many Chamber resources are designed for solopreneurs and small teams—like studio rentals, workshops, and member-to-member referrals. Not a Member yet? JOIN NOW at www.beavercreekchamber.org /join-today *Blog generated by ChatGPT

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