Summer Marketing Goals Image

Summer’s Here! What Are Your Marketing Goals?

It may feel like the world came to a standstill recently, but check your calendar: It’s officially summer! Though this year it may feel a little different, summer is a great opportunity to throw open the proverbial windows and let in some fresh air. The arrival of COVID-19 changed much in our daily lives, from the ways we shop to how we travel, and even how and with whom we spend our time. Businesses across all sectors, as well as government agencies and nonprofits, have faced similar challenges and part of your organization’s summer marketing goals should be finding ways to thrive during this unique time.

Networking

An obvious challenge facing professionals is the inability to gather for networking. Networking is key to making new connections and building working relationships. How can you continue to forge relationships with colleagues and those in your wider industry while conferences and conventions are put on hold?

  • If you planned to attend professional events this summer, stay informed via email or social media to see if they will be held virtually. Although online, some events still ask for proposals from prospective speakers or trainers.
  • Use LinkedIn to connect with peers and colleagues you may otherwise see only at annual events. LinkedIn is a great tool for making new contacts within your industry. Initiating new leads or strengthening existing connections now will give you an advantage in the future. Share updates from colleagues and comment on articles by thought leaders in your field.
  • Become a power user of video conferencing tools such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams. If you are meeting with prospective clients or business partners, visual contact creates a stronger and more memorable connection. Are you taking advantage of advanced features for presentations or for meetings?
  • Most importantly, make the effort. Though many aspects of life are different now, continuing to reach out in small ways will have big results in the long term. Send the emails, join the discussions, and get on those conference calls. Don’t let weeks go by without connecting.

Web Design

This is a great time to turn a critical eye to your website’s design and functionality. Online traffic is growing as business is conducted remotely rather than face-to-face. Updating your website to ensure a positive user experience can be just what your organization needs to effectively reach your audience. Be sure your website stands out and is one of your biggest assets.

  • Use eye-catching graphics to grab the attention of those landing on your site. Be thoughtful about the colors, fonts, and layouts used throughout. The design of your website says a lot about you ― and first impressions are important!
  • Assess the user-friendliness of your pages. They should be intuitive and easy to navigate. Note areas for improvement such as broken links, confusing language, or irrelevant material.
  • Ensure your website performs well across various platforms and devices. Its performance should be consistent whether it is accessed from a PC, tablet, or smart phone.
  • Use Google analytics to gain insight on how visitors are using your website. What pages do they land on? How long do they stay? This will give you a better understanding of what is working on your site and what could use improvement.

Even though summer (and let’s face it, most of 2020) looks drastically different, it doesn’t mean your vision or goals for your business need to change. The methods you use to reach those goals may just need a redesign of their own. These are only a few ideas to get you started and better position you for the months ahead.