Small Business Promotions Idea Generation

Eight simple ways to generate ideas for small business event promotions: 

#1 Start with the U.S. holidays and seasons. They are some of the easiest to pull off because the date is well known by the general public making it relatively easy to attract your target market. Everyone in the U.S. knows when Christmas, July 4th, Day of the Dead, or Valentine’s Day happens, even Groundhog Day, and little advertising is required. It’s easy to start a planning timeline from these known calendar date. 

#2 Think about what would draw people to your area. What is current? What’s hot? What’s on everyone’s radar or most popular now?

#3 Some of the best, most innovative ideas come from other main streets, towns, or countries. Search terms: event promotion ideas, event marketing, small business events,  

#4 When traveling, look at what kind of promotions other storefront retail businesses are doing. Look to see who is sponsoring what.

#5 Base ideas on grant opportunities offered by economic development agencies or nonprofit foundations.

#6 Look in your town for annual meetings, conventions, retreats or gatherings and invite those people into your business.

#7 Share a promotion with small businesses that you have in common, be they neighbors, similar customers, or selling the same types of products or services. 

Restaurants, cafes and bars can join together for theme dinners, coffee tastings, late lunch menus, in season desserts, or whatever makes you happy, “happy hours.”

Retail clothing, gifts, and specialty shops share Back to School, Work or New openings of a park, public services or amenities in an area. Other events could be focused on anniversaries, annual events, and recognition of notable persons who contributed to your district.    

#8 Most common, and simple, promotion is what your area is well known for already. If there isn’t anything yet, make something up. Use delight, humor, and unexpected combinations to catch attention and inspire participation

If your area is known for:      Have a:

Berries?                       Berry Good Day

Two mountains?         Double Mountain Day

County living? Country Roads

Urban Chic?                Big Lights - Big City

Flowers?                      Full Flower Day

Make something up:

Underwater Music Festival

UFO Festival

National Hollerin’ Contest

Summerfest (Springfest, Fallfest, Winterfest …)

Festival Italia (German, Mexican, Icelandic …)

Pride Festival

Pillow Fight Day

Santa Con

Parades (Dog, Kids, Bikes, No Pants …)

Block Party Barbecue (Wine Tasting, Chowder Contest …)