It’s no mistake that retailers begin pushing back-to-school merchandise months before traditional school openings. They know that capturing customers’ attention early ensures sales and boosts profits.
You can get the attention of your target audience also by borrowing two techniques retailers use.
1. Tie your promotions into current trends.
Promote your book, service or product as a solution to a trending problem.
Create promotions to tie your book, service or product to trends.
It’s probably no surprise to you, for example, that this year books dealing with the U.S. presidency and ways people have overcome strife are among the top sellers. If you have a book, product, or service that offers relief from stress and ways to create a happier life, it’s a perfect time to promote it as a solution. People are searching for topics such as
- happiness
- better health
- a good night’s sleep
- healthier family relationships
- increased productivity at work or home
- relaxation
- spiritual enlightenment
- humor and laughter
2. Pair your promotion with monthly observances.
In addition to tying into trends, take advantage of the fact that every month of the year is full of monthly, weekly and one-day observances.
When you can find a way to share your knowledge, expertise, and skills to help your readers, website visitors, email list, workshop attendees, and readers, you enrich your value and uncover profits you may otherwise have missed.
Here are a few ideas for various businesses to get you thinking. Consider writing articles, tips, blog posts, booklets, ebooks, or audio guides that tie into your book or business based on some of the September through December observances that follow.
Back to School Month
- Feng Shui consultant– how best to arrange college dorm rooms
- Parenting consultant– how parents can prepare their youngsters for school success
- Image consultant–fashion advice on styles on which parents and teenagers can agree
- Interior designer–tips on decorating in limited space of a dorm room
- Nonfiction author of books on organizing, moving away from home, and related topics
Family Meals Month
- Plant-based nutritionist–how to transition your family to a whole foods diet
College Savings Month
- Personal finance coach–ways to begin or continue college savings programs
Self-Improvement Month
- Life coach–how to set and accomplish personal growth goals
- Nonfiction authors–reducing stress, increasing productivity, how to be happier, making wise choices
Library Card Sign-up Month
- Fiction and nonfiction author–tell readers about little-known benefits of using the local library
What are some ways you can use the following observances to capture customer attention in your niche or genre?
September Observances
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Month
- Baby Safety Month
- Backpack Safety America Month
- Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
- College Savings Month
- Gynecology Cancer Awareness Month
- Library Card Sign-up Month
- (World) Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness Month
- National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Month
- Mold Awareness Month
- National Chicken Month
- National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month
- National Childhood Injury Prevention Month
- National DNA, Geonomics & Stem Cell Education Month
- National Coupon Month
- National Head Lice Prevention Month
- National Organic Harvest Month
- National Osteopathic Medicine Month
- National Prime Beef Month
- National Sickle Cell Month
- National Preparedness Month
- National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
- National Skin Care Awareness Month
- Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month
- Self Improvement Month
- Shameless Promotion Month
- Sports and Home Eye Health & Safety Month
- National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15)
October Observances
- National AIDS Awareness Month
- National Animal Safety and Protection Month
- National Audiology Awareness Month
- National Bake and Decorate Month
- National Book Month Link
- National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month
- National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
- National Caramel Month Link
- National Chili Month
- National Chiropractic Month
- National Crime Prevention Month
- National Cyber Security Awareness Month
- National Dental Hygiene Month
- National Depression Education & Awareness Month
- National Disability Employment Awareness Month
- National Domestic Violence Awareness Month
- National Down Syndrome Month
- National Ergonomics Month
- National Family Sexuality Education Month – Let’s Talk!
- National “Gain The Inside Advantage” Month
- National Go On A Field Trip Month
- National Kitchen & Bath Month
- National Liver Awareness Month
- National Medical Librarian Month
- National Orthodontic Health Month
- National Physical Therapy Month
- National Popcorn Poppin’ Month
- National Protect Your Hearing Month
- National Reading Group Month
- National Roller Skating Month
- National Stamp Collecting Month
- National Work and Family Month
- National Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Awareness Month
- Organize Your Medical Information Month
- Pear and Pineapple Month
- Photographer Appreciation Month
- Pizza Month
- Polish American Heritage Month
- Positive Attitude Month
November Observances
- Adoption Awareness Month (National)
- Alzheimer’s Disease Month (National, US)
- Apple Month (US National)
- Child Safety and Protection Month
- Christmas Seals Month
- Diabetes Month (National, US)
- Drum Month (International)
- Epilepsy Month (National, US)
- Hospice Month (National, US)
- Native-American Heritage Month (American Indian Heritage Month)
December Observances
- Bingo’s Birthday Month
- Colorectal Cancer Education and Awareness Month
- Exotic Fruits Month
- International AIDS Awareness Month
- National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month
- National Egg Nog Month
- National Fruit Cake Month
- National Stress-Free Family Holiday Month
- National Tie Month
- National Write a Business Plan Month
- Operation Santa Paws
- Quince and Watermelon Month
- Root Vegetables Month
- Safe Toys and Gifts Month
- Spiritual Literacy Month
- Take a New Year’s Resolution to Stop Smoking (TANYRSS)
Want to learn about many more daily, weekly, and other celebrations, subscribe to https://nationaldaycalendar.com/
Regardless of your genre or niche, tying in your book or business to the trends and monthly observances can capture the attention of your target audience and boost your sales.
Which observances have you used to promote your book or business? Tell us in Speak Your Mind.
Twitter: CABodensteiner
says:
This is terrific, Flora. I can feel a national day recognizing kids who ‘grew up country’ coming in the near future.
This sounds great Carol. Go for it!