Kelowna is a city that thrives on its seasonal industries, from summer tourism and wineries to winter sports and holiday markets. If you own a seasonal business in Kelowna, effective promotion is key to making the most of your peak season while preparing for the slower months. Here are some top strategies to help your business stay competitive and profitable year-round.
1. Leverage Local SEO and Google My Business
With thousands of tourists and locals searching for seasonal activities and services, it’s crucial to optimize your online presence. Here’s how:
Claim and optimize your Google My Business listing with up-to-date hours, photos, and seasonal promotions.
Use location-based keywords like “summer boat rentals in Kelowna” or “best winter activities in Kelowna.”
Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews, boosting your credibility and search ranking.
2. Utilize Social Media and Influencer Marketing
Kelowna is a social media-friendly city, making platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok excellent marketing tools.
Post high-quality images and videos showcasing your seasonal offerings.
Collaborate with local influencers or tourism bloggers to increase visibility.
Run social media contests or giveaways to generate buzz.
3. Create Targeted Paid Ad Campaigns
Running pay-per-click (PPC) and social media ads ensures your business gets noticed during peak seasons.
Use Google Ads to target searches related to your seasonal business.
Run Facebook and Instagram ads featuring limited-time offers or discounts.
Retarget past visitors to your website with display ads to stay top-of-mind.
4. Partner with Other Local Businesses
Cross-promotions and collaborations can expand your reach without increasing your marketing budget.
If you run a summer tour company, partner with wineries or hotels for bundled deals.
Winter activity providers can collaborate with local cafés, restaurants, or hot springs for exclusive discounts.
Create referral programs where businesses recommend each other to customers.
5. Develop an Email Marketing Strategy
Building and nurturing an email list allows you to stay connected with past customers and encourage repeat business.
Offer a discount or freebie in exchange for email sign-ups.
Send exclusive early-bird offers before the season starts.
Share updates, promotions, and event details to keep your audience engaged.
6. Plan for the Off-Season
Just because your business is seasonal doesn’t mean your revenue has to be. Consider these strategies:
Offer off-season deals or limited-time services (e.g., wineries hosting virtual tastings in winter).
Sell gift cards during peak season to ensure future sales.
Create digital products like guides or online experiences to maintain engagement.
7. Get Involved in Community Events
Kelowna hosts a variety of events year-round that can help promote your business:
Sponsor local festivals or markets related to your industry.
Set up pop-up shops at popular events to attract new customers.
Participate in tourism initiatives to increase brand exposure.
Final Thoughts
Promoting a seasonal business in Kelowna requires a mix of digital marketing, local partnerships, and community engagement. By implementing these strategies, you can maximize your peak season profits while laying the foundation for long-term success. Need help optimizing your seasonal business marketing strategy? Contact us at Polar Shift Marketing Inc., and let’s create a tailored plan for your success!
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