It is important to create some “buzz” that ties in with back-to-school, even if your products or services are not necessarily educational in nature. Your advertising can target more than just students—create deals specifically designed toward parents, the family unit or others. For example, a beauty salon might tout their promotion this way: “Take some time for yourself now that the kids are back to school.” The key is to aim your specials toward the right demographics. It is also beneficial to think in a broader sense within your local community and partner with schools or local businesses that do have a direct tie to education. One idea might be to sponsor a contest, such as a Reading Program or “My Summer” essay contest with your local library. Most importantly, you must begin to plan. . .NOW.

A previous article illustrated that one quality of a successful business is planning ahead. Your combined internet/print campaign becomes even stronger when you have a clear vision for your marketing plan. At Clipper Magazine, we work closely with our clients, whether they need a simple direct-mail campaign (postcards, inserts and magazine ads) or require a lot more. With our various in-house divisions, we can provide email marketing, web design, search marketing, and complete creative and marketing solutions. Using an A+ resource like Clipper Magazine ensures that you stay ahead of the class—and on top of your competition.

The point: Think higher ROI and start planning for your back-to-school campaign now.

Most local business owners realize that coupon advertising is the best way to keep loyal clients coming back. For example, Clipper Magazine constantly tries to provide solid and enticing local coupon offers to maintain its readership and to help local businesses, such as restaurants and retailers, among others, grow at the same time. One example of this win-win strategy was the launch two years ago of Couponclipper.com, an online coupon resource. More recently, Clipper launched an iPhone Coupon app in February to provide digital coupons.

As a business owner, you have to consider the trends and consider how you’re going to reach out to the new digital generation, whether that translates to building an app or creating a virtual campaign on the web. Social marketing is growing quickly, as is people’s usage of the local search. Offering special promotional incentives on the web/social media/mobile/e-mail marketing, etc. has become a necessity in order for a business to survive. It yields even greater results when you provide different offers to target specific segments of your customer base. Having special offers on your Facebook page or Twitter account can certainly help to increase your fans or followers.

The point: Embracing the digital era is a MUST–and when it comes to integrating a digital strategy with your traditional marketing efforts, the sooner the better.