4 Back-To-School Marketing Tactics That Will Outshine Your Competitors

All August long, retailers of all kinds will be vying for the attention of back-to-school shoppers. As you know, the back-to-school season is a prime opportunity for retailers to boost sales and attract eager shoppers looking for the best deals. Naturally, it’s essential for your shop to get creative and stand out from the crowd.

Here are four back-to-school marketing tactics that will outshine your competitors:

1. Run a “School Spirit” contest.

Encourage students to showcase their creativity and enthusiasm by decorating their backpacks, notebooks or school supplies with your store’s logo or theme. Offer exciting prizes such as gift cards or exclusive back-to-school merchandise to the most spirited and innovative entries. This contest not only promotes your brand but also builds a sense of community and fun around your store.

Socital.com encourages store owners to make it easy for people to participate in their contests. “Minimize contest restrictions,” advises the site, “Limit the entry requirements to three or four steps. Make sure you clearly communicate the start date and end date of the contest. The easier the promotion is to access, the more likely it is to go viral.”

2. Set up a back-to-school pop-up shop

Create a vibrant and eye-catching display that showcases your best products and deals. Include interactive elements such as photo booths with school-themed props. Encourage visitors to share their photos on social media using your store’s designated hashtag. The pop-up shop experience adds an element of excitement and exclusivity to your back-to-school promotion.

“A pop-up shop is an ideal opportunity for emerging digitally-native brands to trial a temporary retail space,” explains Roxanne Voidonicolas on Shopify.com, “Also known as ‘flash retailing,’ they allow you to meet your current customers where they live and put your brand in front of new shoppers. Pop-up shops are also a direct way to encourage sales without pouring more money into online customer acquisition.”

3. Host a special “Teacher Appreciation” event.

You can’t forget the teachers and other school staff during the back-to-school season! Offer exclusive discounts or freebies for educators and provide them with a pleasant shopping experience. Teachers often have a significant influence on where students shop. Showing appreciation to them can create a positive ripple effect for your store’s reputation.

“Teachers and school administrative staff are also actively searching for supplies!” Nafim Talukder of TAKU Retail reminds us, “It’s crucial to provide attractive deals on items that cater to their needs as well. Consider offering discounts on products such as coffee mugs, tote bags, classroom supplies and more. Moreover, you can create special promotions tailored specifically for teachers.”

4. Design interactive in-store experiences.

Your initiative should get shoppers excited about the new school year. Set up stations where students can personalize their school gear, such as monogramming backpacks or customizing pencil cases. Consider hosting DIY workshops on how to create unique study spaces or locker decorations. The more interactive and enjoyable the shopping experience, the more likely customers will remember and return to your store.

No matter what type of marketing strategy you choose for your back to school sale, Synergy Merchants’ unique merchant cash advance program can help you to afford it. To learn all about it, please don’t hesitate to call us at 1-877-718-2026 or email us at info@synergymerchants.com. You can also apply online for a free, no obligation quote!