Back-to-school season is a crucial period for marketers, as families and students start purchasing supplies, clothing, electronics, and other goods for the upcoming school year. Here are five quick tips for marketers looking to maximize their impact during this time:
- Start Early, But Keep Advertising: Back-to-school shopping typically starts in July, but it can continue until September, and in some instances, even beyond that. Therefore, your campaign should be designed to capture attention early, but also maintain engagement throughout the season. You can achieve this by adjusting the messaging or offers over time, or by using remarketing techniques to reconnect with potential customers.
- Use Segmented Marketing: Different people shop for different things during the back-to-school season. Parents might be looking for stationery and clothing, while college students might be in search of new laptops or dorm room furnishings. Segment your audience based on these varying needs, and craft personalized ads that address them directly. The more relevant your ad, the more likely it is to convert.
- Leverage Social Media: Younger audiences, such as high school and college students, often rely heavily on social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat for shopping inspiration. Partnering with influencers on these platforms or using social media ads can be an effective way to reach these audiences.
- Optimize for Mobile: Many back-to-school shoppers will do their research and even complete purchases on their mobile devices. Ensure that your ads and your website are optimized for mobile viewing. This includes having a responsive design, quick load times, and a straightforward path to purchase.
- Incorporate Urgency: This can be done by creating limited-time offers, countdowns, or highlighting low stock levels. This sense of urgency can spur consumers into taking action sooner rather than later. However, remember to keep it genuine and avoid creating false scarcity, as this could harm your brand’s reputation.
Want to learn more about back-to-school advertising opportunities? Contact us today.