Many businesses fear the dreaded summer slump, and for a good reason. Studies show that the warm weather and abundance of social events lead to less productivity in the workplace and a drop in consumer spending. But while many are hanging up their "See You in September" signs, why not use this time to heat up marketing efforts and set your company up for success in all seasons? 

Here are five ways to help your business flourish this summer.

Sponsor a Summer Event

If customers are off playing in the summer sun, they might not be bringing their business to you. So, instead, why not bring your business to them? Sponsoring summer events like local baseball games, outdoor concerts, and festivals is a great way to build brand recognition. Plus, it offers an excellent opportunity to get face time with current and potential customers. A bonus is these events are also a perfect opportunity to shoot content for your social media pages. Fill out your Instagram Reels with footage of employees engaging with the community, and take gorgeous summer photos to give your feeds the kind of aesthetic that brings in new followers. 

Step Up Your Branded Swag Game

Everyone loves a great freebie, especially if you're giving them something they need. One online dating startup we spoke to sponsored a local Art and Wine Festival and handed out hand fans with their company logo printed boldly across the front. It was a scorching hot day, and by early afternoon, strangers were asking where the fans came from and directing each other to the company booth. Not only did the festival become a sea of company-branded fans, but the site saw a 19% increase in daily signups thanks to a simple $0.20 item. 

Sure, branded swag sounds like a pricey investment, but many companies offer substantial bulk discounts so you can get fantastic customized items for pennies on the dollar. Some great and highly cost-effective swag ideas include branded bottles of hand sanitizer, small cooling towels, and mini-packets of disinfectant wipes. If you're working with a bigger budget, branded mini-ring lights that clip to your smartphone are immensely popular and a great way to keep your name in the customer's mind long after the event. 

Use National Days and Months to Your Advantage

If you spend time on social media, you've probably noticed there seems to be an official day to celebrate everything under the sun. So, why not use these special holidays to your advantage? For example, August 19th is World Photography Day, so if you run a photography business, try showcasing your best photos on social media using the hashtag #worldphotographyday to bring your work to a new audience. If you're a restaurant owner, try running a special promo for National Burger Day on August 25th, or offer up a discounted slice of peach pie since August is National Peach Month.

As is the case with all of these mini-holidays, social media and hashtagging, in particular, will be your best friend when it comes to getting the word out. If your company offers something a little more niche than what we mentioned above, chances are there's still a holiday for you. Try using a site like daysoftheyear.com to find something that works for your business. 

Entice New Customers and Clients With Summer Discounts 

Studies show that consumer spending is generally lower before pumpkin-spice mania and holiday fever take hold. Offer special summer discounts or coupon codes to circumvent this effect and turn a potential client or customer into a loyal one. Remember that what you're offering has value, and the discount is just a way of enticing people into seeing it for themselves, so they keep coming back long after the summer discounts are gone. 

Give Your Marketing Materials Summer Flair 

Ensure your marketing and promotional graphics pass the summer vibe check, so you put people in the mood to spend. While you're at it, implement a little color psychology into the mix to build brand loyalty with minimal effort. For instance, countless studies show that the color blue evokes a feeling of trust, reliability, and peace. So why not design some new promotional graphics with blue skies and shimmering ocean waters as a backdrop so clients subconsciously know that yours is a brand they can trust? 

Work Hard, Play Hard

Above all, summer is about having fun, so don't forget to relax so you're fully recharged when the busy fall and holiday seasons roll around. Plan a few fun company activities to boost morale among staff, and use this slower time to try out creative scheduling methods like a 4-day work week that gives your hard-working employees time to hit the beach and enjoy a few cookouts. If you and your team are happy, your clientele will feel it too.

Have a fun and productive summer!