How Smartphones Are Transforming Summer Advertising Strategies
Ahhh, summer. Hotter temps traditionally signal the end of school, kids running free and a relax in advertising budgets… Some businesses downshift their marketing strategies during summer, but the rules are changing dramatically with the rise of smartphones.
The old saying that people like to disconnect during the summer and spend less time in front of screens no longer holds true! Today, consumers are more connected than ever, carrying their screens everywhere they go. Smartphones are no longer just a way to communicate; they’re a lifeline, a guide, and a companion during every summer adventure. For businesses, understanding how to meet consumers where they are, quite literally in the palm of their hand, is no longer optional. It’s essential.
Here’s how smartphones are reshaping summer marketing and how your business can make the most of this sunny opportunity.
The Shift in Consumer Habits over Summertime
Summer isn’t just about relaxing and doing less anymore. Whether it’s teens working summer jobs with extra spending power, bored students on break looking to fill the gap, or families planning fun experiential vacations, summer shifts consumer habits in compelling ways. Smartphones are pivotal to all of it. Here’s what you need to know:
Always Connected
Picture this: a family on a road trip doing a Google search or pulling up Google Maps to find the best local sushi joint, or a music lover scrolling Instagram for upcoming concert tickets. Even outdoors, people are plugged in, turning their smartphones into decision-making powerhouses.
Social Media Frenzy
Social platforms come alive during summer. From #BeachVibes to #TravelGoals, it’s the prime time for people to scroll, share, and save ideas. People search for trip inspiration, outfit ideas, and local recommendations, giving businesses an open window to engage with an actively exploring audience, hungry for inspiration.
Spontaneous Spending
Think about all those pop-up markets, outdoor concerts, or vacation souvenirs. Summer is a time of spur-of-the-moment decisions, and smartphones empower consumers to shop, book, and discover in the push of a button.
Smartphones are no longer just tools for communication; they’re constant companions, yellow pages, walking mood boards, entertainers and research tools all rolled into one. With potential customers increasingly glued to their mobile devices, marketing strategies need to meet them where they are.
5 Key Summer Marketing Strategies
1. Design a Mobile-First Shopping Experience
Make your website a joy to browse on mobile. Think quick load times, simple navigation, and a frictionless checkout.
Example: Launch exclusive mobile discounts for your summer beachwear or last-minute Father’s Day gifts to encourage users to shop on the go.
2. Make the Most of Paid Social Media Campaigns
Platforms like Instagram and Facebook come alive in the summer. Use them for location-based, interest-specific ads, carousel visuals, or video reels that highlight seasonal offerings.
Example: A café near a boardwalk can target nearby users with ads promoting their limited-edition summer coffee drinks.
3. Leverage Summer Keywords With Google Ads
Summer brings a surge of seasonal searches. Tap into these moments by targeting relevant keywords through Google Ads. (Just be sure you’re working with a Google Partner agency!)
Example: A charter boat captain can promote deals by bidding on terms like “summer fishing,” “visit Topsail” or “sunset tours.”
4. Create Seasonal Content and Partner With Influencers
Summer-themed content is always on trend. Pair that with influencer partnerships to amplify your reach. Blogs, videos, and even interactive content like quizzes can engage users when tailored to summer interests. In addition, partnering with niche or local influencers allows brands to connect with new audiences who trust their recommendations.
Example: A fitness brand might team up with a local influencer to promote outdoor workouts or healthy lifestyle tips.
5. Capture Streaming Audience Attention
Streaming platforms typically see a spike in activity during summer breaks when schedules are looser and free time is abundant. Create entertaining, summer-specific video campaigns to captivate viewers on platforms like YouTube, Hulu or other streaming services.
Example: An outdoor gear brand could run ads showcasing family camping adventures while highlighting their must-have products.
Industries That Shine During Summer
Certain sectors naturally thrive during these warmer months. Here are some that should ratchet up, not down on marketing efforts during summertime:
- Travel & Tourism: From booking flights to discovering local attractions, make sure your business is visible through apps and travel-specific platforms such as Google Maps and TripAdvisor.
- Retail & E-commerce: Curate seasonal collections and launch product drops with mobile-exclusive discounts.
- Food & Beverage: Ensure your restaurant or café pops up in “near me” searches for spontaneous diners and advertise through food delivery services like Door Dash.
- Fitness & Wellness: Highlight summer-exclusive events like paddleboard yoga or promote fitness challenges and retreats.
- Home Improvement: Summer DIY projects are on the rise. Think garden tools, landscaping services, and patio furniture.
These types of businesses can see a significant boost from timely mobile-centric campaigns.
It’s Time to Rethink Your Summer Strategy
Smartphones have redefined summer marketing by keeping consumers connected no matter where their adventures take them. To stay competitive, businesses must lean into mobile-friendly solutions to engage their audience where they are spending most of their time. By delivering mobile-first solutions, creating engaging seasonal content, and leveraging location-targeting tools, your brand can stay relevant and visible throughout the sunny season.
School may be out for the summer, but your marketing shouldn’t be! Are you ready to level up your advertising strategy? Take the next step to engage your mobile audience and transform how your business connects this summer. Call Cup O Code today to take advantage of Summer’s opportunities!
Your customers are online, scrolling, and searching. It’s time for your brand to meet them there.
