Robison Web | Custom Websites | Black and Tan logo

Robison Web

Robison Web LLC Home | Custom Websites | Web Experts

Contact
  • facebook
  • instagram
  • yelp
  • linkedin
  • Our Work
    • Web Development Gallery
    • Web Design Gallery
    • Graphic Design Gallery
    • Content Writing Gallery
    • SEO Gallery
  • About
    • Meet The Team
  • Reviews
  • Contact
    • FAQs
  • Blog

Powerful Ways to Promote a Seasonal Business: 7 Effective Promotional Avenues

Location:Home|Archives forUncategorized

It’s no secret that seasonal businesses have their unique challenges. Unlike year-round businesses, they have to work hard to attract customers during their peak season when competition is at its highest. It is therefore important for seasonal businesses to have effective marketing strategies in place to maximize their limited time in the spotlight.

Marketing for Seasonal Businesses

It’s important to note that marketing for seasonal businesses doesn’t start when the peak season arrives. In fact, preparations should begin months in advance – from setting up social media accounts to creating a website and advertising locally. That way, you can make sure you’re ready to attract customers and stand out from the competition when the peak season arrives.

What are seasonal businesses?

A seasonal business is a type of business that experiences an increase in demand at certain times of the year. These businesses typically have periods of high activity during certain months and then experience a lull during other months. Examples include retail stores that sell holiday-related items, amusement parks, ski resorts, and summer camps. Understanding the dynamics of seasonal businesses can help entrepreneurs plan for success and avoid pitfalls associated with them.

11 Common Seasonal Businesses

Seasonal Business Examples

Here are some of the most popular seasonal businesses that could benefit from off-season promotion:

Powerful Ways to Promote a Seasonal Business
  1. Landscaping and Yard
  2. Pest Control
  3. Construction
  4. Ski Resorts
  5. Lodging and Vacation Rentals
  6. Exterior Cleaning
  7. Residential and Commercial Painting
  8. Residential and Commercial Renovations
  9. Snow Removal
  10. Vehicle Detailing
  11. Farmers Markets and Farming

When Should I Market My Seasonal Business?

In reality, marketing for seasonal businesses should start months before the peak season even begins. This is because it takes time to build awareness and generate interest among potential customers. It’s also important to have a strategy in place so you can maximize the number of people you reach.

7 Effective ways to promote a seasonal business

When it comes to promoting a seasonal business, there are several powerful strategies that can help you get an edge over the competition.

Here are some of the most effective ways to promote a seasonal business:

1. Leverage Social Media

Social networks are a great way to promote your business, especially if it is seasonal. You can benefit from taking advantage of platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram by establishing relationships with prospective customers and developing an audience interested in your services. However, caution should be taken to ensure that the message you portray is accurate, clear, and effective. You can also use social media to promote special offers and discounts, which can be a great way to attract new customers.

2. Create a Website

Building a website for your seasonal business is a great way to grow it. It will enable you to advertise your services, show off your portfolio, list services & prices and share customer feedback. Overall, it’s an essential tool for increasing visibility and gaining customer confidence. Make sure your website is optimized for search engines to make it easier for customers. Learn about websites and website options here.

3. Utilize Local Advertising

Local advertising can be an effective way to reach local customers who are looking for seasonal services. Advertising your business through local print outlets, and radio and TV ads is a great way to make people aware of your services. Additionally, handing out brochures and flyers in local stores, restaurants and other places frequented by potential customers is also beneficial.

4. Partner with Other Businesses

Collaborating with other area businesses can be a great way to build up your seasonal business. Think of creative partnerships like offering discounted services to customers of local landscaping companies, or combining services with nearby power washing providers. Be mindful that it is important to create beneficial and mutually advantageous partnerships. By working with other businesses, you can reach a larger audience and increase your customer base.

5. Offer Referral Programs

Referral programs are a great way to attract new customers and spread the word about your business. As a business owner, you should consider offering discounts or special offers to customers who refer their friends and family. This is an effective marketing tool to gain more customers and maximize your revenue during peak season.

6. Take Advantage of Local Events

Local events like festivals, farmers markets, and outdoor concerts can be a great way to get your business in front of a larger audience. You can take advantage of these events by setting up a booth or participating in the event as a sponsor. You can also use these events to promote special offers, discounts, and giveaways.

7. Utilize Email Marketing

Email marketing is a great way to stay connected with your existing customers and build relationships with potential customers. You can use email to promote special offers and discounts, showcase your portfolio, and keep customers up-to-date on the latest news and events.

How Do Seasonal Businesses Survive?

  • Off-Season Strategizing: Off-season strategizing involves analyzing customer data, understanding market trends, and creating plans to capitalize on opportunities. It also involves developing strategies to mitigate risks associated with the changing environment and staying ahead of the competition.
  • Network: Networking can help businesses make connections with potential customers and partners. This can be done through attending trade shows, joining local chambers of commerce, or creating a presence on social media.
  • Diversify: Businesses can also diversify their product or service offerings to meet customer needs year-round. This can include offering virtual services, creating new products, or providing seasonal services.
  • Save: Seasonal businesses should also focus on saving money during the busy season by being mindful of expenses and utilizing cost-saving techniques.
  • Invest: Investing in marketing and advertising can help bring in more customers during the off-peak season. Businesses can also invest in tools and technology to make it easier to manage the business.
  • Cut Costs: Cutting costs can help businesses stay afloat during the slower months. This can include reducing overhead costs and streamlining operations.

How to Strategize Promotions for a Seasonal Business

  1. Identify Your Goals: Establish clear objectives for your promotional strategy.
  2. Analyze Your Audience: Understand the demographics, interests, and needs of your target market.
  3. Choose Your Platforms: Select the media outlets and tactics that will help you reach your target audience.
  4. Create Engaging Content: Generate content that is engaging and informative for your customers.
  5. Develop a Timeline: Plan out the timing of your promotional campaigns.
  6. Track Performance: Use analytics to gauge the success of your promotional efforts.
  7. Optimize Your Strategy: Make adjustments to your strategy based on the results of your performance tracking.
  8. Repeat: Maintain your promotional efforts throughout the season.

Landscapers! Check out this article for marketing strategy: “Beyond Basic Landscaper Marketing: 10 Advanced Tips to Get Landscaping Customers” by landscapeleadership.com.

Get Strategizing Today

Promoting a seasonal business can be a challenge, but with the right strategies in place, you can make the most of your limited time in the spotlight. From leveraging social media to utilizing local events, there are plenty of powerful ways to promote a seasonal business and ensure it’s a success. By implementing these tactics, you can make sure your business stands out from the competition and make the most of your peak season!

Got Questions? Contact our team today for more information and assistance in setting up your seasonal business strategies for the web, graphics, and digital assets.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

It is estimated that approximately 33% of websites have been scammed or trapped by web agencies.

How to Choose the Right Website Agency and Avoid Getting Trapped in a Bad Deal

Choosing the right website agency is a critical decision for any business. It’s important to be aware of the potential pitfalls and traps that could lead to a bad deal. Knowing what questions to ask and what factors to consider can help you make an informed decision and avoid getting trapped in a bad deal. In this article, we will discuss how to choose the right website agency and avoid getting trapped in a bad deal.

5 Important Questions to Ask Before Moving Forward with any Website Agency

Robison Web - 5 Tips to Avoid Getting Trapped by a Website Agency robison web

Selecting a website agency for your business is an important decision. It is important to do your research and ask the right questions before making a commitment.

  1. What is the process for creating my website?
  2. How will my website be hosted?
  3. What kind of support do you offer?
  4. What is the timeline for completion?
  5. Are there any additional fees or hidden costs?
  6. What projects have they completed?

By asking these questions and doing your research, you can ensure that you get the best possible service from any website agency you choose.

What to Look for When Choosing a Website Agency

With so many web design and web development companies out there, it can be difficult to know which one to choose. Consider factors such as their portfolio of past projects, customer reviews, the quality of their work, and the range of services they offer.

It’s also important to look at how much experience they have in designing and developing websites for businesses like yours.

If you are a home builder, would you want to work with a team that has experience and expertise in creating websites for your industry and comparable businesses? If yes, you are on the right track to getting the website of your dreams.

Working with a team that understands who you are, what you want, and how to get the best results for your industry can help improve your outcome. Think of choosing a website team as dating. They need to be compatible with you and your business, as well as possess similar expertise and knowledge.

Taking all these factors into account will help you make an informed decision about which web design or web development company is best for you.

3 Red Flags to Look Out for When Choosing a Website Agency

  1. Pressure to sign a contract without understanding the details.
  2. Unclear or vague contract terms.
  3. Promises of unrealistic results.
  4. Unclear answers to services such as design, development, and hosting.

The Benefits of Working with an Experienced & Professional Website Agency

Working with an experienced and professional website agency can be incredibly beneficial for your business. With the help of a reputable web designer and developer, you can create a website that is both visually appealing, high ranking, and user-friendly.

How to Avoid Getting Trapped in a Bad Web Design & Development Deal?

When you are looking for a web design & development agency, it is important to know how to avoid getting trapped in a bad deal. It is essential to choose the right designer and developer who can deliver quality results and meet your expectations.

  1. Own your domain
  2. Buy your domain in advance
  3. Ask questions
  4. Do your research on the website agency
  5. Fully understand any contract or agreements

At the end of the day, you want to find a team that is going to invest time, energy, and money in your project. You want them to build a website for you that fits your needs and vision. You also want a team that is going to remain committed for the long haul.

This is why we suggest extensive interviewing and clear communication from the start.

Have Questions? Contact Us

At Robison Web, we believe in transparency and education. That’s why we want to make sure our clients are informed and knowledgeable about every step of the website process. We want to make sure you know exactly what you’re getting and that you’re involved in the process every step of the way. Have a question? Contact us today.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

How Much Should a Website Cost in 2022?

Your website is an essential part of your business, brand, and exposure. It would be wise to invest in a website. A website can typically range from $500 to roughly 100,000. Yes, that range is very wide. Below, you will find a breakdown of website options in 2022 and where each falls into the price range.

Website Option Breakdown: 4 Popular Website Options

  1. Web Application
  2. Custom Built Website
  3. Prebuilt CMS website
  4. Template Website Template Builder / Template DIY

Website Price Breakdown

Most Affordable – Template Builder / Template DIY
Best Option All-Around – Custom Website on a Prebuilt CMS
Most Custom Website Choice for Anyone – Custom-Built Website
Bringing Out the Big Guns. Our Choice for Large and Intricate Projects – Web Application

How much does a website cost for a small business in 2022?

A website for a small business in 2022 may typically cost around $2,000-$20,000 when created by a professional. Along with hosting, management, and maintenance fees, that price tag can range from as low as $20/month, up to $500+.

If you are a brand new business and your budget is holding you back, you can build a website yourself for much cheaper. Minus the upfront fee and cost per month, depending on the features and size of your website. However, there is no replacement for a professionally built website, and it will take the burden off of you. Let’s dive into what makes a difference in the cost of a website.  

Custom Built Website

Your website is an essential part of your business brand and visibility. So it would make sense to invest some money into getting a professionally built website.

Most Custom Website Choice for Anyone

This type of website is built completely from scratch and can involve up to 200 hrs of work from designers, developers, and content creators. If we say the going rate for a developer is $80/hr(which is the average rate for a freelancer), that already puts us at $16,000. Most small businesses do not need a website of this size, and they will be in the $3,000-$5,000 range for a basic website.

website cost website options website builder custom website

This option does it all and has it all. We recommend this for medium to large operations that want the optimal experience. This includes but is not limited to, high security, full customization, the best User experience, and User Interface, advanced SEO integration, custom CMS, and more.

This option allows your users to get the full experience. Custom Websites can be built with your users in mind.

For instance, they may have an account within your website that includes personal files and important information. Your website would be able to handle that amount of traffic, usage, and bandwidth without lag or issues.

Ecommerce Website: How much does an e-commerce store cost?

If you are looking for a website with the purpose of an online store or an application that provides user login and scheduling functionality, it will likely have a more expensive price tag. Expect an online custom-built store (not on a CMS or any other platform) for a small business to be $5,000-$10,000+ depending on the size of the store. 

A few big benefits to having a developer build a site for you:

It will look great and stand out. Your website will be customized to your needs and wants visually and functionally. Additionally, SEO is built into the site, decreasing the stress of a prebuilt client management system.

Web Application

Our Choice for Large and Intricate Projects.

A web application (think IOS or android app on a website) can be anywhere from $16,000-$60,000 for a mid-size application. A large corporation can expect to pay $100,000+ for an extensive, custom web application. These large applications are equipt for elevated user traffic, numerous amounts of data, storage, and more.

Custom Website on a Prebuilt CMS

WordPress, Shopify, etc. custom-built websites.

Best Option All-Around

Another way to get a professional website without having to pay as much for a custom-built website is to pay a developer to build a website on a CMS such as WordPress, Shopify, Wix, etc. This can extremely cut the cost of building a website and still get you a very professional website.

This option allows for adequate SEO integration, unique UX/UI, and a proper CMS (aka a Client Management System) without breaking the bank.

How much does a custom WordPress website cost? How much does a custom Shopify website cost?

Expect to pay anywhere from $1,000-$5,000 for a basic small business site custom-built on WordPress. For an e-commerce store built on WordPress, the cost can rage.

What is WooCommerce?

WordPress stores are built with a customizable open-source eCommerce platform called WooCommerce. It is specifically built for WordPress CMS. This platform allows a website to use the WordPress CMS while operating a fully functional e-commerce store. It is a reputable online store program along with WordPress is a leader in today’s client management systems. WordPress isn’t only for bloggers and non-eCommerce websites.

How much does a custom Shopify website cost?

Shopify can be a little more expensive due to the duration of building a custom online store. Building an online store, regardless if it is using a template builder or custom-built on a CMS, will be more costly.

Expect to pay $5,000+ for a custom eCommerce site built on Shopify, or WordPress with WooCommerce. When using a website builder, it is common to spend on plugins, applications, and integrations although there are many free and heavily used plugins on the market today.

What is the cheapest way to own a website?

Template Builder Website / Template DIY Website

Most Affordable Option

A template builder is a great option for someone on a budget. DIY Shopify is not recommended unless you or someone else in your business can handle all of the tasks that come with having a website. It can be a ton of work. Instead of paying the big build fee to a professional, it will cost much time, effort, and mid-level skills.

The big problems with template websites are that they all look the same and they usually don’t perform well for SEO. You don’t want to have your website blend into the thousands of unprofessional websites. With these options, you do get what you pay for.

To improve a template builder website, it would be wise to work with a suitable graphic designer to make graphics and visual elements. This will aid the visual component of your website.

Some plugins optimize for SEO, but that is an added cost per month and they still won’t do as well. If you are building a basic one-page site, then doing it yourself may work out in your favor, especially if you are on a budget. Many template builders offer an accurate idea of what your website should look like and how it will operate. These template websites are marketed as “easy to use”.

Learn more about the comparison of a template website and a custom website here.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, you will get what you pay for. If you spend on a custom-built website, you will have a high-quality and high-performing website. If you do it yourself, expect much work. There may be a learning curve to learning how to build a website properly, but much less of an investment. Contact our team today for help determining what option fits best for you.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: build a website, custom website, diy website, website, website cost

If you are in need of a website, there are a lot of factors to consider. Since everyone has different website needs, the type of websites will vary. There are many factors to consider in the process and we understand how overwhelming it can be. Here are some considerations to help you make the choices.

Top 5 Things to Consider When Choosing a Website

  1. Template Website or a Custom Website
  2. Business Needs
  3. Functionality
  4. Budget
  5. Timeline

Your business needs, budget, functionality, and timeline play a role in the decision, as well as what you want the users to experience and interact with.

The 1st Consideration:

Template Website or a Custom Website?

The 1st thing to consider when you are choosing a website is whether to go with a template website or a custom website. This is the 1st question you should ask yourself. This answer will determine what route you will take on the website-building journey.

What is the Difference Between a Template Website and a Custom Website?

Template Website vs a Custom Website? Top 5 Important Things to Consider When Choosing a Website | Robison Web

Template Website 101

Template websites are one of the most known and marketed in the website industry. We have all heard of the “drag and drop” websites for years now. Template websites are commonly seen on popular Client Management Systems, aka CMSs, such as WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, or Shopify.

What is a Template Website?

Template websites are pre-designed layouts. They allow people to place content directly onto a webpage, creating simple websites. These designs are preset for the user to follow and usually limit the amount of content and block sections to the template set parameters. Commonly, elements such as images, galleries, symbols, and content blocks can be found in these prebuilt templates and themes.

Now, deciding if this is the correct choice for your specific needs is important. Below you will find the pros and cons of template websites.

Template website Pros

  • Cost-effective
  • Quickest web solution
  • Easy to find on popular CMSs

Template websites are great for businesses that may be held back by a budget and would prefer to get something set up on their own. You can typically get a free template with a monthly cost and extra add-ons for other features you want. If you want something super simple and basic this may be the way to go. Wix, Squarespace, Shopify, and WordPress Templates are all examples of these.

Template websites are super quick and easy to set up with drag-and-drop features that will allow you to customize your own site, with little to no coding knowledge required. They also give some idea as to how your website should look and which colors and setup you should have.

With this being said, not all templates and themes are created equal. Read on the cons to learn why.

Template website Cons

  • Limited customization and functionality
  • Limited range of features
  • Low SEO performance and SEO compatibility
  • Cookie-cutter styling
  • Lack of unique UX and UI
  • Not all templates are easy to use
    • High chance of glitches and broken code
    • Frequent updates
    • Website security risks
    • Lack of provider and developer support

A huge con for template websites is they are only customizable within a certain range of features. The functionality is super limited on a template website.

Since they are pre-built and coded, they aren’t always optimized for mobile and they don’t perform well with SEO.

Website templates are very cookie cutter and they all look the same. You definitely don’t want to have your website look like everyone else, and blend into the crowd. Many template built websites can be spotted from a mile away due to the repetitive styling and User Experience.

A template website is often not the way to go for a professional business website.

Not all templates are easy to use

In today’s world, marketing for do-it-yourself websites has become increasingly popular. It seems like more and more people are following the DIY, drag-and-drop trend. This may seem appealing, easy, and a great idea, but there are plenty of website templates and CMS theme builders that are the complete opposite.

With so many options for drag-and-drop websites, the decision-making can be a bit foggy. Let’s say you chose a common template website from a popular CMS. You download it after seeing the preview images and raving reviews. You click on the first page you’ll be making, and nothing looks or operates as described on the preview info page. The ability is nothing like you imagined from the information provided beforehand. Maybe, even the builder is not as easy to operate as the reviewers said.

Typically, templates can be glitchy. The code can break, updates can mess with a user’s established website, and the whole system is ruined. When this happens, many times support from the theme provider or development team cannot be found. You reach out and get crickets in response.

This is a common situation that plays out every day for business owners, bloggers, and newcomers to the website world. We can imagine how defeating and overwhelming that can be. It makes some people want to quit then and there, cleaning their hands of the website-building process. The last thing you want is to be in a website mess and left helpless.

If this situation sounds familiar, we recommend reaching out to a website professional.

We understand how many tasks are already at hand for business owners. Adding a website into the mix is overwhelming. Running your business is the first priority. A professional can take care of the website while you worry about your other responsibilities.

If you are looking for website assistance, contact our team for help. We are happy to build your website properly, guide you through the process, and educate you on what we do. We take pride in working directly with our clients as real people, not computers.

Custom Website 101

Custom website Pros

  • No limitations
  • Completely custom
  • SEO ready
  • On-brand UX and UI
  • Fits your specific needs
  • High security
  • Direct developer and designer contact
  • Builds customer trust

The sky is the limit on custom websites. These are hard-coded and completely custom to your business’s needs. There are no constraints here other than your budget, unlike templates, but at this point that doesn’t matter nearly as much.

All of the elements of your website will be to your needs and will look exactly how you want it to. Responsive design, mobile-friendly design, and SEO optimization are much easier. Significant changes to your website can be made with little work, and you won’t have to worry about your website breaking or plugins being outdated. Custom sites are often more secure, especially when built correctly.

When you are getting a custom website, you are working directly with professional designers and developers. No bots, real people. Choosing a team for your website that will stay with your through the whole process can help create the best website you’ve ever dreamed of. They understand your needs and work together to make a cohesive product.

Custom website Cons

  • Detailed development skills required
  • The price tag
  • Takes more time

Detailed Development Skills Required

The biggest con to a custom website is that if you don’t have the development skills, you’ll have to hire someone to build it or contract a company. If this is the case, it is wise to hire a professional developer to avoid any hurdles that can be along the process of doing it yourself as well as security issues or technology setbacks. Working with a developer will ensure your website is secure, operating properly, meets website standards, and is error-free.

The Pricetag

The price to build one of these websites often start at $5000 and can go as high as hundreds of thousands of dollars. However, if you are a company doing 1 million in net profit, this is of little concern and is almost necessary. Most likely, you will need to have a developer or contractor on retainer for monthly website maintenance and changes. A professional developer will take care of code, CMS setup, changes, hosting, and registrar configuration.

Takes More Time

Coding a website from scratch also takes much longer than a template website. If you are looking for a quick fix, a template may be a better option. With that, you will get a fast and cheap result. If you are looking to invest in your business and are willing to plan ahead for a timeline, then a custom website may be right for you.

Custom websites are for individuals who want their websites to be as professional as they are. They care about the details, keeping in mind that their team and customers will be experiencing the platform.

If maintaining a brand and reputation that your business already holds is important to you, then your virtual presence should match without compromise.

Having a strong online presence can help build and re-establish your brand, gaining credibility with your current and new customers. Learn about the importance of a web presence here.

In addition, it makes your business more readily accessible to customers so they can find out more information about what your business has to offer from the comfort of their homes. People can tell when the effort and time have been put into your website.

The 3rd Option: Hybrid Website

Where Templates and Custom Development Collide

There is one more option that is fairly typical nowadays. A web developer can utilize a template website to give you a custom site from a template. A lot of development companies have custom templates on platforms like WordPress and Shopify, to cut the cost of building a site and also the time. This allows for developers to custom-build your website while integrating a popular Client Management System.

This is a good option if you have a little higher budget but not enough for a custom website, and you want to be able to manage and make changes to the website on your own. This way of building a website can fit most people’s needs and be exactly how they want. 

In addition, if you have a current website from common CMS, your developer may be able to build on that current CMS while maintaining the environment. It can be a great method to keep your current website information such as integrations, emails, e-commerce software, media, and blog posts.

This hybrid method of development is increasingly popular, especially for e-commerce businesses. It can be extremely painful and difficult to start from scratch with an e-commerce website if you already have one in place. You risk losing all your data such as:

  • User information
  • Products
  • Pricing
  • System data
  • Shipping method
  • E-commerce integrations
  • and other shop settings

With a hybrid website, you can keep your information in place while revamping your website system.

Check out these hybrid websites:

Visual Portfolio, Posts & Image Gallery for WordPress

Robison Web | Custom Websites | Gladwell Construction Mobile

Robison Web | Custom Websites | Gladwell Construction Mobile

Gladwell Construction

robison-web-desktop-hero-

Robison Web | Custom Websites | Hero

Royal S Landscaping

Custom Website Developers | Robison Web

Custom Website Developers | Robison Web

Cozy Salon and Spa

Still Undecided? Don’t Stress.

If you are left with more questions or are undecided, reach out to us and we can help you navigate through the process. Contact our developers to set up a free consultation call.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: affordable website, build a website, custom website, template website, web development, website options

  • facebook
  • instagram
  • yelp
  • linkedin

Recent Posts

  • Powerful Ways to Promote a Seasonal Business: 7 Effective Promotional Avenues
  • Selecting a Website Agency: 5 Tips to Avoid Getting Trapped by a Website Agency
  • How Much Does a Website Cost? 4 Popular Website Options: Website Options and Website Price Breakdown
  • Template Website vs a Custom Website? Top 5 Critical Things to Consider When Choosing a Website
  • 3 Free Marketing Ideas: Ways to Market At Any Budget
2023 Robison Web All Rights Reserved · XML Sitemap · HTML Sitemap · Robison Web LLC · Privacy Policy