As summer winds down and the back-to-school buzz kicks into gear, many local businesses are looking for fresh ways to boost engagement, increase foot traffic, and create meaningful connections with their customers. This transition period—bridging the warmth of summer with the excitement of a new school year—is a golden opportunity to re-energize your marketing.

The best part? You don’t have to be a retail store to “sell” summer or back-to-school. Whether you’re in professional services, food, health, entertainment, or anything in between, aligning your messaging with what’s already on your customers’ minds can make a significant impact.

Here are seven creative campaign ideas we encourage you to consider as you plan your late-summer and fall outreach:

1. Host a Back-to-School Bash or Summer Send-Off

Got some extra space—or a friendly neighboring business who does? Hosting a themed event can bring your community through the doors. Consider a "Back-to-School Bash" with games, giveaways, and local entertainment, or a “Summer Send-Off” with music, frozen treats, and parking lot games. Bonus points if you collaborate with other businesses and co-promote it!

2. Offer Limited-Time Bundles or Discounts

Back-to-school shopping adds up fast. Parents and teachers alike are on the lookout for deals. Try a time-sensitive offer like:

• A “Fill-a-Bag” retail sale.

• “Fresh Start” packages for students or educators at your salon or spa.

• Family Meal Night discounts at your restaurant.

• End-of-summer treat discounts for parents or college care packages from your bakery.

Create exclusivity by promoting early access to your email subscribers or followers.

3. Celebrate Students and Teachers

Show your appreciation with student or teacher discount days, spotlight a local educator on social media, or partner with a school for a supply drive. Try a “Nominate a Teacher” campaign and give a deserving educator a thoughtful prize—your community will love it, and so will your brand.

4. Add Personality to Your Email Campaigns

Email is still one of the most powerful tools in your marketing toolkit. Make it count with a fun, themed series like “Countdown to School” or weekly “Summer Spotlights” on products or stories. Add photos, clear calls to action, and a special offer to drive results.

5. Run a Social Media Giveaway or Challenge

Encourage user-generated content with a back-to-school photo contest or a fun hashtag challenge. Offer a small prize for the most creative entry. Join in on trending audio clips or video styles, especially on TikTok and Instagram Reels, to get more eyes on your business in a fun and relevant way.

6. Provide a “Mock Internship” for Local Youth

Consider offering a fun, behind-the-scenes experience for teens. Let them shadow you for a day, run your Instagram stories, or help brainstorm new ideas. It’s a unique way to build relationships with families—and your future customers.

7. Partner with Local Schools or Youth Groups

Build bridges with PTAs, booster clubs, and classrooms. Offer incentives for school supply donations, sponsor welcome breakfasts, or help fill teacher welcome kits. Many schools will help promote your business in return via newsletters or social media.

At the Park Hills - Leadington Chamber of Commerce, we love seeing our businesses thrive. If you’d like help brainstorming a promotion, finding a collaboration partner, or spreading the word—reach out! We're here to support your success and cheer you on every step of the way.

Let’s make the end of summer and the start of the school year a season to remember—for your business and your customers.

Adapted from an article by Christina Metcalf, a writer and women’s speaker who specializes in helping small businesses grow through storytelling. Follow her on Facebook @tellyourstorygetemtalking and Instagram @christinametcalfauthor.