As Smart Tan has said for years, as tanning businesses, “We Are Sunshine.” Summer might not be the best time of year for tanning businesses, but it is the perfect time to subtly reinforce that indoor tanning and laying out in the sun or engaging in outdoor summer activities are closely related and complementary experiences.

Summer is a time when sunbathers and beachgoers emerge in droves, seeking to achieve that perfect, sun-kissed glow. While the outdoors can often seem like competition, it’s an opportunity to leverage the summer vibe to promote your business in an appealing, fun, and engaging manner that your sun-seeking clients identify with.

Here’s how you can use social media and marketing strategies to highlight summer outdoor sunbathing and activities while strengthening your brand’s connection to the summer lifestyle.

1. Create a Summer-Inspired Content Calendar

Curate a content calendar that highlights the best of summer: sunbathing tips, outdoor activities, skincare advice, and fashion trends. Share posts that offer value, such as safety tips for sunbathing, the importance of using sunscreen, and staying hydrated while enjoying the outdoors. By offering helpful information, your salon becomes a go-to source for summer insights.

2. Collaborate with Influencers

Influencers who embody the summer lifestyle can give your salon a powerful boost. Look for local influencers who align with your brand and have a solid following in your target market. Collaborate on campaigns that showcase your salon’s services and products as part of their summer experience. Influencers can amplify your reach and introduce your salon to new audiences.

3. Host Summer-Themed Promotions

Encourage clients to maintain their tan by offering special promotions, such as discounted packages or seasonal membership deals. Host giveaways and contests around summer events like festivals, concerts, or beach parties, with the prize being a free tanning session or salon package. Promote these events on social media to generate buzz and engage your audience.

4. Showcase Summer Looks with User-Generated Content

Encourage clients to share their summer looks and experiences using a branded hashtag. Create an interactive community around your salon by regularly reposting user-generated content (UGC). This not only builds a sense of connection among your clients but also acts as authentic, peer-driven advertising for your salon.

5. Go Live and Share Summer Tips

Use live streaming on platforms like Instagram or Facebook to engage with your audience in real time. Share summer beauty and tanning tips, conduct Q&A sessions, and offer exclusive promotions to viewers. Live streams create a sense of immediacy and personal connection, strengthening your brand’s rapport with clients.

6. Highlight Outdoor Activities and Partnerships

Partner with local outdoor businesses to cross-promote each other. For example, collaborate with a local swimwear brand, gym, or spa to offer joint promotions. You can create content that shows your services complementing outdoor activities, such as after-tan skincare for hikers or safe sunbathing tips for beachgoers.

7. Leverage Visuals and Videos

Eye-catching visuals and engaging videos are essential for conveying the summer vibe. Showcase before-and-after photos, client testimonials, and how-to videos that demonstrate your services and products. High-quality visuals that capture the essence of summer will attract more engagement and shareability.

By implementing these social media and marketing strategies, you can position your salon as an essential part of the summer experience. Embrace the energy of the season, engage with your audience, and make your brand shine brighter than ever.