Canada is a vast country, with lots of diverse landscapes, cultures and people, but every year on July 1st the country comes together in an amazing display of togetherness and solidarity. Whether it’s celebrating the “traditional” symbols of Canadian identity, like the maple leaf, the beaver, the hockey stick and the “Eh?”, or celebrating more contemporary markers of identity like inclusion and multiculturalism, Canada Day is a great opportunity for community-building.
It’s also a great opportunity for businesses to boost brand awareness, as the holiday is chock-full of events, parades, activities and more. Here are four marketing ideas your business can use to make the most out of the Canada Day holiday.
1. Branded Clothing Giveaways
One of the best ways to market your business is to give away branded clothing. Not only does the giveaway excite customers, but you also get free advertising when the recipient wears the clothing. Go for something red, with both a Canadian flag on it as well as your business’ brand and info, and make sure to go through a Canadian company like R&P Prints to get the job done. Keep it Canadian!
2. Playful Social Media Posts
What is Canada without its famous sense of humour? This Canada Day, go ahead and have a little fun with your social media posts, throwing the flag in there with your branding and making sure to wish the country a happy day. Of course, it’s difficult to give specific examples here, as ideally your posts will be tied in with your type of business – if, for instance, you own a bakery, consider posting a giant Canadian flag cake, or if you own a gym, mention working off that post-Canada Day poutine on July 2nd. The ideas here are limitless.
3. Canada-Themed Event
Since Canada Day is a great community-building holiday, it’s only fitting that your marketing campaign includes hosting an event. You can gear it towards children, with activities and maple leaf face painting, or gear it towards adults, with beer and pumping tunes. It all depends on your brand, image and key demographic. Regardless of the type of event, tie in the first strategy on this list as well, by giving away Canada Day t-shirts with your logo on them; that way, when next July 1st rolls around, those people will once again wear your custom clothing.
4. Canada Day Sales
Everyone likes a good sale. Doing it under the guise of Canada Day allows you to frame it like this: you’re rewarding Canadians for being so awesome. It fits neatly into the community narrative, and it gives potential customers a compelling reason to buy your goods or services. Tie this one in with the #2 point on this list, and advertise your sale in a playful way over social media.
There’s no limit to what your business can do this Canada Day. One overarching tip for your brand this Canada Day is to be as Canadian as possible. Really embrace the Canadian identity and the spirit of the holiday. Give away branded clothing, get silly on social media, host an event and offer a sale – and remember to wrap it all in red and white!
