An excellent advertising and marketing effort can yield every kind of returns: Extra gross sales, extra prospects, extra followers, extra buyer engagement, or perhaps extra worker engagement — which then interprets to extra buyer engagement. Franchises are small companies, in spite of everything, so the most effective advertising and marketing efforts usually contain in-the-know, out-of-the-box pondering on what’s going to resonate most in a given group. It isn’t about how massive your funds it; it is about how a lot your marketing campaign or occasion will get individuals occupied with what you are promoting. Right here, we spoke to a various group of franchisees on their simplest ever advertising and marketing efforts.
Picture Credit score: Courtesy of Crust Pizza Co.
1. Host an annual family-friendly occasion.
“Each December, we host our highly-anticipated ‘Grinch Takes Over’ occasion for 2 magical nights. A dwell Grinch character roams the restaurant, participating with households, taking part in foolish pranks, and posing for photographs. He even settle for onions from children who come dressed as little Grinches themselves. We arrange a big projector for film screenings, serve particular children’ pizzas made with inexperienced dough, and supply on-site picture printing, giving households a memorable memento to take dwelling — full with our Crust Pizza branding, good for the fridge. We frequently have strains out the door, and folks cease us round city to inform us how a lot their children beloved the occasion.” — Jessie and Jason ParkeR, franchisees of Crust Pizza Co. in Louisiana
Picture Credit score: Courtesy of YogaSix
2. Incentivize staff members to create content material.
“The most effective cash we ever spent on advertising and marketing wasn’t for adverts or influencers; it was for espresso. We consider our staff members are the true powerhouse behind group consciousness, so we created a Slack channel the place our staff can add something that captures the spirit of our studio: selfies, ‘us-ies,’ fast movies, artsy pictures, foolish moments, instructor ideas, member celebrations, memes, or fails. For each picture or video we use in our social campaigns, the contributor will get a Starbucks or Peet’s Espresso reward card — in shock quantities. What began as a enjoyable strategy to collect content material has remodeled right into a vibrant tradition of sharing and collaboration.” — Toni King and Audrey RydeR, franchisees of YogaSix in California and Nevada
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Picture Credit score: Courtesy of Padget Enterprise Companies
3. Fee a photograph shoot of your self on the job.
“At Padgett, we consider relationships are on the coronary heart of tax and accounting companies. We offer tax and accounting companies to Natalie, proprietor of All the time Yours Bakery Cafe, and we discovered knowledgeable photographer by means of the native Chamber of Commerce listing to seize our partnership in motion. Simply $500 and an hour of time resulted in gorgeous pictures that changed generic inventory pictures on our web site, social media channels, and Google Enterprise Profile. They turned the centerpiece of a shopper success story highlighting Natalie’s entrepreneurial journey, and elevated company advertising and marketing efforts, including a layer of authenticity to brochures, shows, and digital campaigns.” — Shinji taniguchi, franchisee of Padgett Enterprise Companies in California
Picture Credit score: Courtesy of DonutNV
4. Accomplice with company on native catastrophe aid initiatives.
“Not too long ago, I reached out to DonutNV company to associate on catastrophe aid efforts for communities in my territory of St. Pete, Florida, following Hurricanes Milton and Helene. DonutNV jumped on the probability, and I used to be supported with sufficient product to serve over 4,000 residents of the St. Pete space. Cofounder Alex Gingold really joined me on evening one of many give-back efforts. The response to this initiative was overwhelming, and we continued to offer donations to native faculties, communities, and companies over the next weeks. We simply needed to brighten the day of those that misplaced all the pieces in these hurricanes, and we’re proud to proceed these efforts in 2025.” — Eric Koroknay, franchisee of DonutNV in Florida
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Picture Credit score: Courtesy of MaidPro
5. Arrange a welcome desk at group occasions.
“We attempt to have a presence at native occasions, organising a welcoming MaidPro desk and tent at each alternative. Children and adults alike are delighted by our popcorn machine, and we additionally supply toys for youngsters. We even embody fuzzy buddies by making canine treats and a water dish out there. One of many highlights of our setup is the spinning wheel, the place attendees can win thrilling prizes, together with a free cleansing service and varied swag gadgets. This not solely promotes my enterprise but additionally fosters a way of group spirit. The advertising and marketing spend is near minimal and normally solely consists of the price of entry, however the connection we make with our local people is priceless.” — Julie SolLinger, franchisee of MaidPro in Massachusetts
Picture Credit score: Courtesy of Huntington Studying Middle
6. Do not rely out old style mailers.
“Junk mail continues to be a key driver of success. In June, I obtained a name from a mother as her son entered his senior yr, saying she’d obtained our mailer and took it as an indication to present check prep one final strive. Her son’s scores improved, and he is been accepted into his dream faculty. I consider consistency is essential — vibrant, colourful postcards with clear messaging exit month-to-month. The content material consists of validated insights from respected sources, emphasizing how standardized check prep improves faculty acceptance odds. In at present’s digital age, bodily mail stands out as a tangible strategy to join with dad and mom usually overwhelmed by on-line muddle.” — Cara Murray, franchisee of Huntington Studying Middle in New Jersey
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Picture Credit score: Courtesy of Ivybrook Academy
7. Get a memorable mascot.
“Ivy the Owl has confirmed to be a improbable instrument for Ivybrook Academy franchisees. This lovable mascot serves many functions, making it among the best investments for reinforcing the model’s visibility. As an educator assistant, Ivy the Owl brings pleasure and pleasure to the school rooms, serving to kids really feel extra comfy and engaged. Ivy helps make necessary bulletins at occasions and supplies a playful, attention-grabbing presence for promotional campaigns. Ivy visits new areas to take photographs and builds anticipation for varsity openings, in addition to representing us at occasions like graduations and group festivals. College students may even journey with Flat Ivy, a transportable model of Ivy the Owl that households can take to totally different areas.” — Jamie Smith Flatow, chief advertising and marketing officer of Ivybrook Academy
Picture Credit score: Courtesy of Clear Eatz
8. Accomplice with native celebrities who love your product.
“Claudia Coffey, an area TV persona, was a buyer at our areas, so we proposed making a signature drink impressed by her. This resulted within the Claudia Espresso, a triple espresso frappé with almond milk and chocolate syrup. Claudia launched the drink on her TV present, discussing her busy life-style and not directly endorsing Clear Eatz, whereas additionally selling it on her social media. Whereas Clear Eatz paid for 3 on-air spots — one on location and two in-studio, totaling $1,000 — Claudia’s private promotion was an additional, worthwhile increase. Claudia’s goal demographic aligns completely with ours—feminine, educated, 30 to 50 years outdated — making her endorsement much more impactful.” — Matt Corridor, franchisee of Clear Eatz in Kentucky
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Picture Credit score: Courtesy of SafeSplash Swim College
9. Deliver buzzworthy company to your occasions.
“Within the lead-up to the Grand Opening of my location in Knoxville, I used to be speaking to a good friend who had simply received a World Collection title, and jokingly requested him, ‘Why do not you carry the trophy to the occasion?’ I used to be stunned when he replied, ‘What time?’ As an Olympian myself, I needed the occasion to have a good time excellence in all kinds, so we additionally introduced in one other Olympian to signal autographs. These star-studded appearances generated unbelievable buzz. I discovered to not be too shy to ask — and extra importantly, that having one thing concrete to market round is essential. It’s a lot simpler to generate traction along with your digital advertising and marketing effort if there’s a distinctive side to your occasion.” — Davis Tarwater, franchisee of SafeSplash Swim College in Tennessee and South Carolina
Picture Credit score: Courtesy of Gong Cha
10. Provide you with an interactive marketing campaign.
“Throughout our Peanuts-themed launch that featured our new pumpkin pie milk tea taste, we needed to carry It is the Nice Pumpkin, Charlie Brown to life in a means that resonated with followers. So we partnered with influencers for a nationwide scavenger hunt throughout six cities, the place shoppers had the prospect to search out hidden pumpkins and win a month of free Gong cha. It was an absolute hit. The excitement across the occasion was contagious, with prospects eagerly sharing their pumpkin finds on social media. Because of this, we noticed double-digit gross sales progress inside the first two weeks and a big uptick in retailer visitors. On the media facet, our marketing campaign generated over 500,000 views, with distinctive engagement throughout channels.” — Emily Lee, grasp franchisee of Gong cha
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Picture Credit score: Courtesy of HTeaO
11. Give away product for an excellent trigger.
“In Might 2024, for 2 weeks, nurses and academics throughout areas loved 50% off cups of tea to acknowledge their immense contributions. In Oklahoma Metropolis, we took our appreciation a step additional, when our Tea Truck made stops at two hospitals and a highschool. Every nurse and instructor obtained a free cup of tea, together with a ‘Certifiably Superior’ swag bag crammed with HTeaO goodies like lip balm, an vitality shot, and unique branded gadgets. Over 1,000 free teas had been served, and the response was overwhelming. Past spreading model consciousness and deepening group relationships, this marketing campaign created prospects for all times.” — Mackenzie Jewell, franchisee of HTeaO in Oklahoma
Picture Credit score: Courtesy of CertaPro Painters
12. Launch an annual feel-good charity marketing campaign.
“Throughout our ‘Paint it Pink’ marketing campaign, in partnership with the Breast Most cancers Analysis Basis and Breast Most cancers Canada, franchisees pledge to donate a share of each portray venture accomplished between October and November. Additionally they rally behind the trigger by means of pages on their web sites, advertising and marketing supplies, and social media campaigns. Probably the most thrilling means franchisees get entangled is by donning shiny pink gear and teaming up with native companies. Suppose pink ice cream outlets, pink espresso homes, pink places of work, and even ‘pinked-out’ nation golf equipment! If it may be painted, it is going pink. For the reason that campaigns, Paint it Pink has raised $555,000 — equal to funding 11,000 hours of groundbreaking analysis.” — Mike Stone, CEO of CertaPro Painters
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