By Dianne M. Pogoda

It’s the most wonderful time of the year — National Kitchen and Bath Month. It’s coming up in October, and it’s a great opportunity to start thinking of ways to boost business during this promotional period. It’s a busy time for everyone – particularly homeowners starting to think about holiday preparations — and that often means sprucing up the house. Whether it’s engaging in a full kitchen remodel or refreshing the powder room, many homeowners will be in a rush to be ready before the Thanksgiving guests come over the river and through the woods.

Here are a few ways to capitalize on this desire by promoting services and discounts that might be available to clients.

  • Create a sense of urgency. Let’s face it: some people just work better with a deadline looming. Through a postcard mailer, email blast, signage in your store or showroom — however you get the message out to consumers — plant the seed that now is the time to spruce up and be ready for the holidays. Alert them to discounts on goods or services during National Kitchen and Bath Month, offer a percentage off a job that starts in the month of October.
    Planning any kind of renovation often starts months in advance — perhaps the homeowners have already been shopping, researching, clipping looks. So, this could be the nudge they need to commit to a design and get moving on a project.
  • Retailers/Designers: Contact your suppliers — from appliance vendors to cabinet makers to fixture and tile providers — to determine what kind of specials or discounts they can offer to pass on to your potential customers. It’s a win-win for both of you, as well as the consumer.
  • Collaborate with other local professionals on various promotions. For instance, a designer or retailer might team up with a local tile supplier to offer a discount on certain tiles, or with a local craftsman to offer a discount on building/remodeling services or installation. Make it a month-long effort to cross-promote in various disciplines — you never know what business relationships can emerge!
  • Remember, the idea is to get consumers to trust professionals in the field to get the job done right and on schedule. Emphasize in your communications that consumers tackling involved projects by themselves often results in not finishing on time at best, or having to rip out and re-do work — at a higher cost — at worst.
  • Promote the discounts and collaborations on all social media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and more. If you don’t have a presence on social media, or a list of clients’ emails, now’s the time to start building one.
  • Communicate! Send a direct-mail piece or email blast to past clients promoting a special of the month; obtain a list of sales of homes in your area in the past year from resources such as Realtor.com, Zillow.com, or simply contact a local realtor or your municipal records hall. These new homeowners might be in the market for renovations, making them prime potential customers.