Build your business with promotions for tax season.

Only two things in life are certain: taxes, and the opportunity to market your business during tax season. That might not really be how the saying goes, but the yearly tax season does present a great opportunity for promoting your business. And the promotional opportunities aren't limited to accountants and tax preparation services – according to recent reports, many other retail businesses are using the tax season to build brand awareness and draw in new customers.

Consider these promotional options before, on, and after tax day:

Before Tax Day
The months leading up to April 15 are perfect for accountants and tax preparation services to promote their business. Items like calculators, notepads and pencils help build brand awareness and can also be used for advertising year-round.

Businesses like coffee shops and bookstores can market to customers who choose to do their own taxes, offering a quiet place to sit and discounts on snacks or drinks while they work. Consider a promotional mug that reads "Joe's Coffee Shop Got Me Through Tax Season" or other items that promote your business as tax-preparer-friendly.

On Tax Day
When April 15 rolls around, customers are filled with a mixture of panic and relief. Take advantage of these strong emotions with deals and discounts for your products. Offer a stress ball or other giveaway as a free gift with purchase, or use logoed balloons to help customers celebrate being done with their taxes.

After Tax Day
When tax season is over, businesses offering relaxation and fitness services can step up and draw in new customers. Spas and salons can encourage customers to relax after the stressful season with massagers or soothing bath sets, and gyms and fitness clubs can encourage customers to get back into their healthy routines with pedometers and gym bags.

No matter what industry you're in, promoting during tax season makes good business sense. Browse our desk and office category for great tax season ideas, or check out some of these best sellers:

Back to Idea Articles