The off season hits Cody and Powell differently than a lot of markets.
Summer brings tourists, road traffic, Yellowstone visitors, events, weddings, outdoor recreation, and people who are ready to spend.
Then fall arrives.
Visitor traffic slows. Local families settle into school routines. Winter follows. Some businesses cut hours. Others reduce advertising and hope spring shows up quickly.
There is another option.
The slower months give local businesses time to create offers, reactivate old customers, increase repeat purchases, build referrals, and capture revenue that gets overlooked during the busy season.
The ideas below are designed to be practical.
You should be able to read one, understand exactly how it could work, and decide whether it fits your business.
You do not need 101 new marketing campaigns.
You probably need three or four really good ones.
Here are 101 places to start.
Bring Local Customers Through the Door
1. Create a Park County Locals Night
Pick your historically slowest night of the week and create an offer specifically for local residents.
A restaurant might offer a locals-only dinner special every Tuesday from November through March. A retailer could offer double loyalty points on Wednesdays.
Keep the offer tied to a day that already needs help.
2. Create an Off-Season Loyalty Card
Make a punch card that only works between October and April.
For example:
Buy five lunches, get the sixth free.
Book three winter appointments, get a free upgrade.
Shop four times before March, receive a $25 store credit.
The limited timeframe gives customers a reason to return during months when they normally disappear.
3. Build a Cody Date Night Package
Restaurants, theaters, photographers, florists, breweries, dessert shops, and entertainment businesses can combine offers.
Instead of selling dinner alone, create a complete local night out.
Package the experience and give people one easy decision to make.
4. Create a Powell Date Night Version
Do the same thing specifically for Powell.
A local offer feels stronger when the businesses involved are close enough that customers can actually use everything in one evening.
5. Create a “Cabin Fever” Promotion
By January, people are looking for reasons to get out of the house.
Build an event or offer around that feeling.
A boutique could host an after-hours shopping night. A restaurant could create a themed dinner. A salon could host a girls’ night. A gym could run a one-day challenge.
6. Offer a Slow-Hour Special
Look at your sales by hour.
Find the two-hour window where revenue consistently drops.
Create something available only during that period.
A coffee shop might run a 2:00 to 4:00 afternoon special. A restaurant could create an early dinner offer. A retail store might offer a weekday shopping perk.
7. Create a Winter Passport
Partner with several local businesses.
Customers receive a card with participating locations. Every purchase earns a stamp.
Completing the card unlocks a prize contributed by the group.
This gives every business an incentive to promote the others.
8. Run a Receipt Comeback Offer
Put an offer directly on the customer’s receipt.
Example:
Spend with us in October and bring this receipt back in November for $15 off a $75 purchase.
The goal is to turn today’s customer into next month’s customer.
9. Create a Local Resident Bundle
Package products or services around something locals actually need during winter.
A spa might build a dry-skin package.
An auto shop might create a winter driving inspection.
A restaurant could offer a family dinner bundle.
A photographer might sell a holiday card package.
10. Create an Off-Season Membership
Ask whether customers could pay monthly instead of buying one transaction at a time.
Memberships can work for salons, coffee shops, fitness businesses, car washes, professional services, photography, maintenance companies, restaurants, and retail businesses.
Recurring revenue makes seasonal swings easier to manage.
Bring Previous Customers Back
11. Pull Your Customer List From the Last 12 Months
Do not start with an ad.
Start with people who already know you.
Export your customer list and look for anyone who has not purchased recently.
Send a personal email or text inviting them back.
12. Contact Customers Who Bought This Time Last Year
Purchase history is one of the easiest ways to identify likely buyers.
If someone scheduled furnace maintenance last October, bought family photos last fall, booked catering last Christmas, or purchased a seasonal product last year, contact them again.
13. Follow Up on Every Unclosed Estimate
Find estimates, proposals, consultations, and inquiries that never became sales.
Send a simple message:
“Hey, are you still planning to do this?”
Some customers simply got distracted.
14. Create a “We Miss You” Campaign
Identify customers who used to buy regularly and stopped.
Send them a personalized comeback offer.
Avoid sending a giant generic blast when your software lets you identify exactly who has gone inactive.
15. Call Your 20 Best Customers
Look at lifetime value instead of your most recent transactions.
Personally call the customers who have spent the most with you.
Ask how they are doing, whether they need anything, and whether there is anything else your business could help with.
16. Create a Customer-Only Winter Offer
Give existing customers something that is unavailable to the public.
Exclusive access makes your database more valuable.
17. Sell the Next Appointment Before They Leave
If your business relies on repeat appointments, make future booking part of checkout.
Salons, dentists, photographers, consultants, pet groomers, maintenance companies, fitness businesses, and service providers can all use this.
18. Offer an Annual Prepay Option
Give customers the ability to prepay for services they will use anyway.
A customer might purchase four quarterly services upfront in exchange for a small bonus or discount.
You generate cash now and secure future business.
19. Offer an Upgrade to Previous Buyers
Look at what customers already purchased.
Then identify the logical next purchase.
Someone who bought the basic service may want maintenance. Someone who purchased a product may need accessories. Someone who booked one session may want a yearly package.
20. Ask Past Customers What They Need Next
Send one simple survey question:
“What could we offer this winter that would make your life easier?”
Customer answers may reveal an offer you have never considered.
Generate Cash Before the Slowest Months
21. Sell Gift Cards With a Bonus
Instead of discounting the gift card itself, add future value.
Example:
Buy a $100 gift card and receive a $20 bonus card valid January through March.
The business receives cash now and directs the bonus toward a slow period.
22. Sell Prepaid Service Packages
Bundle several future purchases together.
Five massages.
Three detailing appointments.
Four maintenance visits.
Ten lunches.
A package can increase average order value while locking in future visits.
23. Create Three Bundles at Different Price Points
Make buying easy.
For example:
$50 gift bundle.
$100 gift bundle.
$200 premium bundle.
People often spend more when they can choose between clear options.
24. Create a Winter Flash Sale Around One Product
Choose one product or service rather than discounting everything.
Use the promotion to drive traffic while protecting margins elsewhere.
25. Sell Next Summer Early
If your summer calendar fills, begin selling next season during winter.
Wedding vendors, photographers, tour companies, contractors, event businesses, and seasonal service providers can collect deposits long before peak season arrives.
26. Offer Early Booking Bonuses
Instead of cutting your price, add value.
Book by December 31 and receive an extra hour.
Reserve before February and receive a free upgrade.
Adding value can preserve your core pricing.
27. Create a Limited Number of Prepaid Slots
Release 20 discounted spring appointments or summer reservations.
Scarcity becomes real because the number of appointments actually is limited.
28. Run a Customer Appreciation Sale
Invite existing customers before opening the promotion to everyone else.
Give your best customers first access.
29. Create a Subscription Box
Retailers, food businesses, specialty shops, bakeries, coffee companies, boutiques, and gift stores can package recurring products into a monthly subscription.
30. Sell Corporate Holiday Packages
Businesses need employee gifts, client gifts, party catering, photography, event services, gift cards, flowers, promotional items, and other holiday purchases.
Build a package specifically for employers instead of waiting for them to ask.
Increase Average Transaction Size
31. Create an Add-On Menu
Write down five inexpensive upgrades customers can add to their purchase.
Train employees to offer them consistently.
32. Bundle Items Customers Already Buy Together
If customers commonly buy Product A and Product B, package them.
A bundle reduces decision-making and can increase average order value.
33. Create a Premium Version of Your Most Popular Offer
Some customers will happily pay more for convenience, speed, personalization, or additional service.
Give them the option.
34. Add a Checkout Upgrade
Offer one relevant upgrade at checkout.
Keep it closely connected to what the customer already purchased.
35. Create a “Complete Package”
Take the thing customers usually piece together and package the entire solution.
Convenience is often worth more than a discount.
36. Add Gift Wrapping
During the holidays, convenience can increase both revenue and customer satisfaction.
Retail stores can charge for premium wrapping or include it above a certain purchase amount.
37. Offer Delivery
Some Cody and Powell customers will pay for local delivery during winter.
Test it on high-margin purchases rather than assuming delivery has to be free.
38. Offer Installation or Setup
Retail businesses can increase revenue by adding setup, delivery, installation, personalization, or training.
39. Build a Family Package
Restaurants, photographers, entertainment businesses, fitness companies, and service providers can bundle several people into one purchase.
40. Create a Business Package
Take your consumer service and ask whether a local employer could buy it for their staff, clients, or organization.
Generate More Referrals
41. Give Customers a Specific Referral Offer
“Tell your friends about us” is vague.
Give customers something concrete.
Refer a new customer who purchases and receive a $50 credit.
42. Give Employees Referral Cards
Print cards with each employee’s name.
Track the customers each employee sends in and reward successful referrals.
43. Ask for the Referral Immediately After a Compliment
When a customer says they love the service, that is the moment to ask.
Make the request simple.
“If you know anyone else who needs this, send them our way.”
44. Build a Referral Partnership With One Complementary Business
A wedding photographer could partner with a florist.
A contractor could work with a realtor.
A gym could partner with a physical therapy office.
Choose someone who serves the same customer without competing for the same sale.
45. Create a Referral Contest for Existing Customers
During one specific month, every successful referral earns an entry toward a prize.
Keep the reward relevant to your business.
46. Thank Referral Sources With Something Unexpected
Send a handwritten note, small gift, store credit, or personal thank-you.
People tend to remember businesses that appreciate referrals.
47. Build a Local Preferred Vendor List
Create a short list of businesses you confidently recommend.
Send customers to them.
Strong referral partnerships often begin by giving first.
48. Ask Vendors to Refer Customers
Your suppliers, accountants, bankers, insurance agents, realtors, contractors, and other professional contacts may encounter your ideal customers regularly.
Make sure they clearly understand what you sell.
49. Give Local Hotels a Trackable Offer
Restaurants, retailers, attractions, transportation companies, spas, and service businesses can create cards specifically for hotel guests.
Give each property a unique code so you know which locations produce customers.
50. Build a Referral Offer for Realtors
New residents need an enormous number of local services.
Create something realtors can include in welcome packets for new homeowners.
Create Better Winter Promotions
51. Build a First Snow Campaign
Prepare the campaign before snow arrives.
When Cody or Powell gets its first real snowfall, launch the offer immediately.
52. Create a Cold-Weather Triggered Promotion
Restaurants, coffee shops, retailers, auto businesses, HVAC companies, and home service businesses can create promotions tied to very cold days.
53. Build a “Beat the Freeze” Campaign
Home service businesses can promote preventative services before temperatures plunge.
54. Create a Holiday Survival Package
Think about the problems customers experience during November and December.
Stress.
Visitors.
Cooking.
Gifts.
Cleaning.
Travel.
Build a product around solving one of those problems.
55. Create a January Reset Offer
January naturally creates demand around organization, fitness, finances, planning, health, home projects, and business improvement.
Build your offer before January begins.
56. Create a “Beat the Spring Rush” Campaign
Contractors and service providers often become overwhelmed when weather improves.
Sell appointments during winter before that rush starts.
57. Create an Off-Season Exclusive Product
Release something customers can only buy during winter.
Seasonality gives people a reason to act.
58. Create a Winter Limited Edition
Food, beverages, products, merchandise, photography sets, gift boxes, and services can all receive a seasonal version.
59. Run a Mystery Offer
Give customers a sealed envelope, scratch card, wheel spin, or mystery reward after purchase.
Require a purchase before they receive it.
60. Create a Secret Menu Item
Promote it only through your email list or social followers.
This gives people a reason to stay connected with the business.
Turn Holiday Spending Into Revenue
61. Build a Gift Guide Under $25
Use products you already stock.
Make shopping easy for customers who have small gift exchanges.
62. Build a Gift Guide Under $50
Photograph the products and post the entire guide online.
63. Build a Premium Local Gift Guide
Feature your higher-end products for people looking for important gifts.
64. Create “Gifts for Him” Packages
Do the thinking for the customer.
Bundle products into ready-to-buy gifts.
65. Create “Gifts for Her” Packages
Use actual products available in your business rather than generic gift suggestions.
66. Create a Local Wyoming Gift Table
Feature products made in Wyoming or connected to the area.
Local products can appeal to residents and visitors buying gifts.
67. Offer Personal Shopping Appointments
Let customers give you their budget and recipient list.
Prepare options before they arrive.
68. Create a Wishlist System
Let customers build a list in-store or online.
Give them a link or card they can send to spouses, parents, or relatives.
69. Offer Corporate Gift Bundles
Create prebuilt packages businesses can purchase for employees or clients.
Include volume pricing if the numbers make sense.
70. Run a 12 Days of Christmas Promotion
Feature one product, package, or offer each day.
Prepare all 12 before launching so the campaign stays consistent.
Create Experiences People Will Pay For
71. Host a Workshop
Teach customers something connected to your business.
A florist can teach wreath making.
A restaurant can host a cooking class.
A photographer can teach phone photography.
A retailer can host a styling event.
Charge for the experience.
72. Host an After-Hours Shopping Night
Limit attendance, provide refreshments, offer exclusive products, and create a reason to visit.
73. Create a Couples Event
Valentine’s Day does not have to be the only excuse.
Build an experience around couples during a slow month.
74. Create a Girls’ Night
Boutiques, salons, spas, restaurants, photographers, fitness companies, and gift shops can collaborate.
75. Host a Business Owner Night
B2B businesses can bring local owners together around a useful topic.
Education can lead naturally into paid services.
76. Create a Kids’ Event
Family-oriented businesses can run crafts, classes, experiences, holiday events, or seasonal activities.
77. Host a Customer Appreciation Event
Invite your best customers and give them early access to new products, special pricing, or a preview event.
78. Sell Tickets Instead of Giving the Event Away
Free events often produce weak commitment.
Even a modest ticket price can increase attendance and offset costs.
79. Partner With Two Other Businesses on One Event
Combine audiences and split the promotional workload.
Choose businesses whose customers overlap.
80. Create a Limited-Capacity Experience
A 12-person class can feel more valuable than a generic open house.
Small capacity also creates legitimate urgency.
Use Your Existing Audience Better
81. Send an Email With One Offer
Avoid cramming every promotion into one newsletter.
Choose one offer with one action you want the reader to take.
82. Text Customers About Time-Sensitive Availability
If you have cancellations, last-minute openings, fresh inventory, or limited quantities, text messaging can move quickly.
Only message customers who have appropriately opted in.
83. Create a VIP Text List
Give subscribers early access to appointments, inventory, discounts, or events.
84. Post Your Available Appointments Every Monday
Service businesses often have unused inventory in the form of open appointment times.
Show people exactly what is available.
85. Post Specific Inventory
“Come shop with us” gives people very little reason to move.
“This jacket just arrived in sizes S through XL and we only received six” is far more useful.
86. Sell Directly Through Facebook Live
Retail businesses can show products live and let customers claim them during the stream.
87. Show Before-and-After Results
Service businesses should document transformations whenever customers permit it.
Proof can shorten the buying decision.
88. Turn Frequently Asked Questions Into Sales Content
Answer questions about cost, timelines, results, problems, and expectations.
Good educational content helps customers qualify themselves before contacting you.
89. Show the Price
For products and services where pricing is straightforward, make it easier for customers to buy.
A post that says “$79 and available today” can outperform one that forces customers to message for every detail.
90. Tell Customers Exactly How to Buy
End posts with a clear action.
Call this number.
Book here.
Visit before 6:00.
Reply to this email.
Specific instructions reduce friction.
Build Revenue for Next Season
91. Take Deposits for Next Summer
If customers can reserve now, give them the option.
A deposit improves cash flow and creates future committed revenue.
92. Open Your Summer Calendar Early
Do not wait until customers start asking.
Tell them when booking opens.
93. Sell Early Access to High-Demand Dates
If certain weekends always sell out, give existing customers the opportunity to reserve them first.
94. Create a Waitlist
Collect names for seasonal services before the season begins.
When availability opens, you already have people to contact.
95. Build a Summer Package During Winter
Use your slower months to create the offer, price it, photograph it, build the page, and prepare promotion.
96. Contact Previous Summer Customers
Ask whether they want to reserve the same service again next year.
97. Ask for Deposits on Large Projects
Contractors, event businesses, photographers, caterers, and professional services can secure future work with deposits where appropriate.
98. Create a Spring Priority List
Let customers join a list now for work that begins when the weather changes.
99. Sell Seasonal Maintenance Plans
Bundle spring, summer, fall, and winter services into one annual agreement.
Recurring plans can turn a seasonal customer into a year-round customer.
100. Pre-Sell a New Product
If you know something new is coming, let loyal customers reserve it before arrival.
Preorders can help you understand actual demand before committing heavily to inventory.
101. Ask One Question Before Creating Another Promotion
Before spending money on another ad, ask:
What is the easiest way for someone who already knows our business to spend more money with us during the next 30 days?
Look at the customers you already have.
Look at appointments that are currently empty.
Look at products sitting on shelves.
Look at estimates that never closed.
Look at services customers buy repeatedly.
There may already be revenue sitting inside your business.
Off-Season Marketing in Cody and Powell Should Produce Revenue
Marketing during the off season should have a purpose.
For one business, the goal might be getting more people through the door on Wednesdays.
Another company might need to reactivate customers who disappeared after summer.
A seasonal business may need deposits for next year.
The right campaign depends on where revenue is currently leaking.
Pick three ideas from this list.
Put actual numbers behind them.
If you have 30 empty appointments next month, build a campaign designed to fill 30 appointments.
If January sales historically drop by $10,000, decide how many gift cards, packages, memberships, or prepaid services would close that gap.
If you have 500 previous customers sitting in a database, start with them before spending thousands of dollars trying to reach 500 strangers.
That is where off-season marketing gets interesting.
You stop asking, “What should we post?”
You start asking, “Where can we create revenue?”
That is the question I want more Cody and Powell businesses asking this winter.
If you want help figuring out which opportunities make the most sense for your business, 1330 Creative works with businesses throughout Cody, Powell, and the Big Horn Basin on websites, SEO, advertising, email marketing, social media, Google Business Profile management, and marketing strategy.
Tell us where your slow season hurts the most, and we can start there.
