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YOUR
Ultimate
2021 MARKETING
PLANNING GUIDE
2020 is finally over and we can see the light at the end of
this long tunnel! So, what does that mean for your business?
That now it’s time to plan for success as the world opens
up again, and this guide will give you strategic marketing
ideas to do just that.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
03   2021 Marketing Trends to Inform Your Planning

04   Popular Hashtags

Marketing Ideas by Month
05 January
07 February
09 March
11 April
13 May
15 June
17 July
19 August
21 September
23 October
25 November
27   December

29   Conclusion

                                                     YOUR ULTIMATE 2021 MARKETING PLANNING GUIDE
2021 MARKETING PREDICTIONS
TO HELP YOU PREPARE FOR THIS YEAR
Set yourself up for success this year by paying close attention to these trends
and predictions that may impact your marketing.

  YOUR WEB PRESENCE IS OF                        LOCAL SEO IS A MUST FOR                          YOUR BRAND STORY
  THE UTMOST IMPORTANCE                          ALL BUSINESS TYPES                               MATTERS MORE
  In 2020, we saw how critical it was for        Local SEO is a key component of a                Consumers are seeking a connection with
  businesses to have a solid web presence        healthy web presence, and it’s no longer         the businesses they frequent. Make sure
  so consumers could find their business         negotiable for businesses – whether              they know and understand your brand
  when searching online. This will continue      you’re a local single-location storefront        story – what makes you unique, what
  to be important as people navigate the         or a multi-location national chain. As           matters to you and your employees, and
  pandemic – and as we (hopefully) emerge        more and more consumers turn to search           what causes you care about. This can help
  later this year.                               engines to find businesses and answers,          you stand out and build brand loyalty.
                                                 local SEO is how you can ensure you’re
                                                 getting seen when and where it counts.

  MAKE YOUR BUSINESS                             STAY SOCIAL
  NEWSWORTHY                                     Social media has only grown in importance
                                                                                                  DEVELOP A PLAN –
                                                 – if that even seemed possible – and
  In 2020, more people than ever turned                                                           BUT BE AGILE
                                                 businesses are adapting to the new ways
  to their local publications to stay
                                                 that consumers expect to engage with             You might be hesitant to develop a full
  informed on all the changes and updates
                                                 them and consume content. Make sure              marketing plan for 2021 considering the
  happening across the country. And, we
                                                 you have a plan to reach your audience,          change we all experienced in 2020. But, it’s
  see that will only continue. Make sure
                                                 post likeable content, and give a glimpse        still crucial to outline your marketing plan
  your business is visible in the news –
                                                 into what your business is all about on          – determine what marketing is necessary
  whether in print or online – with print ads,
                                                 social this year.                                year-round and what marketing strategies
  display advertising, and branded content.
                                                                                                  you’d like to try once you know where your
                                                                                                  business – and the economy – is going.

                                                                                             YOUR ULTIMATE 2021 MARKETING PLANNING GUIDE
POPULAR INDUSTRY-SPECIFIC HASHTAGS
Use these hashtags on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter (and maybe even LinkedIn!) to help
your social posts reach a wider audience.

 FINANCIAL
              #finance, #business, #investment, #entrepreneur, #investing, #success, #financialfreedom, #wealth, #stocks, #money,
 SERVICES     #stocks, #accounting, #stockmarket, #investor, #trading
 INDUSTRY

 HOME
              #interiordesign, #homedecor, #architecture, #home, #decor, #interiors, #furniture, #homedesign, #interiordesigner,
 SERVICES     #vintage, #homesweethome, #exteriordesign, #construction, #garden, #gardening, #designinspo, #designinspiration
 INDUSTRY

 HEALTHCARE   #healthcare, #healthandwellness, #wellness, #healthyliving, #getyourcheckup, #checkup, #health, #telehealth, #doctor,
 INDUSTRY     #selfcare, #pharma, #medtech, #hospitals, #covid19

 FOOD &
              #food, #foodie, #foodphotography, #yummy, #delicious, #foodlover, #healthyfood, #tasty, #yum, #sweet, #hungry,
 BEVERAGE     #eat, #healthy, #homemade, #chef, #alcohol, #booze
 INDUSTRY

 FITNESS &
              #fitness, #gym, #workout, #fit, #fitnessmotivation, #motivation, #bodybuilding, #training, #health, #fitfam, #sport,
 WELLNESS     #crossfit, #lifestyle, #healthy, #strong, #fitspo, #wod
 INDUSTRY

 EDUCATION    #school, #college, #university, #inspiration, #learning, #motivation, #teacherlife, #studentlife, #success, #knowledge,
 INDUSTRY     #learn, #lifegoals, #teacher, #study, #student, #teachergoals, #virtuallearning, #distancelearning, #highered

 FASHION
              #fashion, #style, #love, #ootd, #fashionblogger, #beauty, #instafashion, #fashionista, #art, #makeup, #outfit,
 & BEAUTY     #shopping, #dress, #lifestyle
 INDUSTRY

 AUTOMOTIVE   #carsforsale, #newcars, #usedcars, #preownedcars, #carselling, #carbuying, #forsale, #carsales, #dealership, #carbuyer,
 INDUSTRY     #autosales, #carbusiness, #newcarsforsale, #usedcarsforsale, #cardealership
January 2021
                                                                                                   SOCIAL CALENDAR IDEAS

                                                                                                   JAN 13
                                                                                                   MAKE YOUR DREAM COME
                                                                                                   TRUE DAY
THIS MONTH’S MARKETING MUST                                                                        Share how you or one of your team
                                                                                                   members has had a dream come true –
Get your year started off right by taking a look at your website. Don’t have one yet? Now’s        whether it’s a goal you reached, a milestone
the time to invest! Your website is the hub for your business and the foundation for all           you celebrated, or a trip to Disneyland! Ask
your other digital marketing strategies.                                                           your audience what dream they want to
                                                                                                   come true this year. #dreamcometrue

QUICK TIPS
• Make sure your website is responsive – meaning it looks great on desktop, mobile,                JAN 18
  and tablets.                                                                                     MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY
• Check that your contact information is prominently displayed on your homepage                    Celebrate this day by sharing your favorite
  and most other pages on your site.                                                               Martin Luther King Jr. quote and asking
                                                                                                   your audience to share theirs. #MLKDay
• Test a few links and your form fill to make sure customers can easily contact you
  if they try.
                                                                                                   JAN 21
                                                                                                   GET TO KNOW YOUR
MARKETING & PROMOTION IDEAS                                                                        CUSTOMERS DAY
• Run a 21% off sale to celebrate the year 2021.                                                   What are your customers really like and
                                                                                                   what do they like? Ask them! Engage with
• Make New Year’s resolutions for your business, and if applicable, share them with                the people who love your business best.
  your customers on social media or through email marketing.                                       #gettoknowyourcustomersday
• Host or attend a blood drive as a company – January is National Blood Drive month.

• Write a holiday round-up post for your company blog or social sites – include
  pictures of how you and your team celebrated.

86%                of consumers won’t buy from a company
                   with a poorly designed website.
                   SOURCE: IRONMONK
                                                                                              YOUR ULTIMATE 2021 MARKETING PLANNING GUIDE
January 2021
   Sunday              Monday          Tuesday            Wednesday          Thursday               Friday                Saturday

                                                                                                                 1                   2

                                                                                               NEW YEAR'S DAY

               3                 4                  5                 6                  7                       8                   9

                                                                                                                     LAW ENFORCEMENT
                   NATIONAL TRIVIA                                                                                     APPRECIATION
                        DAY                                                                                                DAY

              10                 11              12                 13                  14                     15                    16

                                                        MAKE YOUR DREAM
                                                         COME TRUE DAY

              17                 18              19                20                   21                     22                  23

                    MARTIN LUTHER      NATIONAL                           GET TO KNOW YOUR
                     KING, JR. DAY    POPCORN DAY                          CUSTOMERS DAY
                       #MLKDay

              24                 25              26                 27                  28

   NATIONAL                                                               DATA PRIVACY DAY
COMPLIMENT DAY

              31   GOALS & PLANNING

GRAMMY AWARDS
   #grammys

                                                                                     YOUR ULTIMATE 2021 MARKETING PLANNING GUIDE
February 2021
                                                                                                  SOCIAL CALENDAR IDEAS

                                                                                                  FEB 07
                                                                                                  SUPER BOWL SUNDAY
                                                                                                  Share your and your team member’s Super
THIS MONTH’S MARKETING MUST                                                                       Bowl Sunday plans and ask your audience
                                                                                                  to share theirs. The day after the Super
How do your listings look online? Your local listings are an important part of your online        Bowl, ask your audience what their favorite
presence because they show up in local searches, house reviews, and can increase your             commercial was. #superbowl2021
visibility on search engines.
                                                                                                  FEB 14
                                                                                                  VALENTINE’S DAY
QUICK TIPS
                                                                                                  Socialize your Valentine’s Day specials or
• Make sure your business is listed on the top local listings sites.                              promotions on your social sites. Target
• Do a quick search for your business name and check that the listings that show up               those last-minute shoppers with a special
  have the correct information about your business.                                               gift basket giveaway. #valentinesday

• Keep your business name, address, and phone number consistent across all your                   FEB 20
  listings. Consistency is an important ranking factor!                                           LOVE YOUR PETS DAY
                                                                                                  Who can resist a picture of some cute
                                                                                                  pets?! Share pictures of your pets and ask
MARKETING & PROMOTION IDEAS                                                                       your audience to share theirs and tag your
                                                                                                  business. #loveyourpetsday
• Run a Valentine’s Day sale or promotion to show your customers how much you
  love them.

• Send your customers your Valentine’s Day promotion over email so they get a little
  love in their inbox.

• To celebrate Black History Month, share your favorite quotes from Black leaders or
  historical figures on social media and ask your audience to share theirs.

• February is also Heart Disease Awareness month, so share resources on your
  social sites to educate your audience.

68%
                    of people would stop working with a
                    local business if they found incorrect
                    info in their local listings.
                    SOURCE: BRIGHTLOCAL                                                      YOUR ULTIMATE 2021 MARKETING PLANNING GUIDE
February 2021
     Sunday                Monday            Tuesday          Wednesday        Thursday             Friday                Saturday

                                      1                  2                 3              4                      5                   6

                                          GROUNDHOG DAY       WORLD READ                          NATIONAL
                                                               ALOUD DAY                         WEAR RED DAY

                    7                8                   9             10                 11                   12                    13

   SUPER BOWL                                                                                  CHINESE NEW YEAR       GALENTINE’S DAY
     SUNDAY

                14                  15                 16               17                18                   19                  20

  VALENTINE’S DAY       PRESIDENT’S DAY     MARDI GRAS       ASH WEDNESDAY                                             NATIONAL LOVE
                                                                                                                       YOUR PETS DAY

                21                  22                 23              24                 25                   26                    27

                          NATIONAL
                        MARGARITA DAY

                28

  GOLDEN GLOBES
    #goldenglobes

GOALS & PLANNING

                                                                                     YOUR ULTIMATE 2021 MARKETING PLANNING GUIDE
March 2021
                                                                                                SOCIAL CALENDAR IDEAS

                                                                                                MAR 05
                                                                                                EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION DAY
                                                                                                Shout out your employees on your social
THIS MONTH’S MARKETING MUST                                                                     media pages with a picture or video
                                                                                                highlighting each one and sharing why
Are you using your business’s social media sites to their fullest potential? Your social        they’re special. #employeeappreciation
media sites give you a place to directly engage with your target audience and brand
fans – so they shouldn’t be ignored!                                                            MAR 14
                                                                                                PI DAY
QUICK TIPS                                                                                      Share pictures of you and your team
                                                                                                enjoying some pie to celebrate Pi Day. If
• Take a minute to refresh your social media pages with new images, a high-res logo,            you don’t offer pie, make sure to tag your
  and correct business information.                                                             local bakery in your post to support another
• Try out different types of social posts to see which perform best for your audience –         local business! #piday
  do they like pictures or videos better than content?
                                                                                                MAR 20
• Create a posting schedule so you’re regularly posting on your social media platforms.         INTERNATIONAL HAPPINESS DAY
                                                                                                Ask your audience to share what makes
                                                                                                them happy – it can be a picture, a post, or
MARKETING & PROMOTION IDEAS                                                                     a video. You can even turn it into a contest
                                                                                                and choose one winner to make extra
• Run a St. Patrick’s Day special – 17% off services or products.
                                                                                                happy! #internationaldayofhappiness
• March is Women’s History Month, so share inspirational quotes from inspirational
  women on your social media pages.

• Celebrate your employees this month by giving them a special incentive or a paid
  day off – your employees are the backbone of your business!

• Spruce up the About page on your website to make sure it accurately conveys
  your brand story.

60%                 of Instagram users say they discover
                    new businesses on the platform.
                    SOURCE: FACEBOOK
                                                                                           YOUR ULTIMATE 2021 MARKETING PLANNING GUIDE
March 2021
     Sunday             Monday         Tuesday           Wednesday         Thursday             Friday                Saturday

                                  1                 2                  3              4                      5                      6

                          ZERO                             WORLD                              EMPLOYEE
                     DISCRIMINATION                     WILDLIFE DAY                       APPRECIATION DAY
                           DAY

                 7                8                 9               10                11                   12                      13

     NATIONAL        INTERNATIONAL
    CEREAL DAY        WOMEN’S DAY

              14                 15                16               17                18                   19                     20
                                                                                                                   START OF SPRING
                                                        SAINT PATRICK’S                                             (Spring Equinox) &
  SAG AWARDS,
     PI DAY &                                                 DAY                                                   INTERNATIONAL
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS                                                                                                    HAPPINESS DAY

              21                 22                23               24                25                   26                     27

                                       NATIONAL                                                                   PASSOVER BEGINS
                                       PUPPY DAY

              28                 29                30               31

   PALM SUNDAY       VIETNAM WAR       NATIONAL
                     VETERANS DAY     DOCTORS’ DAY

GOALS & PLANNING

                                                                                 YOUR ULTIMATE 2021 MARKETING PLANNING GUIDE
April 2021
                                                                                                    SOCIAL CALENDAR IDEAS

                                                                                                    APRIL 1
                                                                                                    APRIL FOOL’S DAY
                                                                                                    If your business is into pranks, post the
THIS MONTH’S MARKETING MUST                                                                         aftermath on your social sites. Ask your
                                                                                                    audience the best prank they’ve pulled –
After giving your social media sites a little love last month, let’s take it a step further!        or had pulled on them. #aprilfools
Facebook advertising can help you reach a new audience on both Facebook and
Instagram – two places you can’t afford to be missing out on.                                       APRIL 13
                                                                                                    NATIONAL SCRABBLE DAY
QUICK TIPS                                                                                          For all those word lovers, celebrate this fun
                                                                                                    holiday by sharing the best Scrabble word
• Try running a Facebook ad campaign using lookalike audience targeting, which allows               you’ve played – or by sharing some unique
  you to target users with traits similar to your existing customers.                               Scrabble-approved words your audience
• Create a Facebook Lead Ads campaign to get leads directly from Facebook.                          can steal. #nationalscrabbleday

• A/B test an ad with different ad creative or a varied call-to-action to see what performs         APRIL 22
  best with your audience.
                                                                                                    EARTH DAY
                                                                                                    Celebrate Earth Day by sharing ideas for
                                                                                                    sustainability, pictures of you and your
MARKETING & PROMOTION IDEAS                                                                         team volunteering with a local clean-up, or
• With many schools on Spring Break this month, consider a Spring Break sale or promotion.          how your business contributes to restoring
                                                                                                    our earth year-round. #earthday
• Run a Tax Day sale to entice shoppers to spend their refunds with you – or to help those
  who just paid their taxes save.

• Spring clean your web presence by doing a quick search for your brand name and
  taking note of what shows up – does everything look good?

• April is National Volunteer Month, so gather your employees and volunteer with
  a local organization. Make sure to share pictures to your social sites!

11                   The average Facebook user
                     clicks on 11 ads per month.
                     SOURCE: HOOTSUITE
                                                                                               YOUR ULTIMATE 2021 MARKETING PLANNING GUIDE
April 2021
     Sunday            Monday         Tuesday        Wednesday            Thursday               Friday                Saturday

                                                                                        1                     2                      3

                                                                        APRIL FOOL’S DAY AUTISM AWARENESS
                                                                      & NATIONAL BURRITO & GOOD FRIDAY
                                                                              DAY

               4                 5               6                7                  8                        9                   10

  EASTER SUNDAY                                       NATIONAL                                                          NATIONAL
 & PASSOVER ENDS                                      BEER DAY                                                        SIBLINGS DAY

               11               12              13               14                  15                     16                    17

    NATIONAL        RAMADAN BEGINS     NATIONAL                            TAX DAY
     PET DAY                         SCRABBLE DAY                      & NATIONAL HIGH
                                                                           FIVE DAY

               18               19              20               21                  22                     23                  24

                                                                         EARTH DAY

               25               26              27               28                  29                     30

ACADEMY AWARDS                                          PAY IT          NFL DRAFT DAY         ARBOR DAY &
                                                     FORWARD DAY                            KENTUCKY DERBY

GOALS & PLANNING

                                                                                  YOUR ULTIMATE 2021 MARKETING PLANNING GUIDE
May 2021
                                                                                                SOCIAL CALENDAR IDEAS

                                                                                                MAY 05
                                                                                                CINCO DE MAYO
                                                                                                If you’re celebrating, share your pictures on
THIS MONTH’S MARKETING MUST                                                                     social media. Restaurants can share Cinco
                                                                                                de Mayo party recipes. #cincodemayo
Want your business to get found on Google and other top search engines? Then SEO is a
must. SEO helps you rank on Google and get more traffic to your website, which can give
your business a real boost.                                                                     MAY 09
                                                                                                MOTHER’S DAY
QUICK TIPS                                                                                      Shout out to all the moms on social media
                                                                                                – share a special message, and include a
• Make sure all your metadata – meaning your title tags and meta descriptions –                 picture with you and your mom, or you and
  on your website are filled in and contain relevant keywords for your business.                your kids if you’re a mom! #mothersday
• Test the links on your site to make sure they go to live pages instead of broken links
  with 404 errors.                                                                              MAY 31
                                                                                                MEMORIAL DAY
• Read through the content on your site – does it make sense? Is it clear what your
                                                                                                Use quotes, images, and other posts to
  business does?
                                                                                                show your support for those who have lost
                                                                                                their lives for our country. #memorialday
MARKETING & PROMOTION IDEAS
• Take some time to make sure you’ve responded to all your business’s reviews
  so far this year.

• If you’re near a college, offer a special student discount before school gets out
  for the semester.

• Launch a customer loyalty program if you don’t already have one to reward your
  customers and keep them coming back.

• Consider partnering with a few local businesses for a “block party” to take
  advantage of nicer weather and get the word out about your business.

93%                 of online experiences begin
                    on a search engine.
                    SOURCE: SEARCH ENGINE JOURNAL
                                                                                           YOUR ULTIMATE 2021 MARKETING PLANNING GUIDE
May 2021
   Sunday              Monday             Tuesday         Wednesday        Thursday               Friday                Saturday

                                                                                                                                     1

                 2                3                 4                 5                 6                      7                     8

NATIONAL SMALL         MAY DAY         STAR WARS DAY      CINCO DE MAYO     NATIONAL                                 NATIONAL SMALL
 BUSINESS WEEK                           & NATIONAL                        NURSES DAY                                 BUSINESS WEEK
     BEGINS                            TEACHERS DAY                                                                       ENDS

                9                10                 11               12                 13                   14                    15

MOTHER’S DAY                           RAMADAN ENDS                                                                       ARMED
  #mothersday                                                                                                           FORCES DAY

                16               17                 18               19               20                     21                  22

                                                                          WORLD BEE DAY           BIKE TO
                                                                                                 WORK DAY

                23               24                 25               26               27                     28                  29

                                      NATIONAL WINE DAY                                         NATIONAL
                                                                                               BURGER DAY

                30               31   GOALS & PLANNING

                     MEMORIAL DAY

                                                                                   YOUR ULTIMATE 2021 MARKETING PLANNING GUIDE
June 2021
                                                                                                   SOCIAL CALENDAR IDEAS

                                                                                                   JUN 4
                                                                                                   NATIONAL DONUT DAY
                                                                                                   Bring donuts for your team (and for your
THIS MONTH’S MARKETING MUST                                                                        customers if you have a storefront!) and
                                                                                                   share pictures or videos of people enjoying
Video killed the radio star, and it’s still on the rise. Video is a powerful marketing tool        them. If you got donuts from a local bakery,
to help you connect with customers, share what your business is all about, and show –              make sure to tag them in your social posts!
instead of tell – why people should do business with you.                                          #nationaldonutday

                                                                                                   JUN 20
QUICK TIPS
                                                                                                   FATHER’S DAY
• Make a quick video from your cell phone walking through your location or introducing
                                                                                                   Now, it’s time to highlight all the dads
  yourself and share it on social media.
                                                                                                   out there! Share a picture of you and
• Try going live on Facebook or Instagram to build engagement with your audience.                  your dad or you and your kids if you’re a
                                                                                                   dad and ask your audience to share how
• Have your employees script a brand commercial for your business to either film
                                                                                                   they’re celebrating. Or, keep it casual and
  professionally or create using your smartphone.
                                                                                                   share your favorite dad joke. #fathersday
                                                                                                   #dadjoke

MARKETING & PROMOTION IDEAS                                                                        JUN 21
• We’re halfway through the year – are you on track to hit your business and marketing             NATIONAL SELFIE DAY
  goals? Review the goals you set and adjust as needed.                                            This is an easy one: Share your best selfie
• Run a summer sale or promotion to get more people to try out your business.                      and ask your employees to share their
                                                                                                   selfies! #selfieday
• Consider testing out a new marketing strategy in the last half of the year –
  research some options or talk to your marketing partner for ideas.

• Celebrate National Best Friend’s Day on June 8 by running a buy-one-get-one or
  referral special so best friends can take advantage of your products or services.

72%
                    of customers would rather learn about
                    a product or service through a video
                    than text.
                    SOURCE: HUBSPOT                                                           YOUR ULTIMATE 2021 MARKETING PLANNING GUIDE
June 2021
     Sunday                Monday             Tuesday         Wednesday         Thursday               Friday                Saturday

                                                         1                2                  3                      4                    5

                                                                                 NATIONAL            NATIONAL
                                                                                CHEESE DAY           DONUT DAY

                    6                  7                 8                9                10                      11                   12

                                              NATIONAL
                                           BEST FRIENDS DAY

                   13                 14                15            16                     17                   18                    19

                           FLAG DAY                                                                                         JUNETEENTH

                   20                 21                22            23                   24                     25                  26
   FATHER’S DAY
     #fathersday        NATIONAL SELFIE                                         NATIONAL             TAKE YOUR
& START OF SUMMER            DAY                                              HANDSHAKE DAY       DOG TO WORK DAY
   (Summer Solstice)

                   27                 28                29            30

   BET AWARDS
     #betawards

GOALS & PLANNING

                                                                                        YOUR ULTIMATE 2021 MARKETING PLANNING GUIDE
July 2021
                                                                                                    SOCIAL CALENDAR IDEAS

                                                                                                    JULY 4
                                                                                                    INDEPENDENCE DAY
                                                                                                    Share a simple Happy July 4th post with
THIS MONTH’S MARKETING MUST                                                                         a nice graphic – or share pictures of how
                                                                                                    you’re celebrating and ask your audience to
Print advertising is still a valuable marketing strategy for any local business – especially        share theirs! #july4th
when paired with digital marketing. You can create a unified brand message, increase
awareness, and drive users to your business with print ads.                                         JULY 15
                                                                                                    NATIONAL GIVE SOMETHING
                                                                                                    AWAY DAY
QUICK TIPS
                                                                                                    This is the perfect day for a Facebook
• Try running a print ad for a special promotion for your business – make sure to use a             or Instagram giveaway! Run a
  unique coupon code so you can track who found you from print.                                     social media contest and choose a
• Speaking of tracking your print ads, use a tracking number or tracking URL so you’re              winner to give something away to.
  able to see visitors from your print ads.                                                         #givesomethingawayday

• Opening a new location? Make sure to run a series of print ads in the local paper to get          JULY 21
  the word out.                                                                                     NATIONAL JUNK FOOD DAY
                                                                                                    Use the Poll feature on Facebook and
MARKETING & PROMOTION IDEAS                                                                         Twitter to ask your audience their favorite
                                                                                                    fast-food chain – or their favorite junk food
• Run a special Fourth of July sale or promotion to get more people to visit your
                                                                                                    item! #nationaljunkfoodday
  business this month.

• Closed on the Fourth of July or have adjusted hours? Make sure to update your hours
  on your website, your social media sites, and your local listings!

• July is National Grilling Month – share your favorite recipes, grill safety tips, or the
  best grilling tools (and where to get them – locally!).

82%                  of US consumers trust print ads when it
                     comes to making a purchase decision.
                     SOURCE: STATISTA
                                                                                               YOUR ULTIMATE 2021 MARKETING PLANNING GUIDE
July 2021
     Sunday            Monday           Tuesday         Wednesday         Thursday              Friday                Saturday

                                                                                       1                     2                     3

                                                                                            WORLD UFO DAY

                  4              5                 6                7                  8                     9                   10

 INDEPENDENCE DAY                     INTERNATIONAL       WORLD                                                     NATIONAL PIÑA
     #4thofjuly                         KISSING DAY    CHOCOLATE DAY                                                 COLADA DAY

                  11            12                13              14                 15                    16                      17

  7 ELEVEN DAY                       NATIONALFRENCH                      NATIONAL GIVE                                  WORLD
                                         FRY DAY                        SOMETHING AWAY                                 EMOJI DAY
                                                                              DAY

                  18            19                20              21                 22                    23                  24
                                                                                                                   INTERNATIONAL
    NATIONAL                                           NATIONAL JUNK      NATIONAL                                 SELF CARE DAY &
  ICE CREAM DAY                                          FOOD DAY        HOT DOG DAY                                  NATIONAL
                                                                                                                     TEQUILA DAY

                  25            26                27              28                 29                    30                      31

   GLOBAL DAY                                                                               INTERNATIONAL
   OF PARENTS                                                                              DAY OF FRIENDSHIP

GOALS & PLANNING

                                                                                 YOUR ULTIMATE 2021 MARKETING PLANNING GUIDE
August 2021                                                                                SOCIAL CALENDAR IDEAS

                                                                                           AUG 4
                                                                                           NATIONAL CHOCOLATE CHIP
                                                                                           COOKIE DAY
THIS MONTH’S MARKETING MUST                                                                Share your favorite chocolate chip
                                                                                           cookie recipe – or your favorite place
Who’s got mail? With email marketing, the answer is your customers! Email marketing        to buy them in your area and ask your
can help you engage existing customers and reach new potential customers right in          customers to share theirs! If you enjoy
their inbox.                                                                               any chocolate chip cookies today, make
                                                                                           sure to share a picture to your social sites.
                                                                                           #nationalchocolatechipcookieday
QUICK TIPS
• Use targeted email marketing to segment your audience and personalize your email         AUG 15
  messages to increase open rates.                                                         NATIONAL RELAXATION DAY
• Make sure your subject line is catchy, straightforward, and enticing.                    Share your favorite tips for relaxing, a
                                                                                           relaxation playlist, or a local business – like
• Keep your email marketing messages short and sweet – leading with a deal or              a spa – that helps you unwind. Spas – this
  promotion never hurts!                                                                   is a great day for you to share testimonials
                                                                                           from customers who you’ve helped relax
                                                                                           or just an overview of what you offer.
MARKETING & PROMOTION IDEAS                                                                #nationalrelaxationday
• It’s back-to-school season! Run a back-to-school promotion to reach students and
  their parents.                                                                           AUG 17
• It’s not too early to start thinking about your holiday marketing plan – outline         NATIONAL NON-PROFIT DAY
  your specials and promotions now and let your marketing partner know what you’re         Get out and volunteer at a local non-profit
  planning.                                                                                and share pictures to your social sites. If
                                                                                           you can’t make it out to volunteer, share
• Everyone likes a good pen or tote bag – consider giving out promotional materials        a round-up of your favorite non-profits.
  to your customers to stay top-of-mind.                                                   #nationalnonprofitday

73%                 of millennials prefer communications
                    from businesses to come via email.
                    SOURCE: HUBSPOT
                                                                                      YOUR ULTIMATE 2021 MARKETING PLANNING GUIDE
August 2021
     Sunday             Monday             Tuesday         Wednesday          Thursday              Friday                Saturday

                1                   2                 3                4                   5                     6                   7

 START OF SIMPLIFY                                           NATIONAL                           INTERNATIONAL               END OF
 YOUR LIFE WEEK &                                         CHOCOLATE CHIP                           BEER DAY            SIMPLIFY YOUR
    NATIONAL                                                COOKIE DAY                                                   LIFE WEEK &
    SISTER DAY                                                                                                       PURPLE HEART DAY

               8                    9                10               11                 12                    13                    14

  INTERNATIONAL          BOOK             NATIONAL                                              INTERNATIONAL
     CAT DAY           LOVERS DAY         LAZY DAY                                             LEFT-HANDERS DAY

              15                    16               17              18                  19                    20                    21

    NATIONAL            NATIONAL           NATIONAL                             WORLD             NATIONAL                  SENIOR
 RELAXATION DAY      TELL A JOKE DAY     NONPROFIT DAY                     PHOTOGRAPHY DAY        RADIO DAY              CITIZENS DAY

              22                 23                  24              25                  26                    27                  28

                                                                              WOMEN’S
                                                                            EQUALITY DAY

              29                 30                  31

GOALS & PLANNING

                                                                                     YOUR ULTIMATE 2021 MARKETING PLANNING GUIDE
September 2021
                                                                                                   SOCIAL CALENDAR IDEAS

                                                                                                   SEPT 6
                                                                                                   LABOR DAY
                                                                                                   Wish your social media audience a Happy
THIS MONTH’S MARKETING MUST                                                                        Labor Day with a nice visual or share
                                                                                                   a round-up of local Labor Day events.
A good online reputation is essential for a strong business. People trust online reviews as        #laborday
much as they trust personal recommendations from friends, so it’s important that they’re
seeing only the best about your business online.                                                   SEPT 22
                                                                                                   FIRST DAY OF FALL
QUICK TIPS                                                                                         Share your favorite fall pastimes, any fall
                                                                                                   events you have coming up, or recipes for
• Do a search for your business name on Google and see which review sites show up –                your most-loved fall treats. #firstdayoffall
  make a note to regularly monitor these sites for new reviews if you’re not already.

• Respond to all your reviews – negative and positive. Get our top tips for responding             SEPT 25
  to reviews here.                                                                                 NATIONAL ONE HIT WONDER DAY
                                                                                                   Share a YouTube video of your favorite one
• Make an effort to get new reviews to build up your online reputation. Ask for reviews
                                                                                                   hit wonder and ask your audience to share
  from happy customers and train your team to do the same.
                                                                                                   theirs! #nationalonehitwonderday

MARKETING & PROMOTION IDEAS
• Take a minute to plan out or confirm your Q4 marketing goals so you’re prepared
  to end the year in a strong position.

• Check in to see how customers feel about your business by sending out a survey
  asking for feedback.

• September is a busy month for moving – re-introduce your business to locals
  and reach new community members by sending out a direct mail campaign
  with a special promotion.

93%                of people say they are
                   influenced by online reviews.
                   SOURCE: THE DRUM
                                                                                              YOUR ULTIMATE 2021 MARKETING PLANNING GUIDE
September 2021
     Sunday            Monday          Tuesday          Wednesday             Thursday               Friday                Saturday

                                                                        1                 2                       3                   4

                 5               6                7                     8                 9                     10                    11

                      LABOR DAY &                      INTERNATIONAL
                     START OF ROSH                      LITERACY DAY
                       HASHANA                          & END OF ROSH
                                                           HASHANA

              12                13               14                   15                 16                     17                    18

GRANDPARENTS DAY                                      YOM KIPPUR BEGINS     YOM KIPPUR ENDS     CONSTITUTION /             START OF
                                                                                                CITIZENSHIP DAY          OKTOBERFEST

              19                20               21                   22                 23                     24                  25

   PATRIOT DAY                       INTERNATIONAL      START OF FALL                                                    NATIONAL ONE
                                      DAY OF PEACE     (Autumnal Equinox)                                               HIT WONDER DAY

              26                27               28                   29                 30

GOALS & PLANNING

                                                                                      YOUR ULTIMATE 2021 MARKETING PLANNING GUIDE
October 2021
                                                                                                     SOCIAL CALENDAR IDEAS

                                                                                                     OCT 1
                                                                                                     WORLD VEGETARIAN DAY
                                                                                                     Share a recipe for your favorite vegetarian
THIS MONTH’S MARKETING MUST                                                                          dish or spotlight local restaurants in
                                                                                                     your area with vegetarian options.
Do you have a way to answer questions, capture leads, and give helpful information right             Make sure to tag them in your posts!
on your website? Live chat gives you a way to do all that and more.                                  #worldvegetarianday

                                                                                                     OCT 10
QUICK TIPS                                                                                           WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY
• Add live chat to your website.                                                                     Share social posts from reputable mental
• If you already have live chat – or after you start using it on your site – see if there are        health resources to your social media
  any common questions you’re receiving and consider creating an FAQ page on your                    pages to raise awareness for this cause.
  site to address them.                                                                              #worldmentalhealthday

• Streamline a way to follow up with leads you’re receiving from live chat.                          OCT 31
                                                                                                     HALLOWEEN
MARKETING & PROMOTION IDEAS                                                                          Share pictures of your employees dressed
                                                                                                     up for Halloween and anyone that visits in
• Holiday shopping starts this month (we know, it seems early!) -- make sure your
                                                                                                     costume. Launch a poll to get to the bottom
  holiday marketing is locked and loaded and maybe even running already.
                                                                                                     of whether people actually like candy corn.
• Do a quick search for your competitors – are they doing anything in their marketing                #halloween
  you should try? Are they offering something you’re not? Think about how you can
  stand out from them either through positioning your business, ramping up your
  marketing, or changing up your product offerings.

• Find a local trunk-or-treat your business can sponsor or participate in.

40%                  More than 40% of customers expect
                     live chat on your website.
                     SOURCE: FORRESTER
                                                                                                YOUR ULTIMATE 2021 MARKETING PLANNING GUIDE
October 2021
   Sunday                 Monday            Tuesday           Wednesday         Thursday              Friday                Saturday

                                                                                                                   1                   2

                                                                                                      WORLD
                                                                                                 VEGETARIAN DAY
                                                                                                     & WORLD
                                                                                                    SMILE DAY

                  3                  4                    5               6                  7                     8                   9

    MEAN                  NATIONAL           WORLD
  GIRLS DAY               TACO DAY        TEACHERS’ DAY

              10                     11               12              13                   14                    15                    16
                       COLUMBUS DAY,
                        INDIGENOUS
WORLD MENTAL            PEOPLES’ DAY                                            NATIONAL                                WORLD FOOD DAY
 HEALTH DAY              & NATIONAL                                            DESSERT DAY                               & BOSSES DAY
                      COMING OUT DAY

              17                     18               19              20                   21                    22                  23

 NATIONAL
 PASTA DAY

              24                     25               26              27                   28                    29                  30

                                           NATIONAL                             NATIONAL
                                          PUMPKIN DAY                         CHOCOLATE DAY

              31      GOALS & PLANNING

 HALLOWEEN
#happyhalloween

                                                                                       YOUR ULTIMATE 2021 MARKETING PLANNING GUIDE
November 2021
                                                                                                SOCIAL CALENDAR IDEAS

                                                                                                NOV 7
                                                                                                DAYLIGHT SAVINGS ENDS
                                                                                                Remind your audience that the clock is
THIS MONTH’S MARKETING MUST                                                                     falling back one hour – and make sure to
                                                                                                update them on any changes to your hours
Did you know there’s a way to keep your business in front of people until they decide to        if you have any. #daylightsavings
convert into customers? With retargeting, once someone leaves your website, they’re
targeted with ads for your business on sites across the web.                                    NOV 25
                                                                                                THANKSGIVING
QUICK TIPS                                                                                      Share what you’re thankful for when
                                                                                                it comes to your customers and your
• Retarget web visitors on social media with Facebook retargeting.                              employees. Make sure to share any
• Use retargeting ads to entice users back to your site with a special offer.                   pictures of employee or team celebrations!
                                                                                                #happythanksgiving
• Test out different ad creative and optimize based on what’s working to drive the most
  visitors back to your site.                                                                   NOV 27
                                                                                                SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY
MARKETING & PROMOTION IDEAS                                                                     Promote your participation in Small
                                                                                                Business Saturday on social! Share any
• Do you have any seasonal products or services? Make sure to show them off this month.
                                                                                                sales, special deals, or events you’re
• Add your business to the Shop Small map and make a plan to participate in Small               holding, and spotlight other local
  Business Saturday this month.                                                                 businesses in your area. #smallbizsat

• Check in with your employees to confirm when or if anyone is planning to take
  off for the upcoming holidays so your scheduling is streamlined.

70%                 People who see retargeted ads are 70%
                    more likely to convert on your website.
                    SOURCE: INVESP
                                                                                           YOUR ULTIMATE 2021 MARKETING PLANNING GUIDE
November 2021
     Sunday             Monday          Tuesday              Wednesday             Thursday                 Friday                Saturday

                                  1                     2                  3                      4                       5                       6

                                      ELECTION DAY

                  7              8                      9               10                        11                     12                      13

 DAYLIGHT SAVINGS                                                                VETERANS DAY                                      WORLD
    TIME ENDS                                                                      #veteransday                                 KINDNESS DAY

              14                 15                 16                   17                       18                     19                      20

      WORLD                             NATIONAL              NATIONAL              WORLD                                        UNIVERSAL
   DIABETES DAY                       FAST FOOD DAY         TAKE A HIKE DAY     PHILOSOPHY DAY                                 CHILDREN’S DAY

              21                 22                 23                  24                        25                     26                      27

      WORLD                                                   NATIONAL         THANKSGIVING DAY         BLACK FRIDAY           SMALL BUSINESS
  TELEVISION DAY                                             JUKEBOX DAY        #happythanksgiving        #blackfriday           SATURDAY
                                                                                                                                  #smallbizsat

              28                 29                30

  ADVENT BEGINS       CYBER MONDAY    GIVING TUESDAY
   & HANUKKAH                          #givingtuesday
      BEGINS

GOALS & PLANNING

                                                                                             YOUR ULTIMATE 2021 MARKETING PLANNING GUIDE
December 2021
                                                                                                SOCIAL CALENDAR IDEAS

                                                                                                DEC 5
                                                                                                INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER DAY
                                                                                                December is a great month for
THIS MONTH’S MARKETING MUST                                                                     volunteering. Take part in this day
                                                                                                by volunteering with your favorite
It’s a great month to provide some helpful resources or educate your customers on your          organization or sharing local volunteer
unique brand story. How do you do that? Branded content!                                        opportunities for your audience to take
                                                                                                part in. #volunteerday

QUICK TIPS                                                                                      DEC 17
• Think about the unique perspective, tips, or insight you can provide to your local            UGLY SWEATER DAY
  audience.                                                                                     Have your team wear their ugliest holiday
• Use branded content to educate your local audience on a common problem or answer a            sweaters and share pictures on social
  common question your customers have – chances are, others have the same question!             media. Consider giving a discount to any
                                                                                                customers who come in wearing their best
• Make sure you’re amplifying your branded content with a social media and display ad           ugly sweater! #uglysweaterday
  campaign to increase awareness even more.
                                                                                                DEC 31
MARKETING & PROMOTION IDEAS                                                                     NEW YEAR’S EVE
                                                                                                Share your New Year’s resolutions with
• Create a holiday gift guide for your customers with your products and services as well
                                                                                                your social media audience and ask them to
  as related products and services from local businesses.
                                                                                                share theirs! #nye2021
• Take a minute to update your holiday hours on your listings, website, and your social
  media sites. This will go a long way for customers!

• Finalize your marketing plan for 2022 – what’s worked well this year? What do you
  want to accomplish next year?

50%
                    Branded content distributed through
                    premium publishers (like USA TODAY
                    NETWORK) see 50% higher brand lift.
                    SOURCE: NIELSEN                                                        YOUR ULTIMATE 2021 MARKETING PLANNING GUIDE
December 2021
     Sunday          Monday               Tuesday           Wednesday       Thursday             Friday                Saturday

                                                                        1               2                     3                    4

                                                                                                                       NATIONAL
                                                                                                                      COOKIE DAY

               5                 6                     7                8               9                   10                     11

  INTERNATIONAL    HANUKKAH ENDS       PEARL HARBOR                                         HUMANRIGHTS DAY
  VOLUNTEER DAY                        REMEMBRANCE

              12                 13                  14             15                 16                   17                    18
                                                                                              BILL OF RIGHTS
                                                                                               DAY, WRIGHT
                     NATIONAL                                                                 BROTHERS DAY         SUPER SATURDAY
                     COCOA DAY                                                               & UGLY SWEATER
                                                                                                    DAY

              19              20                     21             22                 23                   24                    25

                                      START OF WINTER                                        CHRISTMAS EVE          CHRISTMAS DAY
                                        (Winter Solstice)                                                            #merrychristmas

              26                 27                  28             29                 30                   31

                                                                                             NEW YEARS EVE
                                                                                                   #NYE

GOALS & PLANNING

                                                                                  YOUR ULTIMATE 2021 MARKETING PLANNING GUIDE
SO, ARE YOU READY
to get started?
We know that planning your year’s marketing can
be daunting, but we’re here to help. LOCALiQ can
provide the right marketing mix to help you reach
the right people, in the right places, at the right
time. We can take the guesswork out of it for you
and help you reach your marketing goals this year
and beyond.

Contact us today to speak with
one of our marketing experts.

    LET’S TALK

     LOCALiQ.com

     @LOCALiQ

     Instagram.com/LOCALiQ

     Facebook.com/LOCALiQ
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