Make May Count: Real Trends & Smart Marketing Moves for Local Businesses

Why May Matters

May isn’t just the month where things start blooming outside—it’s also when buying behavior starts to shift. From seasonal gift-giving to graduation parties, festivals, and the return of patio weather, it’s one of the best months for small businesses to connect with local customers who are actively looking to spend.

For this post, we pulled together real stats, fresh insights, and proven marketing moves that work especially well this time of year. Whether you’re a retail shop, a service provider, or an event-based business, you’ll find something here worth trying—without adding more to your plate.

1. Be Where People Are Looking

Shoppers are already searching for you—are you showing up?

• Businesses that updated their Google Business Profile for Mother’s Day or graduation season saw 15–25% more map views.

  (Source: Google Business Profile Insights)

• Listings with recent photos see 42% more requests for directions and 35% more website clicks.

  (Source: Google Business Help Center)

📍Takeaway: Small seasonal updates (like adding a “Mother’s Day gift” tag or refreshing your photos) can drive big visibility. And with 76% of people who search nearby visiting a business within 24 hours, it pays to be findable.

2. Seasonal Posts Drive Real Engagement

It’s not just about being online—it’s about saying the right thing at the right time.

• Seasonal content (Mother’s Day, grads, road trips) sees up to 60% more engagement than evergreen posts.

  (Meta Business, 2023)

• Emails tied to a timely event generate up to 3x more clicks than general newsletters.

  (Campaign Monitor, 2023)

💡Tip: Whether it’s a flash sale, a gift guide, or a simple “still need a gift?” reminder, seasonal relevance beats generic messaging every time.

3. Smart In-Store Moves Still Work

Not everything has to happen online.

• Seasonal signage and themed displays boost impulse purchases by 30–60%.

  (Retail TouchPoints, 2023)

• Cross-promotions with other local businesses (think gift bundles or shared events) can lift spending by 35% or more.

  (Square Retail Trends)

🏷️Try this: A small Mother’s Day display. A joint “grad weekend” package with a neighboring business. Even just a chalkboard sign with a seasonal hook.

4. Local Events = Built-In Foot Traffic (If You’re Ready)

Festivals, farmers markets, and open-air events are back—and they bring crowds with them.

• Foot traffic near local events increases 35–50%, but only 18% of small businesses actively market around those events.

  (Placer.ai, Eventbrite Small Business Report)

• Businesses that promoted their booth or appearance ahead of time saw 48% more reach and stronger sales.

  (Meta Business, 2023)

🎟️Pro move: Don’t just show up—show off. Promote your event tie-in 1–2 weeks ahead, offer a sneak peek, and list yourself on Explore Licking County or Chamber calendars to drive more traffic.

5. Mindset > Moment: How People Buy in May

Let’s go beyond “run a sale” advice.

• 54% of Mother’s Day and graduation purchases happen within five days of the event.

  (National Retail Federation)

• Emotionally driven messaging (celebration, appreciation, nostalgia) can double click-through rates.

  (HubSpot Emotional Marketing Study)

💬The takeaway: People buy because they want to show love, celebrate someone, or feel something—not just because there’s a sale. Speak to the why and your message will land.