So we intend to promote businesses in our town.

A noble goal. And yet not an easy task. Even for expert ‘marketers’.

It’s especially challenging given the confusing array of promo options, both traditional and modern. I get it. I’ve spent decades observing the fits and starts of merchant and organizational outreach.

My suggestion is to go up a level as we discuss and decide what to do and where to start with town marketing. Invite yourself to see the whole playing field from above, to collect data and find the common groupings. Opportunities are sure to become evident.

For most towns we can see three distinct audiences: Business Owners, Visitors and Residents. Asbury Park benefits from pulling day trip visitors from hours away when the weather is favorable. Jan - March is the most challenging quarter with the St. Patrick’s Day parade as a vital welcome back event.