Today, I want to talk about something really inspiring—local marketing ideas from Tasmanian businesses. Let’s face it, small businesses don’t have the marketing budgets of big corporations, but what they lack in resources, they more than make up for in creativity. And Tasmania? It’s packed with some of the most inventive small businesses I’ve seen. So, let’s dive into some brilliant ideas I’ve come across that just might spark something for you.
First off, there’s this café in Hobart—really cozy, family-owned. They came up with an idea to create limited-edition mugs featuring artwork from local kids. How clever is that? The kids’ parents buy the mugs, of course, but it doesn’t stop there. The whole community gets excited about it. People come in just to see the designs, grab a coffee, and maybe take a mug home. It’s a great way to support local families, bring in foot traffic, and make the café part of the community in a tangible way.
Then there’s this amazing florist in Launceston. They did something a bit unusual—they partnered with a yoga studio. Stay with me here. Every month, they run a “florals and flow” session. Participants start with a yoga class, and afterward, they make their own floral arrangement to take home. It’s such a great crossover event, combining wellness with creativity, and it’s doubled their reach. Yoga enthusiasts discover the florist, and flower lovers discover yoga. Win-win.
Another one that really stood out to me is this secondhand bookstore in Devonport. They’ve created what they call “story scavenger hunts.” They write riddles or short stories that lead customers to specific books hidden around the store. It’s so interactive, and people love it, especially families with kids. What’s great is that it encourages people to spend time exploring the shelves. They’re way more likely to find a book they didn’t even know they wanted, and it makes the whole shopping experience more memorable.
Now, let’s talk about a winery I visited near Tamar Valley. You might think wineries already have it easy with their beautiful locations and loyal customers, but this one went the extra mile. They started hosting “meet the makers” nights—not just for their own wine but for other local artisans. Cheese makers, chocolatiers, even a leatherworker once. They bring everyone together, and it becomes this amazing showcase of Tasmanian talent. People come for the wine but end up walking away with a connection to so many other local businesses.
Oh, and I can’t forget about a bakery in St. Helens. They did a “pie passport” promotion. Every week, they introduced a new pie inspired by a different country—Moroccan lamb, Italian caprese, you name it. Customers could collect stamps in their pie passport for each new flavor they tried. If they collected all the stamps, they got a free pie. People went nuts for it. It created so much buzz, and customers were practically lining up to see what the next week’s flavor would be.
The last one I’ll mention is a hair salon in Burnie. They have this giant chalkboard wall where customers can leave handwritten notes or doodles after their appointment. It’s become a sort of community art piece that’s constantly evolving. People pop in just to check it out, and of course, it’s a great backdrop for social media photos. Smart, right?
So, there you have it—some of the most creative local marketing ideas from Tasmanian businesses. Whether you’re running a café, a yoga studio, a bookstore, or something totally different, there’s something we can all learn from these examples. It’s not about having a massive budget—it’s about being clever, building community, and giving people an experience they won’t forget. Thanks for listening, and I’ll catch you next time.
