Bank Holiday Boost: How to Maximise May's Long Weekends with Targeted Marketing

May is the only month of the year in the UK that gifts us two bank holidays. Small businesses have two golden opportunities to grab attention, drive sales, and boost local visibility. Whether you run a shop in Staines, a café in Richmond, or a local service in Teddington, the long weekends in May are the perfect time to do something different with your marketing.

People are positive, looking to enjoy the break, treat themselves, and spend more time (and money) locally. With a few targeted digital marketing tactics, you can ensure your business is top of mind when they do.

Know Your Audience – And What They're Looking For

May bank holidays are all about leisure. People are booking last-minute getaways, hosting garden parties, heading to the pub, and browsing for something special. It's the perfect time to tap into that relaxed, ready-to-spend mood.

The trick is to position your business as the perfect place to shop, book, visit or order from over the long weekend. Whether it's an offer, an experience, or just some light-hearted content to get them in the mood, your marketing should align with what your audience is already planning for.

If you're a local business, your edge is that you're nearby and easy to support. People love the convenience of local, especially when they don't want to travel far. That's where local SEO, social media and timely content come in.

Bank Holiday Marketing Ideas That Work

You don't need a huge budget or a big team to create something that stands out. Here are some tried-and-tested ways to make the most of the May bank holidays:

1. Flash Sales & Limited-Time Offers

Nothing creates urgency like a countdown clock. Short-term offers, such as a weekend-only discount, free delivery on bank holiday Monday, or an exclusive bundle, work brilliantly over long weekends.

Use clear, concise messaging across your social media, emails and website. Make it easy for people to redeem the offer, and give it a clear end time.

2. Seasonal Bundles or Experiences

Packaging your products or services into a themed bundle can work wonders. Consider a Bank Holiday Brunch Box, Garden Party Essentials Kit, or a "Spring Reset" wellness package.

Bundles add value and make it easier for customers to choose. Add a bit of seasonal design, promote with local hashtags, and you've got something fun and shareable.

3. Bank Holiday-Themed Social Media Posts

You don't always need a discount to get engagement. Sometimes, a well-timed, relatable post is enough to spark interest. Try:

• A poll: "Beer garden or BBQ this weekend?"
• A meme or quote about the joy of long weekends
• A simple photo of how your team is spending the break
• A mini giveaway (e.g., comment to win a treat for the bank holiday)

Use hashtags like #BankHolidayReady, #MayDealsUK or #SpringSavings and tag your location for local reach.

4. Update Your Google Business Profile & Website

If your opening hours differ during the bank holiday, ensure they're updated everywhere—mainly your Google Business Profile. You can also post updates and offers here, which helps boost local SEO and gives customers real-time information.

Update your homepage or add a banner promoting your bank holiday campaign. Keep it seasonal and direct, and make sure your call to action stands out.

5. Run a Local Event or Partner Up

If you have a physical space, why not organise something simple and local? A mini-tasting event, a bank holiday coffee morning, or even a garden game afternoon can go a long way in attracting footfall.

Partner with other local businesses to cross-promote your events or bundle products. You'll double your reach and show support for the local community.

6. Geo-Targeted Google or Social Ads

If you want to reach more people fast, a small paid campaign can do the trick. Run Facebook or Instagram ads targeting your local area. Use Google Ads to target people searching for bank holiday events, offers, or ideas.

Even a modest spend can go a long way if your targeting and timing are spot on.

Mistakes to Avoid Over the Bank Holiday Weekend

We've seen a few things trip businesses up when it comes to bank holiday marketing. Here's what to watch out for:

• Leaving it too late – Planning gives you time to properly schedule, design, and promote.
• Not updating your hours – Customers will check Google or your website first.
• Being too generic – Make your messaging specific to the bank holiday mood.
• Forgetting to automate – Schedule your posts and emails in advance if you're closing for the weekend.

How We Help Small Businesses Get Ready

We work with small businesses all over Surrey and the South East and know how valuable these seasonal opportunities can be. That's why we love helping clients prepare for them.

Whether you need help designing a quick campaign, setting up a local ad, refreshing your Google profile, or creating bank holiday-themed content, we're here to jump in. You'll get clear advice, a plan that makes sense, and a team that genuinely wants to see you do well.

It doesn't need to be overcomplicated – just smart, timely and accurate to your brand.

Final Thoughts

The May bank holidays are more than just a chance for a lie-in – they're a prime opportunity to connect with your audience when they're relaxed, responsive, and ready to engage.

With a bit of preparation and a clear message, you can turn a long weekend into a big win for your business. And if you need a hand putting it all together, you know where we are.

Get in touch for a free strategy chat or to kick off your next campaign. Let's make May work hard for your business.