by Page Michel, San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce President
Every August, San Marcos comes alive with excitement as thousands of Texas State students return for a new academic year. But before the first class begins on August 19, our community will welcome approximately 8,000 new freshmen and their families during Bobcat Move-In Weekend, August 14-16.
For local businesses, this isn’t just another busy weekend. It’s a huge opportunity.
The busiest businesses don’t wait for customers to find them. They prepare for customers before they arrive.
Those located on or near Thorpe Lane, Aquarena Springs Drive or East Hopkins Street, plan now for increased traffic, lane closures and detours as car lines form at the stadium for student housing check-ins. Be sure your employees know what to expect August 14-16, and if possible, schedule business’ deliveries before or after move-in weekend to avoid the traffic and delays.
Just as important, ramp up your online presence.
Over 8,000 students and their families will be in the long car lines actively searching online to decide where to eat, shop, stay, and find services once they’re done loading into the dorms!
Search engines and AI-powered search tools reward fresh online content. That means now is the time to update your website, plan engaging social media posts, and develop special deals/offers to promote online.
Chamber members have a valuable advantage through “HOT DEALS,” an online coupon source on SanMarcosTexas.com that is highly searchable and helps businesses increase their online visibility. It’s an easy way to put your business in front of people actively looking for places to visit and things to do in San Marcos.
Hospitality-related businesses can post special deals/offers on the City of San Marcos’ VisitSanMarcos.com “Deals & Discounts Pass” site.
Families search online for resources before they even arrive, making these two platforms valuable tools for attracting customers during Move-In Weekend.
For everything related to Bobcat Move-In Weekend, including a “Parent’s Guide to San Marcos”, “5 Tips for New Bobcats,” football season details, the “Deals and Discounts Pass” and more, check out VisitSanMarcos.com/SMTXST and tell all circulating visitors you interact with about this online resource!
One other key tip: remember that every interaction matters. Whether you work at a restaurant, retail shop, service business or office, every San Marcos resident has the opportunity to make a positive impression on someone who may be visiting for the very first time. A warm welcome, a helpful recommendation, and great customer service can turn one-time customers into loyal fans who return again and again and tell others.
As another academic year begins, be ready! Plan now to welcome the newest Bobcats and their families with pride and hospitality. Let’s work together to showcase everything that makes San Marcos special.
For more information, contact the San Marcos Area Chamber at 512-393-5900 or chamber@sanmarcostexas.com.