How to Make Whale Season Work for Your Business

Whale season on the Cape Whale Coast isn’t just magical - for communities living in the Overberg, it’s marketing gold. 

From June to December, thousands of visitors pour into the region. And that means one thing: opportunity! It doesn’t matter if you run a coffee shop, guesthouse, or garage - now is the time to ride the wave and make your business stand out.

Seasonal Marketing That Puts Your Town on the Map

Wherever the tide finds you along the Overberg coast, you’re part of the welcoming committee, not just for whales, but for visitors too. By helping create a strong, unified voice for your town, you give your business a bigger platform to be seen and supported.

But with so many businesses competing for people’s attention, how do you stand out? Excellent service is essential, but visibility, both online and in print, makes a difference. With a few simple adjustments to your marketing strategy, you can help make this season stand out from the rest.

Get Your Online Presence Whale-Season Ready

These days, most visitors plan their trips online. They look for places to stay, eat, and explore, long before they arrive. Whether it’s your website or your profile on a community platform like Xplorio, it’s important to keep your online presence fresh and accurate.

Here’s how to make it count:

• Think of adaptations to your products or services that bring the context of whale season into your offerings.

• Showcase your space with fresh, high-quality photos.

• List your latest offers, opening hours and prices.

• Share content that adds value (blogs about whales, family-friendly activities or upcoming events are always a win).

Think of your online presence as your shop window, always open to curious visitors, and part of a bigger community display. This is exactly why Xplorio is set up as a collective marketing movement. One business doing well isn’t enough. 

Sure, some might say it's every business for itself, but real, lasting success doesn’t work like that. You can only thrive when the whole town thrives too.

When the community grows, everyone gets a better shot. That’s what makes the difference.

Tell Your Whale Season Story

Use social media and digital ads to tell people what makes your business special this time of year. Maybe it’s a whale-sized treat on your menu, a behind-the-scenes look at how you prepare for the season, or a warm welcome message for visiting families.

And if you’re not directly involved in tourism? No problem. Whale season is still a great time to offer creative promotions or themed specials. Share stories, not just sales pitches. This is the vibe visitors remember long after they’ve left. It’s the atmosphere you help create that visitors remember. That’s what brings them back again and again.

Even businesses like plumbers, beauty salons, clothing boutiques, and doctors contribute to the visitor experience. The seasonal ripple effect reaches everyone, and your business is part of that bigger picture.

Don’t Forget About Print

Digital and print each have their place. Digital helps visitors find you before they arrive, but once they do, print becomes part of the experience. Tourism guides, newspapers, and brochures are often the first things visitors pick up - something local to page through as they settle in, and a keepsake to take home when they leave.

That’s where the Gans-Berg Nuus / News comes in. Michelle and her editorial team can help you create a compelling ad or business feature that draws attention and invites visitors to find out more.

Be sure to include your street address, contact number, and website details. Remember, your print ad does more than invite customers in - it also guides them to your online presence.

Online and Print: Both Belong in Your Marketing Toolbox

Online marketing helps visitors discover your business before they arrive. Print marketing reminds them about you once they’re here.

By combining both, you stay top-of-mind from the moment they begin planning their trip to the time they spend enjoying the local experience.

Whale season only lasts a few months, but with a thoughtful marketing approach, the benefits to your town and business can last long after the whales have moved on.

Wishing your community an abundant season ahead!

Need Help Spreading the Word?

Contact Xplorio or Gans-Berg Nuus / News to learn how marketing can help build a more resilient community.

Xplorio

info@xplorio.com

072 519 2138

Gans-Berg Nuus / News

design@gansberg.co.za

028 205 0100