The seventh month of the year offers a plethora of creative marketing opportunities—it’s National Anti-Boredom Month, Independent Retailer Month, and home to World Emoji Day, Pandemonium Day, and many more. This article provides you with the brainstorming and planning you need:

• A compilation of July awareness causes, themes, national days, and holidays.
• 30+ innovative ideas for integrating them into your articles, posts, events, and promotions.
• Concrete examples of these ideas in practice.

Contents

July awareness causes

July holidays and national days

A comprehensive list is available at the end of this article, but here’s a curated selection encompassing the serious, the sophisticated, and the purely amusing:

July is a month dedicated to celebrating America, parents, and even cows. (Image source) Need marketing inspiration for each month? Get your free guide » The Mega Must-Have Marketing Calendar

Diversity, equity, and inclusion marketing ideas in July

While incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusion marketing year-round is crucial, July presents specific observances you won’t want to overlook:

National Minority Mental Health Month

In 2008, the US House of Representatives declared July as Minority Mental Health Month. This declaration aims to ensure that people of color not only have access to adequate mental healthcare but also encounter culturally aware, empathetic, and non-judgmental health professionals equipped to diagnose every patient accurately. Raise awareness using resources like BIPOC’s MMHM toolkit, or organize your own event to support this inclusivity-focused cause.

Special Recreation for the Disabled Day (July 2)

Did you know that over 15% of the global population lives with a disability? Historically, recreational activities have been less accessible to people with disabilities. Special Recreation for the Disabled Day seeks to change this by raising awareness about inclusivity for everyone. Participate in this day by sponsoring or volunteering at a local recreation center accessible to individuals with diverse abilities. Alternatively, reminding your audience to spread awareness and providing tips on making a difference can be equally impactful.

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Malala Day (July 12)

Malala Day honors the work of Malala Yousafzai, an international human rights activist and the youngest Nobel Prize laureate. Hailing from Pakistan, a region known for depriving women and girls of education, Malala’s advocacy for education for all led to her being shot by the Taliban. Despite this, she bravely continued her mission. Her resilience has inspired a global movement for greater education accessibility worldwide. Inspire your audience with Malala quotes, like those from her memoir: I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot. You can also celebrate her work and share how your business community promotes better education accessibility for minorities.

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National Buffalo Soldiers Day (July 28)

Celebrating diversity in your marketing is paramount. On July 28, acknowledge National Buffalo Soldiers Day to honor some of the first Black soldiers in the US Military, who served on the Western frontier post-Civil War.

July marketing ideas for month-long awareness

Let’s delve into marketing your business this July! We’ll start with ideas based on monthly awareness causes and then move on to single-day observances. Don’t forget to explore these July content ideas!

National Independent Retailer Month

July is dedicated to celebrating independent retailers who, like all local businesses,, contribute to our economy, towns, and communities. Promote your own business if you fall into this category, or show support for independent retailers in your area.

National Anti-Boredom Month

As the July 4th festivities fade, the summer heat and lack of structure can usher in boredom. Help your target audience combat the summer slump with these ideas:

• Organize an engaging month-long challenge focused on food, fitness, hydration, or something relevant to your business.
• Share your favorite summer destinations and activities.
• Compile a blog post listing events happening in your vicinity.
• Ask your followers for recommendations on books, places to visit, DIY projects, etc. Alternatively, adopt a direct approach like this business did:

National Grilling Month

Finding a creative angle for this one proved challenging—unless you enjoy grilling your customers for feedback… However, Facebook provided some inspiration. This business held a contest with a grilling-themed prize.

This electric company urged its followers to conserve energy by grilling outdoors:

National UV Safety Month

With the sun’s hydrogen supply lasting another 5 billion years, consider UV safety an evergreen topic. Regardless of your business, posting UV safety tips is always relevant. Create your own image using a content marketing tool like Canva, as this business did:

Or utilize an infographic from the CDC:

Everybody Deserves a Massage Week (usually third week in July)

If your business relates to massages—whether a massage studio, physical therapist, or salon—leverage this week with sales promotions. If you’re not in the spa or salon industry, collaborate with a local provider for a mutually beneficial deal. Or take a more unconventional approach like these businesses:

July marketing ideas based on national days

Christmas in July (varies)

According to quick research (a.k.a. Real Simple magazine)), Christmas in July originated in 1993 at a summer camp in Brevard, NC. Businesses eventually adopted it as a marketing tactic. Here’s how you can do the same: Attract new customers with deals and sales. BigCommerce reveals that repeat customers spend 25% more per transaction during the (actual) holiday season, compared to 17% more for new customers. Start building that repeat customer base early!

This photographer promoted family photoshoots, framing them as an opportunity to capture your Christmas card photo early (with that summer glow). Depending on the weather, winter attire may or may not be advisable!

Or, simply offer a generous flash sale that embodies the spirit of Christmas in July.

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National Compliment Your Mirror Day (July 3)

Observed on July 3, National Compliment Your Mirror Day encourages self-love and positive self-image. If it aligns with your brand and audience, acknowledge it on social media. Consider an Instagram campaign where customers receive a discount for posting a selfie with a custom hashtag.

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International Chocolate Day (July 7)

Everyone loves chocolate. Celebrate with a candy counting contest, give out Hershey’s Kisses to customers, post a funny meme, or even create chocolate USB drives with your logo!

Gruntled Workers Day (July 13)

Yes, “gruntled” is a real word, meaning pleased, satisfied, or content.

• Gather employee feedback to identify areas for improvement. Happy employees lead to happy customers who write reviews.
• Craft a thought leadership post on building a positive company culture and highlight your own efforts.
• Reiterate your commitment to customer experience to your audience.

Give Something Away Day (July 15)

Instead of a typical Instagram giveaway, host a charity fundraiser for Give Something Away Day. Consumers appreciate businesses that share their values. Supporting your community or a cause engages your followers and makes a difference.

National Ice Cream Day (third Sunday in July)

Let’s skip the “I scream you scream” and delve into some history. In 1984, President Ronald Reagan designated July as National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday as National Ice Cream Day. While ice cream shops are well-versed in this celebration, here are ideas for others:

• Host an ice cream social: Entice customers with free ice cream and offer special discounts or coupons with purchases.

• Organize an internal ice cream sundae party and share the fun on social media: showcase the creations, the mess, and the enjoyment. Purchase the ice cream locally to tag them in your posts.
• Offer free ice cream after a class or session: Incentivize workout or yoga class sign-ups with complimentary ice cream (organic options for the yoga enthusiasts).
• Get creative with your content: While we don’t always use ice cream cones to explain marketing concepts, here’s an exception…

Get to Know Your Customers Day (third Thursday)

You should already know your customers well, but continuous learning is crucial, especially with the evolving consumer landscape post-pandemic. Get to Know Your Customers Day, observed on the third Thursday of each quarter, serves as a reminder to stay informed and strengthen client relationships. Share a concise yet meaningful survey via email or social media to demonstrate customer appreciation and gather valuable insights. Alternatively, adopt a more lighthearted approach on social media. Ask playful questions like “would you rather,” “yea or nay,” or “when was the last time you…” while keeping the topics relevant to glean useful information.

National Parents’ Day (fourth Sunday in July)

With Mother’s and Father’s Day stealing the spotlight, Parent’s Day often gets overlooked. Honor the hardworking parents in your audience!

Source Consider a more heartfelt approach with your brand on this day. Acknowledge the dedication of parents while remaining sensitive to those who may have lost parents, come from non-traditional families, or have caregivers who are like parents.

Fourth of July marketing ideas

It’s the biggest summer holiday! Here’s how to integrate 4th of July marketing ideas, slogans, promotions, and more into your July strategy:

• Holiday promotions: Offer a 17.76% discount, reduce item prices to $17.76, or use promo codes like FIREWORKS or FREEDOM. Create buy-one-get-one deals for themed products, or simply run a sale because it’s a holiday!
• Run a giveaway: Offer a red, white, and blue-themed prize, barbecue supplies, a gift card, or even a survival kit with items like a lawn chair, bug spray, hand sanitizer, and glow sticks.
• Write a blog post on business-related topics through the lens of freedom, independence, stars, stripes, etc. Or, if applicable, offer practical tips on firecracker safety, keeping pets calm during fireworks, or travel. This content can also be used for your July newsletter.
• Get creative: Ditch stock photography and create unique 4th of July social media posts. Alternatively, avoid cliches and try these authentic 4th of July Instagram captions.
• Send a holiday greeting: Whether through a card, email, social post, or text, wish your customers a safe and happy 4th of July.

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Share your July marketing ideas!

This article doesn’t cover every July awareness cause and observance, as there are simply too many. Feel free to share your unique ideas to help your business stand out this month! P.S. Explore our complete series of monthly marketing ideas:

• January Marketing Ideas to Start the New Year with a Bang
• Fabulous (and Affordable) February Marketing Ideas
• Creative and Cost-Friendly March Marketing Ideas
• Free April Marketing Ideas to Freshen Up Your Content Calendar
• May Marketing Ideas for Any Business or Budget
• Free June Marketing Ideas for Sizzlin’ Hot Campaigns
• Free and Creative July Marketing Ideas (With Examples!)
• Free and Creative September Marketing Ideas
• Free and Effective October Marketing Ideas
• Simple Yet Superb November Marketing Ideas (with Examples)
• Super-Festive December Marketing Ideas For a year’s worth of marketing inspiration, check out check out this marketing calendar template from our friends at LocaliQ. As promised, here’s a comprehensive list of July observances that you might find useful for your business:

Full list of July holidays

July 1

• Canada Day
• International Joke Day
• American Zoo Day
• National Postal Worker Day July 2
• Made in the USA Day
• National Anisette Day
• National Disco Day
• World UFO Day July 3
• National Eat Your Beans Day
• National Fried Clam Day July 4
• Independence Day (Get 4th of July message ideas here)
• National Barbecued Spareribs Day July 5
• National Hawaii Day
• National Workaholics Day
• National Bikini Day
• National Graham Crackers Day July 6
• International Kissing Day
• National Fried Chicken Day
• Virtually Hug a Virtual Assistant Day
• National Hop-a-Park Day (first Saturday in July) July 7
• National Tell the Truth Day
• National Dive Bar Day
• National Father-Daughter Take a Walk Day
• National Strawberry Sundae Day July 9
• Barn Day
• Fashion Day
• National Sugar Cookie Day
• Cow Appreciation Day (changes annually) July 10
• National Kitten Day
• National Pina Colada Day July 11
• National Cheer Up The Lonely Day
• All American Pet Photo Day
• National Mojito Day
• National 7-Eleven Day July 12
• National Simplicity Day
• National Different Colored Eyes Day
• National Pecan Pie Day
• National Hair Creator’s Day July 13
• National French Fry Day
• National Barbershop Music Appreciation Day
• National Beans and Franks Day
• Embrace Your Geekness Day July 14
• National Pandemonium Day
• National Tape Measure Day
• National Nude Day July 15
• National Give Something Away Day
• National I Love Horses Day
• National Pet Fire Safety Day July 17
• National Lottery Day
• World Emoji Day
• National Get Out of the Dog House Day – Third Monday in July July 18
• National Caviar Day
• National Sour Candy Day
• Get to Know Your Customers Day – Third Thursday of Each Quarter July 19
• National Football Day
• National Hot Dog Day
• National Words with Friends Day July 20
• National Fortune Cookie Day
• National Lollipop Day
• Toss Away the “Could Haves” and “Should Haves” Day – Third Saturday in July July 21
• National Junk Food Day
• National Be Someone Day July 22
• National Hammock Day
• National Rat Catcher’s Day July 23
• Gorgeous Grandma Day July 24
• National Drive-Thru Day
• National Cousins Day
• National Amelia Earhart Day July 25
• National Hire a Veteran Day
• National Wine and Cheese Day
• National Refreshment Day – Fourth Thursday in July
• National Intern Day – Last Thursday in July July 26
• National Aunt and Uncle’s Day
• National Bagelfest Day
• National Disability Independence Day
• National All or Nothing Day
• National Talk in an Elevator Day – Last Friday in July
• National System Administrator Appreciation Day – Last Friday in July
• National Get Gnarly Day – Last Friday in July July 27
• National Love is Kind Day
• National Day of the Cowboy – Fourth Saturday in July July 28
• Buffalo Soldiers Day
• National Waterpark Day
• National Parent’s Day – Fourth Sunday in July July 29
• International Tiger Day
• National Chicken Wing Day
• National Lasagna Day
• National Lipstick Day July 30
• National Father-in-Law Day
• National Whistleblower Day
• National Support Public Education Day
• International Day of Friendship July 31
• National Mutt Day
• Harry Potter’s Birthday
• International Lifeguard Appreciation Day
• National Avocado Day
• Uncommon Instrument Awareness Day
• World Ranger Day