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It's that time of year again!
Regardless of if you're a Buddy the Elf type or Scrooge is more your style - there is no denying the impact the holidays have on businesses.
Some retailers make up to 30% of their annual income during the last two months of the calendar year.
As a small business, you probably don't have the budget or resources to create a national holiday ad. But don't let that get you down - dare I say - Scrooged? There's still plenty you can do.
Here are 18 (or more) tips to help successfully market your business this holiday season.
Gift-giving is an inescapable focus of the holidays. Whether you prefer to be giving or receiving, beautifully packaged presents have become a visual cue for the holiday season. So conjure up the spirit of the holidays and make your customers feel special with a thoughtful unboxing experience.
If you want to reach out to new leads as well as re-engage existing clients and customers, consider sending a small free gift. This can trigger the psychological principle of reciprocity, and encourage the recipients to make a purchase.
If giving a gift isn't an option for your business consider redesigning your everyday packaging for the holiday season. Think Coca-Cola's Coke holiday packaging and Starbucks has their holiday cup line.
Millions of people travel home for the holidays. The season is full of images and stories emphasizing the importance of our families and loved ones. Because they are seeing all of these messages, people's sense of loyalty and desire to connect is heightened. This makes it an ideal time to reconnect with past and current customers.
Research shows that acquiring a new customer is anywhere from 5-25 times more expensive than retaining an existing one. Smart business owners know that it is definitely worth the effort to strengthen your connections with past customers at the holidays.
Consider sending special offers designed to re-engage with clients you haven't heard from in a while.
We live in a digital age. Most shoppers will research or buy at least one gift online.
When customers land on your site, your business' special holiday promotions should welcome them with cheerful and festive designs. And if you need to lead your customers to any deals you're offering, create holiday-themed landing pages.
And don't forget that search engine optimization and social media can play an important role in your holiday marketing strategy.
Incorporate seasonal keywords into your marketing copy and written content when appropriate. Share holiday content on social media with appropriate images and hashtags. Use social media to target users who may not otherwise have a chance to engage with your brand. Create a gift guide that will highlight your products and well as create an easy-to-purchase setup.
What holiday-related challenge can your business solve? This is the primary question you should be asking yourself as you prepare your business for the holiday season.
The holidays are coming. The money will inevitably be spent. And, every business is trying to figure out how to get their slice of that pumpkin pie. You could throw a big sale. Consumers expect a good discount. Hello, Black Friday and Cyber Monday. A sale should definitely be part of your holiday marketing strategy.
But that's not going to set you apart from your competition. If you want to stand out from the crowd, show your audience that you're not just helping them save money - you're also helping them solve a problem.
Does your spa offer packages to help moms escape the holiday bustle or recover after the New Year? Does your e-commerce business offer unique gifts for the impossible-to-shop-for men in your life? Does your bakery take special orders for food allergy sufferers?
Shout it out from the rooftops to your customers - tell them exactly how you solve their holiday problems and can make their lives much more jolly.
I can't emphasize this enough -- don't toe the holiday line if it doesn't suit your brand.
Your holiday marketing must continue to reflect your brand. If it doesn't you'll risk coming across as insincere. Celebrate the holidays, but do it your way.
Is your brand snarky and cheeky? Then your holiday marketing should be too. If your brand is formal and conservative, chic and cozy, or casual and geeky then lean into that. Don't get pushed off course because of the idea of what holiday messaging should look like.
Outdoor retailer REI is the perfect example of this. They broke from the traditional Black Friday messaging and started encouraging people to get outside and enjoy the outdoors with their #OptOutside holiday campaign. This holiday messaging is pure genius. It reminds customers that there is an alternative to shopping on Black Friday and it falls in line with everything they sell.
Here are more holiday marketing tips that can help your small business this year:
6. Partner with a local charity and donate a portion of your holiday sales to that charity.
7. Partner with another business and run a cross-promotion with them.
8. If you sell products, offer special holiday gift wrapping.
9. Give away free samples of your products or offer a free gift if people buy something.
10. Offer gift cards (and gift card bonuses). These are very popular, especially during the holidays.
11. Have a holiday photo contest for your customers.
12. Send special holiday-themed emails and newsletters.
13. If you have a physical location, dress it up with lights and a fun holiday display.
14. Offer a flash sale while you're on Facebook or Instagram Live.
15. Invite Santa Claus to your store or business to attract families who are out shopping.
16. Offer Free Shipping.
17. Make a downloadable holiday resource that customers can access on your website or through your newsletter.
18. Spread cheer by handing out hot chocolate to customers on a cold day.
There are many ways to get into the holiday spirit and help your customers celebrate. Let your imagination guide you to build trust and engagement with your customers. And of course, if you ever need inspiration and guidance we're only a phone call away to help.
Merry Everything,
Graphic Finesse
(406) 534-9851
