Small Business Owners: It's Time to Shake Up Your Holiday Marketing Plan
The holidays can make a drastic difference in meeting your small business's annual sales goals. That means that if you're not doing everything you can to market your business during the holidays, you're missing out on a huge opportunity.
Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to get your business ready for the holiday rush. From creating festive packaging to partnering with other businesses in your community, there are plenty of ways to spread holiday cheer (and boost your bottom line). Here are a few holiday marketing tips for small business owners courtesy of the Suburban Chamber of Commerce:
Switch to Festive Packaging
Your packaging is one of the first things customers will see when they receive your product, so make sure it's festive! If you sell physical products, consider using holiday-themed wrapping paper, ribbons, or boxes. You could even include a personalized note from you and your team.
Post Fun, Interactive Content on Your Websites
The holidays are all about spending time with loved ones, so why not use that to your advantage? Create some fun, interactive content that gets people involved. For example, you could post a poll on social media or include a scratch-off ticket with every purchase.
Help Shoppers Out by Creating a Fun Gift Guide
If you're not sure what products to recommend to your customers this holiday season, why not create a gift guide? This is especially helpful if you sell items that can be customized or personalized. If you aren’t sure how to get started, you can begin in Word then use a free PDF converter to change it into a more attractive and versatile PDF format. You can then decorate the guide with unique graphics and typeface. Not only will this help customers find the perfect gift for their loved ones, but it will also give them some ideas for future purchases.
Hold Giveaways or Contests
People love contests, so hold a contest or giveaway on social media or in your store. You could give away products from your business or partner with other local businesses to create a prize package. Be sure to promote the contest widely and make it easy for people to enter.
Team Up with Other Businesses
The holidays are a great time to partner with other businesses in your community—especially if you share a similar customer base. For example, you could team up with a local restaurant or florist to offer discounts or special packages during the holidays. This is a win-win because it helps you reach new customers and strengthens relationships within your community.
Show Support for a Local Charity
Giving back is one of the best ways to spread holiday cheer (and it doesn't hurt your bottom line either). So partner with a local charity and donate a portion of your proceeds during the holidays—or host an event where people can donate items or money directly to the charity. This will make people feel good about supporting your business, as well as help build goodwill within your community.
Offer Free Shipping
Free shipping is always popular during the holidays—so take advantage of it! If possible, offer free shipping on all orders during the holiday season (or at least on orders over a certain amount). You could also offer expedited shipping for an additional fee—just be sure to let customers know about these options in advance so they can plan accordingly. By offering free shipping, you'll make it easier for people to shop with you—and you'll be more likely to land those all-important holiday sales.
There's no reason why your small business can't shine brightly this season! By following these simple tips, you'll be well on your way to boosting sales and spreading holiday cheer throughout your community. From choosing festive packaging to holding giveaways and contests, there are plenty of ways to make your business stand out this holiday season.
Join the Suburban Chamber of Commerce to network with other local entrepreneurs and access valuable resources for helping your business grow.
