It’s hard to believe but the holiday season is quickly approaching and if you’re a business owner, now is the time to put some serious thought behind your holiday marketing strategy over the next few months. Although putting together a marketing plan can feel overwhelming, we’re here to give you holiday marketing tips to meet your business goals before the end of the year!
1. Take Advantage of the Busiest Shopping Time of the Year
Studies show that about 30% of shoppers begin holiday shopping as early as October and more than half begin on or around Thanksgiving. Days like Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday are already circled on the calendar, it’s a great time to start thinking about specials and promotions that you can offer to your customers during this time.
With social media and online shopping becoming more and more popular, gift guides can also be very beneficial to getting your brand – and your products – out there. Get in contact with local magazines or websites where you think your good or service would be a good fit and inquire about opportunities to be featured.
2. Send Your Customers Thoughtful Greeting Cards
It should come as no surprise that the holidays are also the biggest card-sending time of the year, with about 1.6 billion cards purchased annually according to the Greeting Card Association. Utilizing greeting cards (or e-cards) to connect with your customers and clients is a great way to keep your brand top-of-mind during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. These cards can be used as a stand-alone message to let your audience know you are thinking about them, or as a push to highlight some of the holiday bundles, discounts, and offerings you have in store.
3. Use Social Media to Spread the Word
Sharing user-generated content on social media is another way that you can incorporate your customers and clients into your business. While highlighting the real people who impact your business, you’re also able to bring a human element to your marketing strategy just in time for the big holidays. Studies show that user-generated content can be 9.8 times more effective than influencer marketing and produce 29% higher web conversations than campaigns without it!
4. Feature Your Highlights from Last Year
This time of year can also be used to show appreciation and gratitude to the clients and customers who have helped your business grow. Showing end-of-year recaps or reflections on events, accomplishments, charitable donations and more will give your content a more personal touch that can resonate with an audience that your typical content might not reach.
5. Confirm Your Website & Listings Are Up-To-Date
In addition to brick-and-mortar businesses being more popular during this time of year, online listings and website traffic are sure to increase as well. This means it is imperative that your website is as up-to-date with pricing, shipping times, and hours of operation as you can be.
Studies show that 62% of shoppers plan to buy “mostly online”, and providing those consumers with accurate information will improve your relationship with that consumer while also avoiding headaches and miscommunication further down the line!
This season create a marketing strategy that helps create a memorable and joyful experience for your customers. Embracing the festive spirit can not only help you maintain while building long-lasting relationships with customers!
Happy Holidays!