Holiday Marketing Tips For Your Business
The holiday season is almost upon us. This season has the potential to skyrocket your business to another level of abundance and prosperity, or it can be a season that causes you to stress and worry about catching up on your financial obligations to vendors and other business partners as you try to compensate for a less than perfect sales record. If you are a business owner, this time of year is no doubt one of the most exciting, and possibly the most stressful time for maximizing your profits and capitalizing on the mayhem that is the retail race.
No need to stress, business owner. There are simple things that you can do to maximize your marketing potential while taking advantage of all that extra shopping that is being done this time of year. Here are some simple and effective marketing tips that you can use to drive your sales higher than Santa’s sleigh:
Set Yourself Apart From Your Competition:
Small business holds a special charm in the hearts and minds of holiday shoppers. There is something truly unique about a gift that results from the passion and vision you held as you created your business. Tell your customers how special a gift from you will be, and communicate that which sets you apart from your competition. Believe in your product, and appeal to the emotional side of your customers when they are purchasing for family and friends that they hold so dear.
Socialize!
While there is a place for more traditional forms of marketing such as email, mailers, and media advertising, social media is the place that you should live as you approach the holiday season. The web is where your customers are spending their time, looking for specials and deals offered only at this time of year; allocate a portion of your marketing budget specifically for social media postings, and offer product specials and promotional deals that they just can’t pass up as they are looking for those last minute gift ideas.
Be Creative!
While there is a certain amount of attention that must be placed on internet marketing strategies this season, there are some extra special things you can do with your physical storefront to keep people flowing through your doors. Try these for some extra attention and some additional revenue:
Host a special guest to entertain children or an activity table to keep kids engaged while parents shop
Offer holiday treats to hungry customers such as cookies, hot chocolate, cider, etc.
Create cross-promotional deals with neighboring businesses to boost both of your profits
Participate in a holiday bazaar or market hosted in your community
Give away free samples of new products to get customers talking
Host an open house for loyal customers
Going that extra mile to show that you value your customers is key to getting them to return to you time and time again. They will remember you as someone who is willing to go the extra mile in customer service and satisfaction.
So what are you waiting for? Dust off those gregarious holiday costumes, crank up the holiday tunes and get into the spirit of the biggest retail event of the year. Before you know it, you’ll be cleaning up leftover cookie crumbs and counting your blessings as you reap one of the most profitable seasons of your whole fiscal year! Cheers to your holiday success!