The holidays are a crucial time for small businesses. According to the National Retail Federation, consumer spending during the 2021 holiday season reached a record high of $886.7 billion. That's a lot of potential revenue for small businesses to tap into! But with so much competition, how can you make sure your small business stands out from the rest? With a little creativity and holiday cheer, of course! Here are nine holiday marketing ideas to get you started courtesy of the Lodi & Lake Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce:
1. Make a Gift Guide
Gift guides are a great way to showcase your products (and their unique features) in a festive and organized way. Not sure where to start? Check out these tips from LocaliQ for creating an irresistible gift guide. If you’re using Microsoft Word to create the original content, it’s a good idea to save the document as a PDF. PDFs make it easy for customers to view your offerings on virtually any device, from PCs to smartphones, plus they’re much less cumbersome than Word to send and share. The good news is that learning how to convert Word to PDF is easy; all it takes is four easy steps.
2. Invest in Holiday Packaging
Your packaging is the first thing customers will see when they receive their purchase, so make it count! Adding some festive flair to your packaging will not only make it more eye-catching, but it'll also make your customers feel like they're opening up a present—even if they already know what's inside.
3. Reward Your Loyal Customers
The holidays are the perfect time to show your appreciation for your most loyal customers. Whether you offer them a discount on their purchase or throw them a holiday party, showing them that they're valued will go a long way in keeping them coming back year after year.
4. Engage Via Social Media
Social media is a powerful tool that can help you connect with new and existing customers alike. Use festive holiday-themed hashtags, post photos and videos, and run social media contests to get people engaged with your brand. Just be sure not to overdo it—you don't want to come across as spammy!
5. Share Useful (and Interactive) Content
People love getting useful information during the holidays—whether it's tips on what gifts to buy for their loved ones or recipes for delicious holiday treats. Share blog posts, infographics, videos, etc., that will help make your customers' lives easier this holiday season. And don't forget to make it interactive—ask questions, encourage comments, and create polls to get people talking.
6. Hold a Giveaway or Contest
Who doesn't love free stuff? Hosting a giveaway or contest is a great way to generate excitement (and traffic) around your small business. Make sure the prize is something relevant to your business and that the entry requirements are simple enough that people will actually do them!
7. Host a Holiday Event
Throwing a holiday-themed party or hosting an event related to your business is a great way to get people in the door—and keep them coming back! For example, if you're a bookstore, you could host a holiday book swap or sign up local authors for readings and book signings; if you're a clothing store, you could hold a fashion show featuring your latest arrivals; etc. Be creative and have fun with it!
8. Partner Up with Other Local Businesses
Teaming up with other businesses in your area is a great way to reach new customers and spread holiday cheer at the same time. You could host joint events, offer discounts or giveaways when customers shop at both businesses, etc. Just be sure to partner with businesses that complement (rather than compete with) yours!
9 . Find Ways to Support A Local Charity
Giving back is always in style—especially during the holidays! Choose a local charity that aligns with your values and consider hosting a donation drive or fundraisers leading up to the big day. Not only will this make you feel good, but it'll also make your customers feel good about supporting your business!
The holidays are crucial for small businesses—but standing out from the competition can be tough. With these nine holiday marketing ideas, however, you'll be well on your way to attracting new customers and driving sales this season! So get creative, have fun, and Happy Holidays!
If you’re ready to grow your business with the help of great local resources and partnerships, join the Lodi & Lake Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce.
