The National Retail Federation reported, “20 to 40 percent of yearly sales for small and mid-sized retailers take place within the last two months of the year.” For small businesses, missing out on the incredible sales opportunities of the holiday season is a massive mistake that is tremendously detrimental to your company. For boutiques, gift shops, local cafes, and other retail startups, these holiday promotions for small businesses will elevate your end-of-year sales for a very prosperous 2015.
Social Media Strategy
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According to CrowdTap, 65 percent of shoppers use social media to find the perfect holiday gifts for their loved one. Whether your company runs promoted content, online giveaways, social coupons, or an online snowball fight, find a clever way to engage your followers and fans with a holiday season social media strategy. Promote in-store sales, offer exclusive discounts, and poll users about what they are looking for from your business this holiday season using Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and a variety of other effective social channels. Really harness the power of social media for holiday promotions, and your bottom line will be busting by the time 2016 rolls around.
Direct Mail
It’s a tried and true method for reengaging old customers and enticing new ones, so there’s no reason to skip direct mail efforts this holiday season. A Christmas postcard inviting shoppers to an exclusive in-store sales event or giving them a special coupon is a simple, straightforward method for promoting your small business this holiday season. If you have the time to include a personal greeting on your direct mail postcards or flyers, even better!
Get Local
Whether it’s adopting a nearby charity or actively participating in your local area’s business organization, getting involved in your community is a brilliant method for promoting your small business during the holiday season. The local community is made up entirely of your potential shoppers, and the better-known you are amongst neighbors and other locals, the better it is for your holiday season sales. Never overlook the importance of word-of-mouth marketing in local communities.
Holiday Season Landing Page
Statistic Brain Research Institute discovered 90 percent of shoppers head to the Internet as a part of their holiday season gift purchasing process. Creating a dedicated Christmas landing page on your company’s website is an easy way to make the most of your customers’ online shopping habits. This page should include seasonal merchandise, timely specials, events hosted in-store, and other pertinent information that will help your small business promote itself during the holiday season. Be sure your landing page is mobile-friendly for that 87 percent of shoppers who will use their mobile devices to search for and buy gifts.
Offer Gift Cards
It’s like cash but better for your small business because gift cards encourage recipients to patron your store. Additionally, nearly 60 percent of people want gift cards during the holiday season and 80 percent plan on giving gift cards during this festive time of year, according to Accessories magazine. People come into your shop to buy gift cards, and more people come into your store to use your gift cards. It’s a win-win proposition.
