If you are one of those people who just can’t understand the sight of Christmas decorations hitting the store shelves, I can relate. Unfortunately, the marketing of holiday items/services is happening earlier and earlier, and frankly, many consumers love getting into the holiday spirit (even in September). According to Visa, 82% of consumers plan to shop small businesses for the holidays, so with statistics like that, I think an “if you can’t beat them, join them” approach is warranted! While it may make you cringe to hear the holiday tunes as you walk through your favorite store, it is time to start thinking about holiday marketing and events for your business. Here are some fun and easy ways to do just that.
Bedazzle!
Decorating isn’t just for brick and mortar spaces; you should definitely get festive with your website, logos, packaging, etcetera! You don’t have to jump right to winter holidays either. Add that adorable turkey or that elegant pumpkin design to your website banner to let your customers know you are on board! Show them that your team is more like Will Ferril’s Elf characters rather than Ebenezer Scrooge. Many businesses have a holiday logo that they go to as Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas/Hannukah/Kwanza draw near. Changing to a festive logo will catch the eyes of your loyal customers and remind them of your trusted services and products. It may also get them in the shopping spirit!
Do you!
Depending on your target market and industry, consider what kinds of marketing would have the greatest appeal to your faithful patrons during the holiday season. Consider what they want and need and plan to provide for that for them throughout the holidays with your marketing campaign. Get creating a calendar of events, promotions, and content to last you until the New Year.
Join in
Many communities hold special holiday events and will likely do so even during a pandemic. Find out from the Chamber of Commerce and other community business organizers what kinds of events will be taking place whether it is a Harvest Festival or a Turkey Trot 5K. Then get involved. Have your crew volunteer, pass out coupons, and or donate bibs and gear with your logo. Even if they are virtual events, you can get involved with sponsorship and marketing that will both promote charitable causes and your business.
Build relationships
People feel sentimental during the holidays and are easy to connect with; promote that sentimentality while also building trust and forming relationship! Connect with your customers through your social media platforms and share who you are during the holidays. Share pictures of family, your team, events, and traditions. Ask your customers to share too. Give them incentive with a discount on a service or product. Here are some additional ideas for getting your customers to join in the holiday fun!
Share your Halloween traditions
Post your spookiest, silliest, etc… Halloween costumes or decorations
Best pet costumes
Have a pumpkin and/or turkey carving contest, where customers video their process – choose the smoothest carver
Share your Thanksgiving Day tradition with a photo or video
Sponsor a best holiday decorations event
Coolest Menorah or Hanukah tradition
Host an international holiday celebration where customers share holiday traditions
Host an ugliest sweater contest
Give and you shall receive
The holidays are the seasons of giving, so give to your customers and hopefully they will return the favor. Promote new products and provide coupons for trying them. Give a discount to customers who participate and share in your social media and charity events. Host a giveaway for a free products or services. Have a surprise for every customer who makes a holiday purchase!
Check out the competition now
Take a peek at your competitions’ marketing strategies from last year. Pay attention to what they are doing this year. Ask yourself if those strategies would work for you? See what they are doing now! Always keep a pulse on what the competition is doing, so you don’t miss out! There is nothing new under the sun and spying isn’t cheating or unethical—it’s smart business.
While you (and I) may have the urge to “Bah Humbug!” your way through the holidays this year, the fact is that more than ever, people are looking for a reason to be hopeful, to celebrate, and to experience and spread joy. We really aren’t likely to beat them… just look at the store aisles of all the stores, so we might as well join them! Happy Holidays!