The holiday sales season is in full swing. Whether you own a restaurant, retail store or are a service provider, your business must take advantage of the busy season. While you’ve likely already noticed an increase in traffic, another easy way to boost your sales that you may not be utilizing is marketing. Marketing Business Solutions has compiled seven ways to market your business creatively without breaking the bank as you continue through the biggest shopping season of the year.
Utilize Social Media to Share Your Story
Social media is the easiest and most inexpensive way to get the word out about your business. From Facebook to Instagram, you can leverage multiple platforms to share your business’s story, current promotions, and engage with new and old customers.
MBS Tip: Consider offering holiday discounts to those who like or follow your business’s page. Not only will this grow your network, but customers will feel like they are part of something exclusive.
Sponsor Community Events
If your town has any special events during the holiday season, use those as a springboard to market your business. From a tree lighting ceremony to visits from Santa, most towns have a holiday event that many community members attend. Check your community’s website calendar or local Facebooks groups for upcoming events if you need help getting involved. Not only is this a way to get your business more noticed, but you are also helping your community!
MBS Tip: Add your business’s name to a program, or partner to bring some of your products to local holiday events, like school concerts, church events, holiday markets, or New Year’s gatherings. There’s no easier way to grow your customer base than by engaging with your community.
Support Charitable Causes
Charitable donations help organizations and connect your business with the community. It’s also a great way to market your business. Charitable giving is an easy way to encourage consumers to do business with you, while being a win for your business and the organizations you support. 56% of Americans will travel an extra 10 minutes to purchase a product that supports a cause they care about, and 71% are even willing to pay more for that product.
MBS Tip: Consider creating a marketing program that connects cause-driven customers with local businesses, driving awareness for local businesses and nonprofits.
Offer Gift Cards
If you’ve ever shopped for someone who seems to have everything, you can relate to the usefulness of gift cards. Even if your business seems different from the type to traditionally offer gift cards, you’d be surprised how many companies sell them. They can be beneficial for shoppers who can’t make up their minds and are an inexpensive way to grow your customer base, even after the holidays.
MBS Tip: Consider offering a $5 gift card with purchases over a specific price point. This will encourage shoppers to come back and shop after the holiday rush.
Create a Customer Database
Traffic to your business will likely increase during the holiday season. Take advantage of that by gathering customer data to utilize after the season ends. Many local businesses don’t want to bug customers to share their email addresses. Still, most customers will happily oblige to stay in the loop on sales and announcements.
MBS Tip: Take the time to curate customer information and send a welcome email to your new list once the holiday madness is over. Consider utilizing a simple, low-cost platform like MailChimp or Constant Contact.
Partner with Other Small Businesses
Don’t compete with other local small businesses, partner with them. Neighboring businesses are an excellent and free marketing resource.
MBS Tip: Consider working together by offering a multi-business-wide discount or allowing them to pass out coupons in your store and vice versa. Customers love when businesses support each other and will feel good shopping with you knowing you’ve got your neighbor’s back.
Send a Personalized New Year’s Card
Continue the holiday season’s momentum by sending customers a personalized New Year’s card. It’s a simple way to thank customers for their business and will help remind them of the importance of shopping locally. The holidays remind us of the importance of community, so remind your customers you’re grateful for their business, too.
MBS Tip: Include exciting news or milestones in your New Year’s card to encourage customers to continue supporting your business.
Don’t wait to start preparing your holiday marketing! By taking small steps now, you’ll be able to set yourself up for success and make this your most profitable season yet.
