Most of us, for a good couple of months anyway, revel in the
energy & excitement of the Holiday Season, but to small businesses this can
be one of the most challenging times of the year. It’s particularly
challenging when it seems that your marketing efforts are easily lost to the
overpowering communications of the large establishments you’re left competing
with.
If the holiday season’s got you down, you may want to turn
that frown...well, you know the rest.
According to the article, Small Businesses
Predict Increase In Sales This Holiday Season, 43% of small
business owners are more optimistic about holiday sales for 2012. But if
that doesn't convince you, and you don’t feel that you are a “glass 1/2
full kind of person,” take a gander at the top 5 tips to help small businesses
with your holiday season marketing efforts below...
Before I get to those tips, lets discuss when
consumers are beginning their holiday shopping and when retailers plan to
launch their online holiday marketing campaigns…
According to the material above, there is a definite
correlation in both retailer & consumer behavior, although I’m sure
this is no big surprise, what does this tell you? Either jump on the train or
jump ship -- Do whatever works best for your business.
1. Social
Media is a blessing during the Holiday Season, and now more
than ever, consumers are following their favorite brands and looking for
promotional material on these sites. But remember, use these sights
wisely, don’t just push
your products, engage your
customers. Social media sites like Facebook are great ways to share fun
holiday information, possible charity events that your company is supporting,
or even giving your audience the chance to share their opinion on your products,
increasing your product awareness to their networks.
2. Use
the Holiday Season to promote aspects of your business or products that
differentiate you from your competitors. I know this seems second nature,
but are you really doing
this. Now more than ever personalization is key, consumer’s no longer want
to be one amongst the crowd, and small businesses have the capability to
personalize their customer’s experience. Remember you have quality,
service, and industry knowledge on your side!
3. Your
Holiday campaign should be well thought out, planning is crucial! With the
proper use of inbound
marketing software (like
our friend’s at AddressTwo & Hubspot) you can nurture your leads, analyze their activity,
and adjust accordingly. If done correctly, you can begin to tailor your
customer’s experience, giving them exactly what they want when they want it.
4. Everyone
loves some good ol’ Holiday Cheer! Make your marketing efforts stand out
with personalization... Wait isn’t that what I referenced above? Why yes it is,
but not only can you promote personalized products, you can personalize your
campaigns so your customers really get a sense of who they are working with;
building long-term commitments & brand loyalty.
5. Don’t
forget to send the love. There is nothing better than receiving a holiday
card or gift basket from someone you least expect; the Holiday Season gives
businesses a great excuse to show your favorite customers how much you truly
appreciate their commitment to your brand. But instead of sending the
usual eCard, get creative, social sites like Pinterest offer
great DIY ideas that are sure to leave a lasting impression.
What's your take on small business marketing efforts during
the Holiday Season? What are some of the ways you’ve found work best to
impress your customers?
Want to learn more? Visit us at www.focus2grow.com.
We’d be happy to help grow your business initiatives for this Holiday Season.
