5 Ways Small Businesses Can Increase Sales This Holiday Season
It’s that time of year again! Christmas is just a few weeks away, and consumers everywhere have started making their lists and checking them twice. Are your products/services on their list?
The National Retail Federation estimates that consumers will spend an average of $608 on gifts for their friends and family this holiday season. One key to cashing in on holiday shopping – creating a strategic plan. We’ve put together a list of 5 ideas to help get you started on yours.
A couple of these ideas are specifically geared toward our business-to-consumer clients that sell physical products, but the last three can apply equally as well to business-to-business environments. So keep reading for tips on how to keep your small business top of mind and drive increased sales this holiday season.
Create a holiday gift guide
Sometimes people don’t know what they want to get their friends and family for Christmas — they need a little inspiration. Putting together a holiday gift guide featuring your products/services could be just the thing they need. Break it down by price or by recipient type to make it even easier for shoppers to find the perfect gift for their loved one.
Offer extended hours for holiday shopping
This time of year can be pretty hectic for consumers who are trying to balance work, family and everything the holidays bring. You can lend them a hand by extending your hours for a few weeks leading up to Christmas. That way they’ll have plenty of time to swing by and do a little holiday shopping with you.
Partner with another local business
You’re not the only one relying on holiday sales this time of year. Chances are there is another local business that offers products/services that could complement yours, so why not team up? For example, if you own a hair salon and you know there’s a popular nail salon down the street, you could work together to create a holiday package that combines your services and creates revenue for both of you!
Hook up current customers with a special deal
Don’t forget about your current customers! You know as well as we do that it’s much easier to sell to current customers than generate new ones, and that’s especially true during a busy and competitive holiday shopping landscape. So send an email to your customer base and offer them an exclusive coupon to reward them for their loyalty, maybe a percentage off their purchase or free shipping for the holidays.
Spread holiday cheer on social media
Don’t be afraid to get a little festive on social media! The holiday season is a great time to shake up your standard social media routine and do something a little more creative. Update your cover image with a holiday-themed photo or create a series of posts themed after the 12 Days of Christmas. It’s something fun for customers to enjoy and helps keep your brand on their minds as they start shopping for holiday gifts.
Good luck! And happy holidays from everyone here at Higgins Marketing Group.
