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The holiday season often brings shoppers out of the woodwork, whether it be through in-person purchasing or online shopping. It’s the biggest shopping season of the year and one that you should be capitalizing on. Don’t let the season sneak up on you and leave you unprepared for the potential influx of customers. In fact, you need to step up your marketing efforts long before the season rolls around if you want to boost your revenue during Christmastime. From ordering business Christmas cards or hosting a party, here are some ways to do just that.
1. Mark the Calendar
It doesn’t seem like much, but the first part of your marketing strategy should be to mark your calendar with key dates for the season. You won’t be able to order business Christmas cards and distribute them effectively on Christmas Eve, so make your plans and mark these goals or events on a calendar that is shared across the team. While you are working on the internal calendar, develop a calendar of holiday hours or special events that will be shared across your digital marketing platforms.
2. Create a Shopping Incentive
Even though you can assume that loyal customers will be frequenting your establishment during the holiday season, you want to capture as many new customers as you can. Create a shopping incentive for both categories. Refer-a-friend campaigns are a great way to bring both loyal and new customers into the family, and you can use a discount or free gift as a way to reward either shopper. You don’t want to show favoritism toward the newcomers, as those who have remained consistent and loyal can get put off by the lack of appreciation.
3. Promote a Special Sale
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are synonymous with price slashing and great deals. You don’t have to be a major chain retailer to get in on the frenzy and increased shopper traffic. Develop marketing materials that highlight the product or item you will be discounting, and make sure you have plenty in stock for the rush. Have the sale price be attractive but still profitable, and it may be in your best interest to discount one of your more popular items to ensure a favorable perception of your company’s products after the fact.
4. Connect With Your Customers
The holiday season is the perfect time to reach out and connect with your consumers. You can send Christmas cards to members of your loyalty program, or you can create an email marketing campaign that shares a heartwarming story of a consumer or employee that occurred during the year. Thank your customers for their part in your success, and include a call to action that encourages them to make a visit or purchase.
Social media is another way to reach out and connect. Don’t assume that everyone is too busy to be getting online. Share engaging content dealing with the holidays, using pictures and videos to grab their attention. Give a virtual tour around your decorated store or building, or share footage of the office Christmas party. Create content that entices them to want more information or to get to know you and your staff better.
5. Get In the Holiday Spirit
A happy shopper tends to spend more, and you can create smiles and joy by getting into the holiday spirit. Decorate your physical location, but also use festive holiday packaging or holiday-themed business cards or letterhead. Play Christmas music and let your staff wear their reindeer or Santa hats. Showcase the personality behind the business, letting customers feel the fun and festivities. It may motivate them to take advantage of the limited timing of the season, encouraging more spontaneous purchasing.
These five tips are creative ways to use the holidays in your marketing strategy. To have personalized business Christmas cards delivered in a hurry, check out the quality selection at Cards for Causes.
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