‘Tis the season for cheer and celebrations. With all of the deals, discounts, and delight that’s about to happen, it’s time to set your business up for success during the holiday season. That means using marketing to set yourself apart from the competition. This starts with preparing early for your business’ holiday blitz. Use this Holiday Marketing Guide for Small Businesses to get ahead of the game.

1. Plan Your Promotion. Start planning early. Determine what you want to offer your customers during the holiday season. Will it be a discount? A coupon? A freebie? A chance to win a prize? What you choose depends on your business and how you want to celebrate the season.
   
   
2. Market Your Promotion. How are you going to get the word out? There are a variety of ways you can market your promotions: paid advertising (print and digital), flyers, collateral inside and outside your business, emails to your list, your social media channels, a mailer/coupon, and word-of-mouth. They are all great ways to spread the word. You’ll want to use multiple platforms to share your holiday message.
   
   
3. Run Holiday-Themed Ads. Don’t forget your Google and social media ads this holiday season. You can use ads to promote your special giveaways, discounts, or gift packages. Target the audience who might buy your items as gifts, not just your direct customers. Promote your products by showcasing them on social platforms and incorporating them into your holiday messaging. And remember to set up analytics for the metrics you want to track.
   
   
4. Keep Gift Givers in Mind. In addition to promos or giveaways, consider offering special deals or packages for the holidays. They can make great gifts. A baby boutique could make a “my first holiday” gift pack with a onesie, some booties, and a blanket. Or a restaurant can offer a holiday meal to go. Put together something special that will make an easy one-stop gift-giving opportunity.
   
   
5. Take Advantage of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Two of the most well-known holiday shopping days are your chance to shine. Make sure you plan promotions and social media posts for those days when shoppers are already looking for good deals.
   
   
6. Decorate Your Zibster Website. Zibster websites are easy to update, so add some holiday imaging to your site to spread some cheer. Don’t go overboard with the holiday website; you still want to market your core items and look professional doing it, just a picture here or there could add that little holiday boost.
   
   
7. Highlight Specials on Your Website. Use Zibster’s built-in marketing tools to help you promote your sales and holiday specials. You can create a special holiday landing page or pop up to let your customers know what you’re offering.
   
   
8. Update Your Logo. Take the holiday website decoration to the next level by adding a little holiday cheer to your logo. A Santa hat, a little piece of holly, a snowperson, or some other holiday or winter-themed design can add an extra sparkle to the season. Just remember to keep it simple so it doesn’t overpower your logo. And set a reminder for yourself to change it back after the holidays.
   
   
9. Holiday Add-ons. For those shipping items and gifts, add a holiday sticker, tag, or postcard to your package. Customers remember these sweet little touches and they add to the spirit of the season.
   
   
10. Use Emotions. Memories and emotions are a big part of the holiday season, and it’s helpful to use them in your holiday marketing. You can add sentimental elements to your copy, photos, and videos. Your goal should be to create positive heartfelt moments like laughter, nostalgia, and more.
    
    
11. Update Your Storefront. This probably goes without saying, but if you have a physical storefront, make sure to decorate it for the holidays, too. That includes the decorations in your front window(s), inside your business, and even on the signage at your location.

The holiday season is a great time to punch up your marketing efforts with seasonal touches.

Want help updating your Zibster website? Contact our Support Team for help via phone, email, or live chat. Happy holidays!