Last updated on November 14th, 2022 at 11:19 am
The holiday season feels like non-stop celebrations and get-togethers. But as business owners, we know that there is a lot of work that goes into getting ready for the holidays. With a 75% Black Friday sales increase in 2020 from the previous year, competition is getting fierce. You need to find creative, impressionable, and memorable holiday marketing ideas to stand out.
2022 Winter Holiday Dates
Black Friday – 11/25
Small Business Saturday – 11/26
Cyber Monday – 11/28
Giving Tuesday – 11/29
Hanukkah – 12/19- 12/26
First day of Winter – 12/21
Christmas – 12/24-12/25
Kwanzaa – 12/26 – 1/1
New Years – 12/31
Let’s Make A Plan
Before you jump right into figuring out what products to market with, take a step back and create a plan.
- Start ASAP
You should start planting seeds in your customer’s minds as soon as you can. This means that you should create a holiday marketing strategy even sooner. Whether you are doing digital or print marketing, designing and producing content takes weeks. It’s best to start creating your strategy at least 2-3 months before the targeted holiday.
- Analyze Trends & Set Goals
Research what worked and what didn’t from the previous year. Your business is constantly growing and changing. This means that what worked when you first opened might not be the same now. Know what kind of discounts have been the most successful. Choose the marketing materials and techniques that brought the best return. Utilize all information and data you have to set realistic goals for your holiday marketing campaign.
- Make clear plan
Which holiday are you targeting? Are they local or national? How will you reach these customers? All of this information will help you narrow down the design theme and solidify deadlines.
- Help your customers
The holiday season is a busy time where many people barely have time to think. They are relying on you to make their shopping experience easier. This could be in the form of an exclusive discount or present suggestion for that special person in their life. Find ways to relate to your customers so that they feel connected to you.
How Are You Reaching Your Audience?
- Posters & Banners – reach them when they’re on the move.
- When you’re the owner of a storefront small business, grabbing customers’ attention as they pass by is key. Posters and mini posters are eye-catching and easy to hang in your windows! Banners will attract customers driving passed and from a distance.
- Catalogs & Postcards – reach your cx at their home.
- First – where are your customers located? Whether they are local or national, USPS can send your marketing materials right to your customers. Get your company’s name on people’s minds by sending them catalogs of all your products and services or postcards informing them of your Black Friday sales and store location!
- Email/social media – reach them on their computer.
- If you have been collecting email addresses and/or have social media accounts (if you don’t already, make them now!), use these resources! These customers have already shown interest in your company and maybe even purchased from you before. Marketing to existing customers is the easiest way to convert to sales.
- Bonus!
After the sale is made – send your products in a custom printed holiday shipping box. Get creative! Incorporate your logo or business name with a fun winter design!
Give a special thanks by leaving a thank you postcard in each box. Your customers will feel appreciated and will likely think of you next time.
