Crank Up Your Marketing Efforts This Christmas
As the holiday shopping season draws near, it’s important to “amp up” your marketing efforts and take advantage of the big crowds. Here are five holiday promotional tactics small businesses can implement to increase brand recognition and ensure customer satisfaction and loyalty.
1. Email Marketing
A straightforward option, email assorted blasts to opted-in customers about deals, sales and other promotions, and create holiday messages discussing new promo codes or other exclusive, limited-time offers. Existing customer discounts and free gift cards with purchase are generally the most successful email blast options, as they build brand loyalty and referrals in addition to increasing sales. Find an appealing holiday template, add the right information, and go from there.
More: How to Integrate Your Email and Text Marketing Campaigns
2. Content Marketing
Whatever you “put out there” for your customers should be engaging — don’t simply go for a boring sales pitch. Place attention-grabbing content on social media channels, blogs, press releases, articles, and videos. Think funny holiday clips, last-minute tips, guides about how to use your products, or fun newsletters. Information on last-minute ordering is another great content marketing method during the holidays.
3. Social Media
Social media is a viable option for promoting your brand and products. Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook all provide real-time access to customers and their online communities, with social media marketing even more essential during the holiday season. Upload holiday-themed images to your accounts, such as product shots in holiday settings or stores/offices decorated for the season. Provide regular updates on holiday promotions, sales, return policies and shipping cut-off dates, but don’t forget to add fun seasonal facts and similar information as well. Promoting gift card opportunities with links back to official websites is another option.
More: Five Ways a Texting Campaign Creates Social Engagement
4. Text Marketing
Text message marketing is becoming more and more prevalent, as it provides an easy, cost-effective method for reaching the vast majority of your customers instantly. Send holiday promo codes to opted-in customers, as well as exclusive holiday coupons and sales alerts. Advertise Christmas-themed discounts and specials to potential customers who opt-in, and enjoy a larger database you can utilize all year long.
More: How to Set Up an SMS Campaign - A Beginner's Guide
5. Open House
Another excellent holiday marketing idea is to host an open house at your place of business. Provide cookies, warm cider, and mulled wine, as well as free gift wrapping for shoppers. Raffles, discounts, and other special promos also work when advertising an open house, as do cross-promotional efforts, such as offering handmade chocolates from the confectionary across the street. If your business caters to children, have a friend or co-worker dress up as Santa and hand out candy canes or holiday-themed coloring books while taking free photos with customers and their little ones.
These are just some of many marketing options to try this holiday season. Good luck, and Happy Holidays.
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