When most people start crafting holiday shopping lists, small business owners have to think holiday marketing. Whether you're mulling over a new special to entice shoppers or a super secret promotion, here are some tips from MSN.com's Business on Main to help get you started.
What you should get started on today:
Decide the basics. How do you want to treat customers and how can it benefit sales? Events, special holiday products, promotions, free gifts are just some examples. Make sure delegate responsibilities. Have fun with it and remember that holiday promos can help build customer loyalty.
During October:
Prepare
holiday promotions, finalize offers and pricing, prepackage products to
inspire greater-volume purchases, plan gift wrap and shipping options,
and determine holiday decorations and whether you'll provide special
refreshments or services for customers.
**Remember** Cross promote holiday offers on your Web site, social networks and customer mailing lists
During November:
Update your e-mail signature to include holiday greetings and offers, along with a link to your holiday Web page.
Select greeting cards the uniquely represent your business and brand image while addressing interests and beliefs of your customers.
Plan the gifts you'll distribute in December. Consider giving away your
service or talents. A hairdresser might give a certificate for a
treatment in January (when business is otherwise slow). A service
business might give a year of monthly "business tips and trends"
updates (which could double as publicity items). A restaurant might
send loyal customers off with a bag of the chef's trademark sweets. No
matter what, address the gift personally rather than saying, "Dear
Customer." During December:
Send
holiday cards, e-mails and gifts, each one personalized so employees,
customers and friends know you value them individually. Send an e-mail blast announcing the last day you can ship orders to
arrive before Christmas. Spur sales with a free rush-shipment offer.