Holiday success is vital to many small businesses. According to the National Retail Federation, holiday sales grew by more than 14 percent last holiday season, so it’s important to have a solid marketing strategy in place to make the most of the season. If you’re not sure where to start, never fear! The Van Buren Chamber of Commerce has put together a list of holiday marketing ideas to help you boost your sales and bring in some extra holiday cheer.

Create a Gift Guide

One of the best ways to market your products during the holidays is to create a PDF gift guide. This is a great way to show off your products in their best light and give customers some ideas for gifts. You can even write multiple guides for different shoppers in one document, and then use this tool to separate PDF pages into different documents. Then you can promote your gift guides on social media, your website, and in email marketing campaigns. Be sure to include high-quality images and descriptions of each product, as well as any special holiday pricing.

Switch Your Packaging and Offer Gift Wrapping

Make your products stand out from the crowd by switching to festive holiday packaging and gift wrapping. This is a great way to show customers that you’re getting into the spirit of the season and will make your products more appealing. You can also use this as an opportunity to upsell customers by offering special holiday packaging options for an additional fee.

Host Themed Giveaways and Discounts

Everyone loves a good deal, so take advantage of that by hosting holiday giveaways and discounts. This is a great way to generate excitement and get people talking about your business. Just be sure to set some rules and restrictions so you don’t end up giving away more than you can afford.

Post Helpful Web Content

The holidays are a busy time for everyone, so make things easier on your customers by posting useful web content. This could include things like gift guides, recipes, tips for surviving the holidays, or even just festive blog posts. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s relevant to your business and will be useful for your customers.

Engage Your Customers Via Social Media

Social media is a great way to connect with your customers during the holidays (and all year round). Use this platform to engage with them in fun and festive ways. You could host a social media contest, offer exclusive deals, or even just wish them a happy holiday season. Just be sure not to overdo it – no one wants their feed flooded with holiday spam!

Partner With Other Neighborhood Businesses

Small businesses need all the help they can get during the holidays, so consider partnering with other local businesses. This could involve cross-promoting each other’s businesses or teaming up on holiday marketing initiatives. You could also collaborate on events or product bundles. Whatever you do, make sure it benefits both businesses involved.

Host Holiday Events

Hosting holiday events is a great way to attract new customers and boost sales. You could host an open house, offer free gift-wrapping services, hold a holiday sale, or even just host a festive party complete with food and drinks. Whatever event you choose, make sure it’s well-planned and well-executed so you can attract as many people as possible.

Help Nonprofits in Your City

The holidays are also a great time to give back to those less fortunate. One way you can do that is by partnering with or donating to local nonprofits. This is a great way to support your community while also getting some good publicity for your business – it’s a win-win!

The holidays are an important time for small businesses when it comes to boosting sales and attracting new customers. By implementing some (or all!) of these holiday marketing ideas, you’ll be well on your way to having a successful season.

Join the Van Buren Chamber of Commerce to connect with local entrepreneurs and resources that can help your business grow.