The holidays are here, and with COVID-19 making 2021 another unprecedented year, it’s all the more important for small businesses to boost their sales this holiday season.
As a Westchester, NY small business owner, I know it can be difficult and time-consuming trying to come up with new and unique holiday promotions each year. And, let’s face it…COVID-19 is making this even more challenging.
However, there is good news. We’re sharing some tried-and-true promotions that work in virtually any environment for any business.
Here you’ll find great, quick and easy holiday sales promotions you can create right now that will help you boost end-of-year sales even in today’s volatile environment.
Make it easy by adding curbside pickup, virtual shopping and online sales to compete this holiday season.
5 quick and easy holiday sales promotions for your small business:
With today’s COVID-19 environment, you need to get creative on how you market and deliver your products and services. Be sure to pivot and adapt your sales strategy to ensure a safe and healthy buying experience. And, be sure what you are offering is relevant in today’s environment.
1. Generate ideas
Help your customers, and potential customers, by providing them with gift ideas.
- Feature a “Holiday Gift Guide… “Best Gifts for Her” or “Great Gifts Under $50”
For example, a local jeweler can guide customers to their products by grouping them under one easy headline making it easy for consumers to find gifts. Buyers tend to look for gifts in certain price ranges, so facilitate the process by pointing them in the right direction and making those gifts easily accessible.
- Advertise a Limited-Time Holiday Offer… “Get $50 off any job of $500 or more”
The holiday season can typically be slow for tradesmen, such as contractors, painters, etc. Limited-Time Holiday offers are a great way to pump up business during this quiet time.
2. Gift cards
Gift cards are the most requested holiday gift item year after year.
- Offer a discount on a gift card purchase… “Pay $100 for a $200 gift card”
Not only are gift cards great for the gift giver, because it’s a simple and easy purchase, but the receiver also enjoys having the choice of what to purchase, rather than having to return a gift they don’t want. A great outlet for offering discounts such as this, as well as getting more exposure for your local business, is to get on e-commerce marketplace websites such as Groupon or Living Social. This approach is especially beneficial for local restaurants.
3. Rewards
Rewards are ideal for brick and mortar stores. Reward your customers, and potential consumers, with added-value on their purchases.
- Receive a gift card with purchase…”Get a $25 Starbucks Gift Card with every purchase”
Purchase a stack of gift cards from a popular online retailer or bulk-discounted business that is frequently visited, such as Starbucks, Dunkin’, Best Buy, etc., then offer these up along with any purchase from your business. Just be careful not to offer a gift card from a business that sells the same products and/or services as you do.
- Reward loyal customers with a “Customer Loyalty Program”
Offer an exclusive discount or reward for customers only. This is a great customer retention tactic to help garner repeat business. For example, salon owners can offer a free holiday blow-dry with any color service. If you have a client-only Facebook group, this is an optimal marketing tool that will showcase your offer and target only your current customers.
4. Adopt a Charity
What better time to spread goodwill than during the holiday season.
- Donate proceeds to charity… “For every dollar spent, we’ll match up to $1,000 to charity (insert charity name here)”
As a business owner, you may already donate to your favorite charity each year. Why not use this as an opportunity to show your philanthropic nature and the goodwill of others by promoting it during the holiday season. Not only is this helping those in need or those less fortunate, but your business is also getting sales from it.
5. Help with Finances
Finances and budgets can be very tight during the holiday season, so why not make it easier for the consumer when deciding to make a holiday purchase.
- Be flexible with payment plans… “Defer 1st payment until January 2021″
If you’re a business that typically offers financing already, this is a great way to drum up business. Instead of getting your dollars at purchase, hold off the initial payment for 30 days. Although people may be careful about spending during the holiday season, some are still likely to buy things even if they don’t have the budget. The opportunity to pay for something later makes that purchase all the more enticing and puts the consumer at ease when deciding whether to buy that product or service.
And more…
All these ideas are simple and effective ways of generating more customers and sales during the holiday season. Pick one that works best for your business and go with it. But please note, it’s important that you’re clear with your messaging when it comes to time frames, expiration dates, exclusions, etc. And, be sure to promote your holiday offer everywhere…your eNewsletter, social media, website, storefront, etc.
Checkmate!
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We’re here to help…
Any year the holidays can be a very busy and stressful time for small business owners, but during a pandemic, the stress can be magnified. That’s why we’re here to help. At Exceller Marketing, we can quickly develop your holiday promotion and recommend the proper marketing channels for you to use to get the word out now. Please feel free to contact us today for a FREE consultation.
Best regards, until next time!
Kathy Argyros
Founder and Chief Consultant
Exceller Marketing, Inc.
914-450-9149
kathy@excellermarketing.com
excellermarketing.com
Exceller Marketing is a boutique-style, full-service web design and digital marketing agency in Westchester County, NY. We empower small businesses and entrepreneurs with outstanding web design and expert digital marketing services that keep our clients ahead of their competition.
