Preparing Your Business For The Holiday Season

Fall brings many images to mind: cold weather, pumpkin spiced drinks and spooky décor. It’s easy to underestimate how much time you have to create a business and marketing plan for the holidays, but the time will fly by. It may only be October, but retailers are already setting up holiday displays and promoting holiday campaigns on social media. It’s never too early to plan ahead. Believe it or not, as of Labor Day weekend, 70% of Americans have already started their holiday shopping. Even if your business isn’t retail or e-commerce based, there are still ways to use the holiday season to reconnect with former customers, create new customers and boost your sales. The fall season is an optimal time to prepare for the holidays because it’s still early, and business has yet to pick up the pace.

Web Presence

There is an increased amount of traffic during any holiday, both physical and digitally. In turn, this means that you will be getting more visitors to your website. Is your website easy to navigate, contain all the information that your customers are looking for, quick-loading, mobile-friendly, and easy to find on local searches? If your business is retail or e-commerce, is your checkout process working smoothly, your shipping costs displayed, and customer service tools available? If you haven’t answered yes to all of the above questions, then it’s time to give your business website a facelift.

SEO and Keyword Search

Just last year, U.S. retail e-commerce sales increased by $9.33 billion and will continue to increase. Shoppers are using keyword searching and choosing the highest-ranking results they can find. The closer to the holidays, the more shoppers will be pressed for time, and they won’t be spending any extra time on the 5^th page of search results. Your customers need to find you fast. Your business’s SEO needs to be on point during the holiday season: boosting your site’s visibility will ensure that it shows up on shopper’s holiday searches. Believe it or not, 73% of shoppers will shop at a new store or with new online retailers. Now is the time to boost your score and make sure that you don’t get lost in the holiday shuffle.

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Marketing Campaigns

This is prime-time to plan out marketing campaigns and promotions that you plan to run during the holidays. Remember that you and your competitors are gearing up to fight for shoppers’ attention, and you don’t want to miss out on putting your message out there. Your strategy should start from now until January 1^st and a few days after. Don’t underestimate the post-holiday rush as well. The days between Christmas and New Years is just as profitable. Your marketing campaign should include every method you use to reach your customers, including email, direct mail, social media or traditional advertising as well as any deals and promotions that are going to run during the holiday season. In 2016, one-fourth of holiday shoppers reported using promotional offers via email. If you haven’t already, update your email lists or purchase new ones. In 2014, $1.5 billion was spent online on Black Friday alone. Hitting the right emotion is key for your business’s holiday marketing and promotions. Hone in on feelings of good will, cheer, giving, gratitude and tugging on heartstrings. The rush of the holidays also creates as sense of urgency, which will push customers to the call-to-action.

Social Media

Review your business’ social media profiles with a fine-tooth comb, as you will be getting an increase of traffic there as well. While time is on your side, make sure your business’ reputation is near-spotless. Are there any negative reviews or comments on any platforms? Plan to monitor conversations to address situations immediately. Social media marketing is a powerful tool for your holiday’s promotions and when used effectively, there is a boost in sales.

Now is the Time to Make a List and Check it Twice

Just by reading this through, you’ve gotten a start on your holiday business and marketing plan, which is a fraction of the hassle. One of many gifts from Faceless Marketing to you.

Feeling overwhelmed by holiday planning? Marketing might seem a bit difficult. But that’s why we’re here. Handling everything from branding to online marketing to managing your media campaign, Faceless helps you create your unique message, and then gets that message to the masses. Book a no cost 15 minute initial conference call with our specialists to discuss your needs & get solutions. Call 1-407-393-5757