The holiday season is quickly approaching, and the time is now to make sure you get the most of your marketing efforts to help secure sales success in the coming months.
Here are a few budget-friendly ideas from the Small Business Association
to help get you started.Social Media Contests
If your small business has a social media presence, contests on Facebook and Twitter are often a popular way to highlight your brand and engage with customers, reminding them that your product or service is available — and a potentially great gift idea. With a few rules, a clever hashtag and incentive such as a prize or discount on your offerings, you can drum up excitement about — and draw people in to — your business.
Extra Appeal for Your Loyal Customers
Take this time to make your loyal customers feel extra special — it may come back to you by way of additional business and referrals. Without breaking the bank, you can provide special offers, sneak previews, free shipping or secret sales.
Special Events or Open Houses
Make your small business stand out by hosting an open house or special event at your store or restaurant. Use it to showcase holiday season gifts, menus and merchandise so customers can get a glimpse of your seasonal goods in advance. Pair the browsing with light refreshments — a mug of hot cocoa or a glass of cider — to get people in the holiday spirit. On their way out, give a special offer or coupon that invites customers back to make their purchases at a discount.