4 Joyful Marketing Ideas Every Small Business Should Use

The holidays are a profitable time for lots of small businesses, regardless of whether they sell a product, a service, or anything remotely related to celebrating the holidays. But the key to profiting this season is making sure your marketing plan is on point. If you’re not one of the small businesses seeing a little extra profit during this time of year, it may be time to step up your marketing game. Read on for four marketing ideas that every small business should be using during the holiday season.

Run a Holiday Giveaway on Social Media

If you’re not engaging current and prospective clients through social media, you’re missing a huge opportunity to not only boost engagement, but also keep your name fresh in their minds. Encourage them to share their favorite holiday memories on Facebook, and don’t forget to share yours. You’d be amazed at how fun it can actually be to share the human side of your business and really get to know your valued clientele. Don’t forget to ask them to comment on or share your post, which can be highly effective in making your business more visible. You can also host giveaways for the first person to share their favorite holiday recipe or something similar. It doesn’t have to be an extravagant gift either. Something like an embroidered company work coat is a great giveaway. Alternatively, something that’s one-size-fits-all, like a canvas tote, is also great, as bags are some of the most effective (and useful) promotional items out there.

Host a Holiday Open House

Don’t forget about marketing to your existing clientele as well as prospective clients. Keeping existing clients happy is the key to word-of-mouth marketing. One way to do this is to show your appreciation with a party, dinner, or “open house” where people can come and go as they please. Encouraging them to bring a guest is also effective, as they may decide to bring another friend in the industry (and another potential client for you). You don’t have to make it fancy either. Simply inviting them to the office for appetizers, drinks, and games is a great way to reconnect. Don’t forget to post pictures of the festivities on social media. Doing so might attract more people next year, or at least leave viewers thinking, “Wow, they seem like a really fun company that values their customers.”

Exhibit at Holiday Shows

Depending on the type of business you own, you may find success in renting a booth to exhibit as part of a local holiday show. You’d be surprised at how many people aimlessly attend shows like craft fairs and public markets just to look around, but end up finding something that they’re actually looking for — you. Don’t forget to hand out free samples or little items like promotional pens, which are highly effective at getting your name around. It also helps ensure they remember your name when they are ready to make their purchase or obtain your service.

Volunteer in Your Community

Spreading the word that your company is hosting something like a holiday food or toy drive not only shows that you care, but also shows that you value the community within which you operate. Spread the word via your website, send emails to your current customers, post on social media and even promote the event within your organization. To boost engagement, don’t forget to add a little competition for fun. For example, advertise that the person who donates the most (fill in the blank) will receive a $100 gift card to use at your company or at a local establishment. In turn, you’re helping out a local business who just might end up helping you out in the future. You can also accommodate those who might not have as much to give by saying, “Everyone who donates at least 10 items gets a free custom logo beanie (which will, of course, have your logo on it).

Whichever of the above methods you choose, don’t forget to boost your online presence. Due to the increased amount of online shopping opportunities available, more people are online this time of year. All you have to do is reach them and remind them that you’re still around. Keep your website current, and make sure it is mobile-friendly, as well. Lastly, be sure to engage in social media now and then throughout the holiday season, and throughout the rest of the year. Whether creating a YouTube tutorial on how to use one of your products or simply posting on Instagram, every little bit helps.